CONTACT 2012 Photography Festival

Courtesy of Barry Frydlender, Grosvenor Garden

Courtesy of Berenice Abbott, Blossom Restaurant

If you are a photographer, either novice or pro OR you are interested in the relative art of photography, you must add this to your calendars for the month of May.  The 16^th annual CONTACT Photography Festival is the the largest photography event in the world! Toronto is hosting this years event which attracts over 1.8 million people over the entire month of May.

You’ll see over 1000 local and worldwide artists exhibiting their photographic genius at almost 200 venues.  

This all began over 16 years ago when a global interest in street art started to form, which is the theme for this year’s event, entitled “PUBLIC” which showcases social and political issues all in a photographic framework, literally.

For more information including map of exhibit locations, please go to CONTACT 2012 Details

Samuel Smith Park

Recently, we decided last minute to join the others for the 9^th annual ‘Sam Smith’ park Clean up on Earth day (Sunday Aprll 22^nd).  Sponsored by the city, garbage bags, water and snacks are provided.  Armed with shovels, boots, gloves and rakes, it wasn’t long before the chatter stopped and the work began. 

Toronto still holds a large funding for its Parks and Recreation department, partnered with the Roads it maintains an excellent level of cleanliness all year long.  Shorelines are always bringing in the odd surprises wave after wave, so our work didn’t go in vain.  Unfortunately though while my good camera is in the shop hopefully getting repaired, I did not bring one on Sunday, but went back today instead to try and take some okay pictures!

I had never been to ‘Samuel Smith Park’ before but decided to add this to my blog under exploring parks and trails in the GTA.  Getting there was a great opportunity for us to take the Longbranch streetcar route which incidentally is the longest route on the Transit system. 

The Longbranch route loops into Samuel Smith park.  I was surprised to learn that Colonel Samuel Smith Park was once considered a former weekend getaway for Torontonians in the Victorian Era.   A wide open scenic trail includes hiking along the peninsula on Lake Ontario.  The waterfront has access to rocky beaches, great views including the City of Toronto famous CN Tower along the skyline.  Other activities include bird and boat watching, photography, picnics, and a playground for children to play in.  The observation desks are accessible for viewing turtles, beavers, and different kinds of fish.  In the Winter months, there is now a new skating trail, but as the warmer weather hopefully will stay for a while, the winter is a distant memory for now.