A Saturday Ride to Hamilton on the GO Train

 Some people spend their Saturdays sleeping in. Bob spends his riding the GO Train with a camera around his neck, wondering what he might discover by the end of the day.

This Saturday's destination was Hamilton.

There is something relaxing about taking the GO Train. No worrying about traffic, no searching for parking—just sit back, watch Ontario roll past the window, and start thinking about photographs before even arriving. Sometimes the trip is just as enjoyable as the destination.

As soon as I arrived in Hamilton, I started wandering. That's the best way to photograph a city—no schedule, just curiosity.

The first stop was one of Hamilton's fountains. Standing behind the curtain of water made for a completely different view. Instead of photographing the fountain, I photographed through it. The falling water turned the people and buildings into soft shapes, creating a scene that almost looked like a painting.

Hamilton is also full of surprises. Around one corner was an enormous piece of street art covering an entire building. It reminded me that every city has its own outdoor gallery if you simply keep your eyes open.

Walking along James Street and King Street, the outdoor patios were already filling up. People were enjoying lunch, chatting with friends, and taking life at a slower pace. Street photography isn't always about dramatic moments—sometimes it's about capturing everyday life exactly as it happens.

One stop that caught my attention was the Portuguese Association of Saint Michael the Archangel, followed by the peaceful statue of Mother Mary nearby. It was a nice contrast to the busy downtown streets and a reminder that Hamilton has a rich cultural and religious history.

I also wandered over to the old Canadian National Railways station, a beautiful example of classic railway architecture. As someone who arrived by train, it seemed fitting to spend a few minutes admiring one of Hamilton's historic transportation landmarks.

Before heading home, I made one last stop overlooking the GO station. Watching the tracks disappear into the distance always makes for a satisfying photograph. Railways have a way of drawing your eyes toward the horizon, and they always seem to hint at another adventure waiting down the line.

That's what I enjoy most about these day trips. You don't need to travel across the country to find interesting photographs. Sometimes all it takes is a GO Train ticket, a comfortable pair of walking shoes, and the willingness to explore a city one block at a time.

Hamilton rewarded me with fountains, murals, historic buildings, street life, railway scenes, and plenty of photographs.

Not a bad way to spend a Saturday.

 

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!