Toronto Centre for the Arts
The Toronto Centre for the Arts, located in the north part of Toronto opened it’s doors in 1993 as the North York Performing Arts Centre. It’s name was later changed to the Ford Centre for Performing Arts after a major donation was made and later renamed to its current name…The Toronto Centre for the Arts.
Last week I had the opportunity to photograph the interior of the centre. Access was arranged by my photography club and I and 15 other inconspicuous, tripod toting individuals descended upon tho slovenly space. The unfortunate part was that the Main Stage was off limits as a show was being set up at the time. We did however have access to one of the smaller theatres and the lovely Art Deco lower and upper lobby.
The challenge in photographing in an interior space such as this, with close to 30 photographers, is that inevitably someone walks through your shot. As respectful and mindful as you try to be it just happens when you have that many photographers. On the flip side the advantage to attending one of these types of outings is that you can share ideas and techniques with like minded individuals.
Here’s one view of the lower lobby processed in both colour and black and white. What I love about this space this the Art Deco look and when I looked at all the converging lines and details I thought this would look great in B&W. Which do you prefer? I can tell you that I asked my son the same question last night and he unequivocally choose the colour. I’m undecided.
Click on the images to enlarge to see a higher resolution (it really does look better) or to Purchase a Print.
Play Misty For Me
I captured this image last fall when I was out photographing on Ward Island. It was a fog filled afternoon and evening and I never got the sunset that I was after. This is the path leading to the water with a view of the Toronto skyline.
After processing in LR5 I ran the image through OnOne Perfect Effects and added the Glow preset.
Click on the image to enlarge (it really does look better) or to Purchase a Print.
Fifth Avenue Building
Here’s another image of the Flatiron building in Manhattan and as the title suggests it’s located on 5th Avenue. I wanted to give this image a vintage, turn of the century postcard look keeping with the 1902 date of completion of the building. The gold street clock has been there since 1909 and I wanted to go back in time (no pun intended) to what a photograph might have looked like if it was taken back then.
I converted the image to monochrome using OnOne’s Perfect Black and White and then Perfect Effects for the postcard border.
Click on the image to enlarge (it really does look better) or to Purchase a Print.
Enchanted
While at the workshop at the Rockwood Autoyard this past weekend, I broke off from the group to go do a little exploring on my own and I came upon this scene. Remember in my last post I said that there was a foggy mist that enveloped the area? See what I mean.
After some minor adjustments in Photoshop I ran the image through Topaz Clarity to give it a bit more definition and then Perfect B&W to desaturate and give it a bit of a mysterious feel.
Click on the image to enlarge (it really does look better) or to Purchase a Print.
Santa Barbara Harbour Abstraction
Before we hit LA we spent 2 days in Santa Barbara and I absolutely fell in love with the place. The beautiful harbour front, the quaint downtown area and the friendly people made me wish we were staying longer.
I took this image of the harbour from the wharf while we were waiting to be seated for lunch.
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Speaking of lunch, if you’re ever in Santa Barbara you must go to Brophy Bros. After checking in to our hotel we asked at the front desk if they could recommend a good local restaurant. We were sent to Brophy Bros. I have to tell you the baked clams were the best I have ever had. And the oysters. And the shrimps. Ok…I’m making myself hungry and I really want to go back.
Waiting For A Fare
As I was walking to Faneuil Hall I came across this horse & carriage. As an added bonus the caleche driver was standing there waiting for a fare. His costume and the surrounding buildings threw me into a time warp and I kept thinking that when I get home and process this image it would probably look good as an old vintage photograph.
Below are two versions, the scene as I saw it and a slightly distressed, vintage version. Let me know which one you prefer.
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Edith Levy Photography 