.October ‘26.
~ Killer boots, man! ~
Slow(er) month. Less, but with a calmer momentum coming off September's 35mm as I whittled my way through the streets. Attending a few community events, I found myself connecting with peers I hadn’t seen for some time. A couple Adopted Lens walks at Rogers Rd. & Oakwood, as well as a photo share with some peers. Refreshing and a good way to get the groove back while reflecting too. I continued to find some direction in the sticks of Caledonia and spending sometime up in Muskoka with friends. I reviewed my October 2024 35mm with the intention of seeing what I had captured, and what I could improve on or look for. I was quite impressed with how far I've come and how my understanding of a quality frame has changed. Photographing people in costumes can be fun for the moment and a great learning experience, but this Halloween I was hoping to find more. This sentiment carries across both street photography and environments—the absurd and haunting side of Autumn; before we transition to the last fall of November and into the darker days of December.
I recognize that my reluctance to shoot certain street scenes I've already captured, or simply find uninspiring, can translate directly to these newer scenes and frames of farmland and still life. I only intend to share my experience of where I am, knowing that my perspectives—at times, strong—are subject to change.. There's something to be said about shooting through the clichés and burning through the basics to move forward in a personal body of work. There are no shortcuts. Reflection and discipline are integral in my own process and I’m always open to feedback and ridicule.
Kodacolor 200
Gold 200
Ultramax 400
Kentmere 400
Always be pushing….
Keeping September 35mm true to the East Coast, I have some spill over here from general street, a cigarette exchange, and a few frames from a good friends’ wedding.
Now, I found myself cruising the Niagara Peninsula between Lake Ontario and Erie. Growing up in the area, I travelled decently through the backroads and small county towns, but since the farms of the east coast I really appreciate the wide open space and scenery. I drove down some distant highways, pulled over and was curious to see how more barns and grass would appear in frames. A pumpkin patch and horror-esque house, along with some interesting large freaky statues.
Moving toward Muskoka, a friend had purchased an old cottage property on the backend of a farm. This cottage was incredibly cozy, yet spooky. I packed both 50mm lenses by accident, so I was fighting for my life trying to squeeze all the classic furniture into a frame, backing into cob webbs and odd body positions. Any and all shots came out great, 50mm’s strength is in the crisp details. It worked out, and you gotta work with what ya got.
Halloween > Nothing really jumped out at the bar scenes. I had three goals: a fight, an arrest (again), and vomiting. The latter happened right in front of me last year 2025—a crowded St. George platform and a fairy blowing chunks on a pillar, yet i hesitated to flash the scene. This year I got close… and had no mercy.
My friend Christian Delos Reyes and I, were looking to target costumes in the everyday manner. The concept was simple, but we also found it boring at times; visiting fast food joints only to arrive and it’s just people in costume eating. We roamed the TTC and had probably our best luck there after Dundas Square and the Haunted Car Parade. Low expectations usually garner decent results. A balance between being in the wrong place and the right time.
