A few weeks ago I added another camera to my growing arsenal. This time I got my first 35mm camera. A Contax G2 film camera along with the small, compact and delightful Zeiss 28mm f2.8 and 45mm f2 lenses. I mostly shoot weddings and baptisms so its always refreshing to do some personal photography. These I shoot for myself. There is very little pressure, no deadlines and only the race against the sun as it sets and ends the evening’s session. I might grab a roll of b&w film and shoot at Yonge/Dundas on my own or sometimes I will go with a friend and take some shots together. It allows me to practice my craft at a very slow pace with a lot more time for creativity and fresh ideas. Without a doubt shooting personal photography makes you a better photographer. This little camera makes photography more fun. Its light, looks great and has a very fast auto focus with remarkably reliable auto exposures as well. It has replaced my Pentax 645n medium format camera as my go-to travel and personal photography camera. For those 3 main reasons. Weight, size and accurate internal light meter. It also takes 36 exposures instead of 16. It doesn’t have better IQ (Image Quality) than the Pentax though, that’s why I still use the bigger one at weddings/engagements and other shoots. All of these were shot on a combination of Kodak Portra 160, Ektar 100, Tri-X 400 and Fuji Neopan Acros 100 film. I used Caribou Film Lab for the scanning/developing. I can’t wait to shoot more personal stuff in the future.
I have photographed at Edwards Gardens in Toronto a few times already, and its always a visual treat. Plus, depending on what time of the year you go there, you have different colours, blooming plants, trees, etc. On this day I photographed the engagement session for Louise & Caleb. The weather was great and I had a fabulous time doing what I love. Here are some pictures.
I photographed Rena & Nick’s engagement session at U of T back in October of 2014 and was looking forward to their wedding this past August. We started off doing some getting-ready photos at their homes in Pickering and then we headed to the Church for their Ceremony. It was hot and humid outside, and even more so in the Church. The venue – Old Mill – was just a few minutes away. We did some portraits there and then the Reception started with all the speeches, etc. Afterwards the dancing began and the guests and Bride and Groom tore up the floor. The drinks were flowing and it was a good day. Here are some photos.
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September 2, 2015 - 10:41 pm
You weren’t kidding about them tearing it up on the dance floor. Too much fun!
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September 3, 2015 - 4:09 pm
so good. and that ring shot is stunning.
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September 3, 2015 - 9:07 pm
Amazing work! I love every shot.
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September 4, 2015 - 9:54 am
Yup – every shot is a winner – top work Paul
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September 4, 2015 - 1:58 pm
Love how timeless your black and whites are Paul .. beautiful imagery!
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September 7, 2015 - 1:00 pm
What an awesome wedding! Love all of it!
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September 8, 2015 - 5:33 am
Amazing work, wow.
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September 24, 2015 - 10:57 am
This is a great selection of photographs. Great story telling and they are all so cinematic.
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May 6, 2016 - 7:47 am
Great photographic work. Black and whites are killer.
This was my first time at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Toronto. I had the honour of photographing Stavros’ Baptism. Afterwards we headed to Pantheon Greek Restaurant on the Danforth for some delicious food and drinks. Here are some photos from the day.
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July 6, 2015 - 7:53 pm
Great storytelling, you nailed all the little details!
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July 6, 2015 - 8:49 pm
beautiful! love the moments captured, and the stunning orthodox church 🙂
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July 7, 2015 - 10:00 am
Beautiful ceremony and so cute!
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July 7, 2015 - 12:41 pm
Absolutely fantastic imagery Paul. Wow!
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July 7, 2015 - 6:28 pm
Wonderful documentary work!
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July 8, 2015 - 2:11 pm
Amazing Paul….superb storytelling throughout! Love these!
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July 8, 2015 - 4:14 pm
The photos of him being dunked are too perfect, awesome storytelling!
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July 9, 2015 - 8:18 am
Love it Paul – I bet they will treasure these forever
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July 11, 2015 - 12:15 am
Beautiful documentary work.
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July 13, 2015 - 7:12 am
Stunning Paul, great storytelling throughout. The holy water/ bapism shots are awesome.
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July 13, 2015 - 5:28 pm
Really lovely work Paul.
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August 21, 2015 - 1:07 pm
We had an amazing time which is depicted in these photos! Thank you Paul 🙂
Recently I went up north with some friends to Ayesha Cottage in Haliburton, Ontario. My only regrets were that it was for just 2 nights and that it rained for about half the time. The cottage overlooked Lake Burdock and had a canoe, kayak and paddle boat. We used the paddle boat and kayak a little bit but then the temperature dropped and the rains came, so that was a little disappointing. Indoors we played poker, drank beer and had a great time. Can’t wait to do another cottage trip later this year. Shot on my Pentax 645n and Kodak Portra 400 film and scanned by Caribou Film Lab in Toronto.
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June 26, 2015 - 6:05 pm
These are so great! I love laidback vacations in nature like this and the colors and scenery are perfect!
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June 27, 2015 - 4:02 am
Beautiful photos, looks like a great time!
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June 29, 2015 - 10:28 am
Looked like an amazing trip paul, great work.
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June 30, 2015 - 7:12 am
Looks like a wonderful fun trip. If I ever do a trip like this remind me not to watch the film “Deliverance” beforehand!!
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June 30, 2015 - 8:53 pm
So much fun! I love these! They make me want to go camping.
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June 30, 2015 - 9:43 pm
beautiful frames. looked like a blast!
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June 30, 2015 - 10:16 pm
Enjoyed looking through these Paul. Looks awesome!
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June 30, 2015 - 11:15 pm
Everything looks so dreamy, gorgeous!
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July 1, 2015 - 6:25 am
Dreamy images! Love the feel of real film scans!
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July 1, 2015 - 6:58 am
Nice images, makes me wanna get out there.
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July 2, 2015 - 6:24 am
what a beautiful place and lovely photos!
by admin
Sarah - Really great stuff, you have a knack for making a seemingly mundane scene look dynamic!
ALMA // - So, so good. Perfectly captured buddy.
Tobiah Tayo - these look brilliant. can’t believe how well you make everyday things look so good. true talent
Rahul Khona - So good, i love the feel of these all. Great work!
Amy Barton - Wonderful work and some really beautiful frames in here! Love your use of colour 🙂
Mercedes - Love it! Also that one little model is really cute.
Heather Kanillopoolos - I love that image on the second row down! Awesome work!