Sometimes the Best Judge Is the Public

As photographers, we all like to think we know which photo is our best. Camera club judges have their opinions, photographers have theirs, but sometimes the biggest judge of all is the public.

This week I entered a series of photos from the 21 Gun Salute at Queen's Park on Canada Day into our camera club competition. Instead of picking a random collection, I chose the photos that people were already telling me they loved.

How did I know?

I looked at my Flickr statistics.

Within just two days, my Canada Day gallery had reached over 3,000 views.

That told me something important.

The public wasn't just scrolling through the gallery—they were stopping to look at that moment when the cannon erupted in smoke and the crew carried out the ceremony with precision. Sometimes the numbers tell a story that photographers miss.

The day itself was fantastic. I photographed the soldiers of the 7th Toronto Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, the vintage military vehicles, the ceremonial gun crews, and even had the opportunity to photograph some of the soldiers between the volleys. The military band added to the atmosphere, and the ceremony was a fitting tribute to Canada Day.

When the camera club results came in, those same photographs won.

Was it because they were technically perfect?

Maybe.

But I also think it was because they connected with people first. The Flickr views gave me confidence that these images had already found an audience before they ever reached the judges.

Photography competitions are fun, but nothing beats knowing that thousands of people have taken the time to enjoy your work.

Sometimes the best judge isn't sitting at the front of the room with a score sheet.

Sometimes it's nearly 3,000 people who simply stop scrolling because the photographs capture a moment worth remembering.

And for this photographer, that's a pretty good victory.

 

110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme

Every Canada Day, thousands of people gather to watch the 21-gun salute at Queen's Park. Most people hear the thunder of the guns, cheer, take a few photos, and head home. But this year, I decided to spend some time with the soldiers who make it all happen.

As a street photographer, I've learned that the best stories aren't always in the big event—they're often standing quietly beside it.

This Canada Day was especially meaningful because it marked the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, one of the most significant and costly battles in Canadian military history. While the ceremony was a celebration of Canada, it was also a reminder of the generations of soldiers who have served our country.

The members of the 7th Toronto Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, were professional, welcoming, and proud of their traditions. Between preparing the guns, checking equipment, and waiting for the ceremony to begin, they still found time to smile for the camera.

One of my favourite photos shows a young soldier riding proudly in the military vehicle with the regimental flag waving overhead. Another captures a veteran artillery member wearing his medals with pride, while several others show the younger soldiers standing beside the historic field guns that would soon echo across Queen's Park.

I also enjoyed photographing the teamwork behind the scenes. Watching the artillery crew carefully prepare the shell casings, rehearse their movements, and march into position showed just how much precision goes into a ceremony that only lasts a few minutes.

As photographers, we often chase dramatic moments. But sometimes the portraits tell the better story. Looking into the faces of these soldiers, you can see confidence, discipline, and pride. Some have years of service written in their medals, while others are just beginning their military careers. Together, they represent the next chapter in a tradition that stretches back generations.

One of the things I appreciated most was how approachable everyone was. They were happy to answer questions, pose for photographs, and share a little about their role in the regiment. Those conversations made the pictures far more meaningful than simply photographing the gun salute itself.

For me, Canada Day wasn't just about the booming artillery. It was about the people behind the guns.

On the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, it felt like the perfect day to photograph the soldiers of the 7th Toronto Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery—capturing not only a ceremony, but the men and women who continue a proud Canadian tradition of service.

Sometimes the best Canada Day memories aren't made when the guns fire.

They're made in the quiet moments before and after, when a photographer gets the chance to meet the people wearing the uniform.

 

21-Gun Salute in honour of Canada Day.

Every Canada Day has its traditions. Some people head straight for the fireworks. Others grab a hot dog and find a shady spot in the park.

Me?

I head to Queen's Park to hear the boom!

This year I made my annual trip downtown to watch the Canadian Armed Forces perform the 21-Gun Salute in honour of Canada Day. It's one of those ceremonies that never gets old, even if you know exactly what's coming.

The artillery crew arrived looking sharp, moving with military precision as they prepared the field gun. Every crew member had a job. One soldier carried the ceremonial charges, another checked the breech, while others positioned the gun and made sure everything was ready.

As a photographer, that's where the fun begins.

The preparation tells as much of the story as the salute itself. Watching the crew work together is fascinating. Every movement is practiced, every command is followed without hesitation, and every person knows exactly where they need to be.

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for.

BOOM!

A huge cloud of white smoke exploded from the muzzle and rolled across University Avenue. For a few seconds the gun completely disappeared behind the smoke before slowly reappearing as the haze drifted through Queen's Park.

Then they did it again.

And again.

Twenty-one times.

I tried to capture every stage—the careful loading of the gun, the soldiers kneeling beside stacks of blank charges, the instant of the blast, the smoke hanging in the summer air, and finally the crew marching away after the ceremony was complete.

One thing I always enjoy is watching people's reactions. Even when everyone knows another shot is coming, that booming report still makes people jump. Kids cover their ears, tourists grab their cameras, and photographers like me keep hoping we've timed the shutter perfectly.

Canada Day is about celebrating our country, and the 21-Gun Salute is a reminder of the traditions and service that have been part of Canada's history for generations. It's loud, it's dramatic, and it's one of the most photogenic ceremonies you'll find in Toronto.

I'm already looking forward to standing behind the camera again next Canada Day.

Because let's be honest...

Any event where photography comes with a little smoke, a lot of precision, and twenty-one earth-shaking booms is definitely worth getting out of bed for.

 

The $34 Full Rack Parade.

Every Ribfest has its own tradition.

Some people come for the live music. Some come to compare sauces. Some come just to smell the smoke drifting across the parking lot.

But Bob noticed another tradition.

The $34 Full Rack Parade.

As I wandered around with my camera, it seemed like every few seconds someone walked past carrying those familiar white takeout boxes. Some carried one. Others balanced two or three. Judging by the size of the smiles, nobody was complaining about spending $34 for a full rack of ribs.

The lineups told the whole story.

People stood patiently under the hot summer sun, staring at giant signs proudly advertising championships from all over Canada. While they waited, they debated which team had the best sauce, the best ribs, or the biggest trophies. Then, after finally reaching the counter, they walked away like they had just won the lottery—with a warm foam container tucked under one arm.

As a street photographer, I wasn't just photographing people.

I was photographing anticipation.

The man hurrying across the lot before his ribs got cold.

The couple carefully carrying lunch for two.

The family pushing a stroller while balancing dinner in the other hand.

The dad proudly holding a full rack while his son carried the drink.

Every photo told the same story in a different way.

One thing I also noticed was that hardly anyone opened their box right away. They all seemed determined to find the perfect picnic table, a patch of shade, or a quiet corner before lifting the lid. That moment of waiting probably made those ribs taste even better.

Looking at the menu boards, I couldn't help but laugh. A full rack was $34, a half rack was $18, and there were plenty of other choices. Yet judging by the number of people I photographed carrying those large containers, the full rack was clearly the crowd favorite. If you're already standing in line, you might as well go all in.

Sometimes the best street photography isn't about dramatic moments.

Sometimes it's simply about documenting everyday people enjoying a summer tradition.

At Toronto Ribfest, that tradition just happened to come packaged in a white foam container worth $34—and judging by the crowds, every penny seemed worth it.

 

The Hard Work of Rib Sauce Research

People think going to Toronto Ribfest is all about eating ribs.

They're only half right.

As a photographer, I wanted to capture the people behind the booths—the cooks, the staff handing out samples, and the incredible collection of trophies proudly displayed at every stand. But there was another assignment I simply couldn't ignore.

Research.

Someone had to find out which rib sauce was the best.

It was a tough job... but I was willing to make the sacrifice.

Every rib team had its own secret recipe. Some sauces were sweet with a hint of maple. Others packed a smoky flavour that lingered long after the sample was gone. Then there were the spicy sauces that started off friendly before reminding you they meant business.

I wandered from booth to booth, chatting with the staff, taking photographs, and accepting one tiny sample after another. Before long I realized something—the people serving the sauces were just as much a part of the Ribfest experience as the food itself. They smiled for my camera, joked with visitors, and encouraged everyone to try "just one more."

Looking around, I couldn't help but notice the rows of trophies behind every booth. These weren't just decorations. They represented years of competitions across North America and countless hours spent perfecting recipes. Every team believed they had the winning sauce, and after tasting so many of them, I could understand why.

Of course, no research project is complete without taking plenty of photos. I photographed the friendly sauce servers, the crowds lining up, the colourful signs listing award after award, and all the personalities that make Ribfest such a fun event.

Did I discover the best rib sauce?

That's impossible.

Every booth had something different to offer, and every sample made me want to try another. It turns out the best sauce is whichever one you're tasting at that moment.

So if anyone asks why I spent so much time sampling sauces at Toronto Ribfest, I'll simply tell them the truth.

It wasn't eating... it was research.

And sometimes, a photographer has to suffer for his art!

 

3 Tries for $5.00

One of the things I enjoy most about visiting the Toronto Ribfest isn't just the food—it's the people who make the midway come alive.

Walking past the rides and barbecue smoke, I found myself stopping at the game booths instead. A simple sign caught my eye:

"3 Tries for $5.00."

To most people, it's just another carnival game. To me, it was a chance to photograph the people behind the counter.

Every game operator had a different personality.

One young lady was explaining the basketball game with a smile, holding the ball while waiting for the next player. She had probably said the same instructions hundreds of times that day, yet every customer got the same cheerful welcome.

Another fellow working the fishing game gave me a thumbs-up as I walked by with my camera. He knew I wasn't there to win a stuffed animal—I was there to capture the atmosphere. Those little moments of interaction often become my favourite photographs.

Further down the midway, another operator called out through the microphone, encouraging everyone to give the game a try. His voice became part of the soundtrack of Ribfest, mixing with the music, laughter, and the smell of barbecue drifting through the air.

Then there was the operator standing in front of the "Knock Over Three Cups" game. Between customers, he patiently reset the cups and waited for the next challenger. It's easy to overlook the quiet moments between the excitement, but those are often the moments that tell the real story.

The colourful walls of oversized frogs, aliens, bears, chickens, and every stuffed animal imaginable created the perfect backdrop. The prizes weren't really the subject of my photos—the people running the games were.

Street photography isn't always about busy downtown intersections. Sometimes it's about documenting the people who help create an experience that thousands of visitors enjoy every summer.

For just 3 tries for $5.00, families were laughing, kids were testing their skills, and carnival workers kept the games moving all day long.

I never spent the five dollars.

Instead, I spent my time collecting something much more valuable—a series of photographs that captured the friendly faces, colourful booths, and the hardworking people who make Toronto Ribfest more than just a place to eat ribs.

Sometimes the best prize isn't hanging from the wall.

Sometimes it's the photo you take before you walk away.

 

The Real Stars of Toronto Ribfest Are Behind the Grill

 Every summer, Toronto Ribfest draws thousands of people looking for smoky ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and all the barbecue you can imagine. Most visitors line up for the food. I showed up with my Sony camera.

Instead of photographing plates of ribs, I found myself fascinated by the people making them.

Walking from smoker to smoker, every team had its own personality. Some pitmasters stood proudly behind mountains of ribs with smoke swirling around them. Others were busy brushing on sauce, flipping racks over open flames, or carving brisket while chatting with customers. They weren't just cooking—they were putting on a show.

One of my favorite photos was of a cook standing behind trays of chicken and ribs with flames dancing on the grill below. The layers in the photo tell the whole story: fresh food waiting to be served, fire creating the flavor, and the cook calmly watching over it all.

Another great moment came when a smiling pitmaster held up an enormous rack of ribs with a giant carving knife in his other hand. He noticed my camera and proudly posed for the shot. That's one of the things I enjoy about photographing people at events. Most are happy to share what they do when they see someone interested in their craft.

The smoke was another challenge—and an opportunity. Smoke can hide details, but it also adds atmosphere. As it drifted across the grills, it created dramatic light and gave the photos that unmistakable barbecue feeling. You can almost smell the wood smoke just by looking at the images.

I also enjoyed photographing the different barbecue teams. Every stand had its own style, colorful signs, stacks of ribs, and cooks working together like a well-practiced crew. Some looked straight into the camera while others were completely focused on the grill, creating natural candid moments.

Events like Ribfest remind me that street photography isn't only about sidewalks and busy intersections. It's about people doing what they love. Whether it's a musician, a street vendor, or a pitmaster tending a smoker, every person has a story worth photographing.

My advice is simple: don't stop at taking pictures of the food. Turn your camera toward the people who make it happen. Ask politely if you can take their picture. Most will smile, pose, or simply keep working, giving you authentic moments that tell a much richer story than a plate of ribs ever could.

By the end of the day, I had plenty of photographs—but the ones I'll remember most aren't of what I ate. They're of the hardworking cooks standing in front of blazing grills, surrounded by smoke, proudly serving up one rack of ribs at a time.

Sometimes the best thing at Ribfest isn't on the plate—it's the story happening behind the barbecue.