Photographing Photographers

Since the rise and spread of COVID-19, there has been a steady stream of news outlining how negative the effects of the virus have been, presented to us day after day. I think it is fair to say that 2020 has been a depressing ride. Although due to social distancing requirements, many businesses and schools have moved to work or study from home, leaving people with more time to try new things, or get back to doing the things that we used enjoy. With this newfound free time, many people have turned to art, whether it is pulling out their old cameras or buying their first instrument kit many people have taken on artistic hobbies. Walking down the streets of Toronto I have seen a lot more street photographers, getting out there and shooting. It is for this reason that I wanted to create a body of work about street photographers. I have felt more inspired to shoot after seeing more street photographers out and about, shooting on the streets of Toronto. I focused on shooting photographers on Queen Street. It is one of my favourite places to shoot, as there’s so much beautiful architecture, like Old City Hall or Campbell House. I have shot a lot of projects in the area, which has made the street hold a lot of sentimental value for me. It is for these reasons that I feel a kinship with other photographers who shoot in the area. This piece is meant to be a lighthearted response to the events around COVID-19. Work documenting photographers on the streets of Toronto while they practice their craft, in the spaces dear to me. It is a thank you note to the photographers of Toronto, who inspired me to create, even during one of the most challenging years in recent human history. It is a project that I plan to continue going into the future and hopefully publish as a book when I have accumulated and curated more content.