Bob has decided to start a camera club.
Not that kind of camera club.
There will be no matching vests.
There will be no judging sharpness at 400% on a laptop in a café.
And no one will ever say, “Nice shot, but what lens was that?”
This is a Bob-style street photography camera club, designed for people who walk slowly, stand awkwardly, and accidentally look lost in familiar places.
Why Bob Needed His Own Camera Club
Bob tried regular camera clubs.
They had competitions like:
“Perfect Portrait”
“Stunning Landscape”
“Macro Flower at Sunrise with Bonus Dew”
Bob’s photos never placed.
Apparently:
A city worker doing their job is “not engaging eye contact.”
A streetcar turning a corner is “too centered.”
And meat being carved at a market is “confusing.”
So Bob did the only logical thing.
He started his own camera club.
The Bob Camera Club Competition Categories
These competitions are official and subject to change whenever Bob feels like it.
1. Working People Who Did Not Pose
If they noticed you and smiled, you waited too long.
This category is for:
People doing their jobs
People who did not stop doing their jobs
People who had no idea Bob was there
High scores if the subject looks busy, tired, or mildly unimpressed by the city.
2. Public Transit Is a Personality
Streetcars, buses, and trains all count as portraits.
If it carries people and has seen things, it qualifies.
Bonus points if:
It’s late
It’s early
Or it looks emotionally exhausted
3. The Photo You Almost Didn’t Take
Bob’s favourite category.
You hesitated.
You questioned yourself.
You took exactly one photo and kept walking.
No cropping.
No explaining.
No “I’ll fix it later.”
That hesitation is the story.
4. Seasonal Street Chaos
Parades.
Snowbanks.
Holiday decorations taped to things they shouldn’t be taped to.
If it feels temporary, slightly chaotic, and very Toronto — Bob wants it.
Santa absolutely counts.
5. The City Doing Its Thing
No people required.
Blocked sidewalks.
Delivery trucks.
Construction equipment parked like it owns the place.
If the city looks busy, awkward, or mildly annoyed, you’re doing it right.
The Most Important Rule of the Bob Camera Club
You must look like a tourist.
This is non-negotiable.
Hat? Encouraged.
Backpack? Required.
Standing still and staring at nothing? Professional technique.
Looking confident draws attention.
Looking lost makes you invisible.
Bob does not sneak around.
Bob blends in by looking like he has no idea where he is.
Judging (Very Scientific)
Photos are judged on:
Timing
Story
Whether Bob quietly nods when he sees it
There are no scores.
There are no prizes.
There is no winning.
Just the satisfaction of noticing something real.
Final Thoughts from Bob
This camera club isn’t about being better than anyone else.
It’s about seeing what’s already there.
It’s about everyday moments that don’t ask to be photographed.
Moments that happen whether anyone is paying attention or not.
If you like rules, charts, and perfection — this club is not for you.
If you like walking, watching, and looking like a tourist — welcome.
Now grab your camera.
Walk slowly.
And whatever you do…
Look lost.
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