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.