Exploring Trinity Bellwoods: A Cinematic Photo Walk with ...

Join me on a vibrant photo walk through Trinity Bellwoods, capturing the charm of the neighborhood with Kodak Pro Image 100 film.

Revisiting familiar photo walk routes often brings a fresh perspective, and that was exactly the case on my recent solo excursion to Trinity Bellwoods Park. Armed with Kodak Alaris' Pro Image 100 film, I was excited to capture the character of this beloved Toronto location. While I contemplated using my Nikon F3/T for a direct comparison with Eastman Kodak's Kodacolor 100, I ultimately opted for my Leicaflex SL2. In hindsight, I realized I left my preferred lenses at home; specifically, I had the 28mm F2.8 Elmarit and the 135mm F2.8 Elmarit but was equipped with the 2 Cam 35mm F2.8 Elmarit instead of my go-to 50mm F2 Summicron. Surprisingly, both lenses performed admirably, allowing me to explore the park's vibrant scenes without disappointment.

The journey began at Cafe 23 on Queen Street, a local indie coffee shop that offers a cozy atmosphere typically shunned by more mainstream establishments. It's a space where the aroma of fresh coffee blends seamlessly with the sounds of conversation, making it a perfect starting point for any photo adventure. After savoring my drink, I wandered up Bellwoods Avenue, aiming to loop back through St. Matthias Place alley before entering the lush expanse of Trinity Bellwoods Park itself.

Camera Setup and Technique

For this photo walk, I focused on manual exposure settings to truly engage with the shooting experience. The Leicaflex SL2 is a fully manual camera that allows for precise control over shutter speed and aperture. Paired with the 35mm F2.8 Elmarit, I decided on a classic aperture setting of around f/8 for clear and detailed images, especially in the park's bright daylight. This setting prioritizes depth of field, ensuring both foreground and background elements maintain clarity, which is essential in a park setting where distractions abound.

As I trekked through the park, I took advantage of the early afternoon light. Time of day is crucial for film photography, and Pro Image 100 is particularly useful in sunny environments, showcasing vibrant colors and natural skin tones. I made it a point to capture some candid shots of park-goers, allowing the film's natural grain to add a timeless aesthetic to my images.

Trinity Bellwoods Park SE Entrnace June 2026

Exploring Trinity Bellwoods Park

The park itself provides an eclectic mix of backgrounds: towering trees, vibrant flower beds, and lively picnic scenes. It’s not just about the natural beauty; I focused on architectural elements nearby, juxtaposing the lush landscape with the urban setting that surrounds it. My approach included varying compositions—some wide shots featuring expansive park vistas and closer frames that spotlighted unique architectural details.

Midway through my walk, I veered into St. Matthias Place. The alleyway provided an intimate urban feel contrasting beautifully against the verdant expanses of the park. Here, I utilized the 28mm for a broader capture, allowing me to absorb the details of vintage bicycles leaning against the rustic brick walls while framing small glimpses of urban life spilling into the nostalgia of the alley. This diversion yielded some of my favorite images, reminding me that often it’s the unexpected that brings a project to life.

You Can Either Turn Left or Right June 2026

Final Thoughts and Highlights

By the time I completed my loop back to Cafe 23, I was pleased with how the outing unfolded. Each photograph tells a part of the story of Trinity Bellwoods, weaved with vibrant colors that only film can achieve. The Pro Image 100 film handled exposure well, consistently delivering rich details in both shadows and highlights—characteristics that digital sensors often struggle to replicate. The Leicaflex SL2 proved to be a dependable companion, giving me the tactile joy of film manipulation from start to finish.

As I process the film and prepare to share these captures, I remind myself that photography is more than just technique and tools—it’s the experience, the places we roam, and the stories we capture along the way. Each frame contains a moment not to be relived, a snapshot of life at Trinity Bellwoods, forever preserved in all its colorful glory.