Join the journey through Scarborough's Golden Mile as Art Liem leads a photo walk capturing vibrant urban landscapes with classic film gear.
Embarking on a photo walk through Scarborough, my long-time friend Art Liem suggested we explore the Golden Mile District, an area I had not previously encountered. Our trek began at Kennedy Station, where we embraced the rich urban environment that the Golden Mile has to offer. This area, often overlooked by casual observers, is filled with layers of history, culture, and development that make it ripe for exploration. With Art's local knowledge and my passion for photography, we set the stage for a creative adventure.
Setting Up for the Walk
Equipped for this adventure, I chose the Canon New F-1 AE camera, a stellar choice for capturing the urban essence of Scarborough while staying true to its analog roots. This camera model has garnered respect among photographers for its build quality and reliability, crucial for capturing spontaneous urban moments. My lens arsenal included the Canon L Series FDn 20-35mm f/3.5 Zoom and a 50mm f/1.4 lens. The versatility of these lenses would allow me to capture everything from expansive street scenes to intimate details of city life.
Film selection was pivotal for achieving the desired effect. I opted for first-generation Harmon Phoenix 200, known for its unique color rendition, packed in the iconic red box. This film was intentionally chosen for its somewhat unpredictable color palette, which complements the eclectic visual storytelling essential to capturing an area as diverse as the Golden Mile. Each shot has the potential to evoke different moods and reactions based on how the colors interplay with natural light and urban textures.
Capturing the Urban Scene
As we meandered through the streets, the creative possibilities unfolded before us. The Golden Mile is characterized by a vibrant mix of residential, commercial, and institutional architecture. It reflects the immigrant narrative of Canada, where distinct cultural influences meld into a cohesive community. Here’s a breakdown of my approach and choices during the walk:
- Settings: Shooting at the Harmon Phoenix 200 at ISO 100 allowed for a versatile range of exposure settings, accommodating bright daylight and shadowy corners. The slower speed also meant I had to think about my composition before pressing the shutter, which encouraged thoughtful framing. I adjusted my aperture based on the scene; wider apertures for portraits provided a soft background, while tighter ones for landscapes ensured everything was in focus.
- Lighting: Daylight was our primary light source. At times, the harsh noon sun created high-contrast scenes, challenging me to adapt quickly. Certain scenes caught the light at just the right angle, revealing textures and forms in unexpected ways. For compositions in shaded areas, I relied on my zoom lens to maintain clarity without sacrificing depth, essential for conveying the rich layers of urban life.
- Composition: Street photography demanded dynamic angles and perspectives. I often crouched to find unique viewpoints, emphasizing foreground elements like local artists' murals or bustling cafes against the backdrop of the ongoing urban narrative. Simple changes in perspective could elevate the significance of the shot, turning a mundane scene into something evocative.
Scenes from the Walk
The photos we captured during this amble through Scarborough tell stories of a community in a state of evolution. Notably, I documented various scenes along Eglinton Avenue, where construction has created a dynamic visual juxtaposition. Everywhere we turned, the tension between old and new became visible, revealing a community in transition.
In one image, a GO train passes, reflecting the transit-oriented identity of Scarborough. Its motion juxtaposes the static structures around it, hinting at the transient nature of urban living. Another picture depicts the stark contrast between old and new architecture, showcasing vibrant murals on blank façades. This serves as a testament to the creative efforts of local artists who breathe life into the area, transforming it from mere concrete into a canvas of community expression.
Reflecting on the Experience
This photo walk revealed more than just the physical landscape; it unveiled stories of resilience and transformation in Scarborough. From bustling strip malls to vacant storefronts, these images capture a snapshot of an area in flux, struggling to maintain its identity amid rapid development. People often overlook how photography can document societal change, but each captured moment is a chapter in an ongoing narrative.
What stood out was the visible community spirit despite the ongoing changes. Colorful signage adorned many local establishments, reflecting the vibrant culture that thrives even in the face of adversity. Friendly interactions with locals reinforced this sentiment—there’s a human thread that ties the community together, binding them through shared experiences and cultural events. I found myself particularly drawn to capturing the untouched beauty of everyday life, a theme that resonates deeply with the philosophy behind street photography.
As I wrapped up the expedition, I appreciated not only the craft of photography but also the collaborative spirit of wandering with a fellow enthusiast. Art's vision for organizing this walk had indeed transformed into a shared exploration that allowed us to cultivate our respective styles and narratives. There was an unspoken understanding—as if the very act of photographing together enriched our exploration.
Implications and Future Outlook
Participating in photo walks like these doesn't just broaden one’s technical skills; it allows for connections with the narratives woven into our communities. Each click of the shutter presents an opportunity to tell a story worth sharing. You might think that urban locations like the Golden Mile are merely for commerce and transit, but they’re also centers of culture and expression. Documenting these spaces gives voice to the communities within them.
As urban areas continue to evolve, these photo walks might serve as a crucial method to document their changes. And as cities face challenges like gentrification and economic shifts, photography has the potential to reflect the stories of resilience within those spaces. This is more significant than it looks—visual storytelling can engage broader conversations about urban development and community identity. In the future, I believe we’ll see more photographers stepping into this role, capturing not just sights but also sentiments of transformation.
