Friday, December 30, 2011

Roll Play

Roll Play II by Michael Mitchener
Roll Play II, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.
I spent some quality time at the beach this Christmas break with Dudley along for company. He puts up with me taking pictures and I put up with him carrying on like a hound. The beach isn't as cold and icy as past years but it's still definitely not summer down there.

This rolled up snow fence caught my eye and and tried a shot looking through it using a wide angle lens. I've always been a fan of snow fences with their repeating lines and patterns and this one fit the bill.  All in all, a great day at the beach.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Shelby

The Kids by Michael Mitchener
The Kids, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.
I was sad to hear that Shelby, the beautiful border collie in the foreground of this picture, passed away recently. After a rough start in life, Shelby was fortunate to find a home where she was loved and cared for. While always a shy girl, Shelby provided a balance to her far from shy "brother" Max (also shown in this picture) and the two remained closer than close as the years went by.  Now with Shelby gone, it's going to be tough for Max and Shelby's family and friends to try to adjust to life without her but I hope they take some comfort in the many warm memories they have and the wonderful life they were able to provide her. We'll miss you Shelby.

Original Photo Caption: I attended a wedding on the banks of the Athabasca River in Jasper, Alberta where these two dogs were part of the wedding party. Max, the handsome mutt at the top of the frame, wore a tartan bowtie and Shelby, the beautiful, shy bordie collie in the foreground, wore a jade necklace. This picture was taken during the ceremony while the two dogs watched intently as their Mom and Dad took their vows.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Love & Rockets

Love & Rockets by Michael Mitchener
Love & Rockets, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.
This November, I'm embracing my love of streetcars and holding an exhibit of Red Rocket photographs (and one or two oil paintings) at Voulez-Vous Café.  Drop by throughout the month to view the collection, sample the cafe, and watch the occasional 501 streetcar pass by.

Also of note, there will be an Opening Reception + Neighbourhood Potluck on Thursday, November 10th from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm.  The event will include an informal potluck dinner, reception with drink, along with live music provided by the talented group, Sang Bleu.  There will also be 7-8 additional streetcar pieces added to the show for the opening.  If you want to chow down, feel free to participate in the potluck or just show up for some libations and chat.

It promises to be an evening full of food, drink, music, and of course, images romancing the Toronto streetcar, so mark November 10th on your calendar and I hope to see you at Voulez-Vous.

[Thanks to Joanna Lavoie for the great geek article in The Mirror and insidetoronto.com]

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Rain Maker

Rain Maker by Michael Mitchener
Rain Maker, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.

This image was taken at this year's Nuit Blanche of an installation called I just know that something good is going to happen by Curtis Grahauer. What is Nuit Blanche? From sunset at 6:59 pm on Saturday, October 1, to sunrise on Sunday, October 2, 2011, Toronto's playful overnight celebration of contemporary art once again takes over the streets for ONE NIGHT ONLY. It's a great way to explore art and the city by night and there are some surreal and cool installations. This was one of them.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Ghost of Bay Street

Ghost of Bay Street by Michael Mitchener
Ghost of Bay Street, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.

When I moved to Toronto many years ago, I took the Bay Street trolley bus north to work. In the winter, there was nothing warmer than the Bay Street bus as it hummed northwards through the snow with efficient electrical heaters warming its passengers. The buses have since been replaced with regular internal combustion models that produce more noise and exhaust and just don't cut the chill like this baby did. Winter hasn't been the same since they retired my Bay Street bus.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Killbear

Canadian Shield by Michael Mitchener
Canadian Shield, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.

I had the opportunity to spend some quality-time at Killbear Provincial Campground recently. It's a beautiful part of Georgian Bay just north of Parry Sound. Killbear always reminds me of a Group of Seven painting and I imagine the artists must have spent time in the area years ago. If you haven't been, you should try it. You'll be hooked.


Click here for more images from my trip (more to be posted over time) or visit the Killbear flickr group for a selection of images from a number of photographers/campers.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Lady of the Lake

Lady of the Lake by Michael Mitchener
Lady of the Lake, a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.

Many thanks to my sister for being a willing model over the last few days of her Toronto visit. Also, more thanks and congratulations to my nephew Mike and his lovely wife, Amber for giving everyone a reason to visit Toronto in the first place. It was a fun few days and a beautiful wedding.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Wavin'

Wavin' by Michael Mitchener
Wavin', a photo by Michael Mitchener on Flickr.

Spotted at the Leslieville Farmer' Market today carefully strung between two trees.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Voulez-vous une pomme?

A bowlful of apples on the counter at Voulez-Vous Cafe noticed while waiting for my panini.  Love those paninis.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Monday, May 30, 2011

Ghosts in the Machine


Ghosts in the Machine, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Nothing like a 30 second exposure to get a hallway of fellow photo mooks to f-f-fade away. There were lots of people and cameras at RC Harris today but everyone seemed to get along...more or less.

It was great to finally see inside The Palace through Doors Open this year.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Kingston Road


Kingston Road, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

No relation to Abbey.

Focus: Letters: Your World, Your Images

I received an advance copy of Focus: Letters: Your World, Your Images this week since I had contributed two photographs. It's due to be released in Canada on May 3, 2011 and available on Amazon or at your favourite book store. Visit the promotional video on YouTube.

The two images included are:


S is for Superpowers, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Z is for Zip, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Amusements on the Road of Life

A rare patch of fog arrived on little cat feet overnight. I unexpectedly stumbled across this movie set at Cherry Beach on a morning walk. Basically, there is an entire amusement park sitting on the beach. Movie types were just beginning to arrive so I took a few quick shots and moved on. It was quite surreal, especially in the fog. I'm told it's for Silent Hill 3D. I'm not familiar with the movie but took a look at a trailer, and yep, it looks creepy enough.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Rain Rider


Rain Rider, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

More Queen Street rainy day streetcar stalking. Taken through a rain-splattered windshield on an otherwise uneventful commute.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Frozen


Frozen, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

A wet, cold, winter day down at Cherry Street. Even the dogs were staying home.

Monday Rain


Monday Rain, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Another perspective on a dark, rainy, Monday morning.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

If a Tree Falls


If a Tree Falls, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

I'm usually done with winter about mid-February. I've over the snow, the sweaters, and photographic opportunities and I'm focused on baking hot summer days where the ground is too hot to walk on in bare feet. Thankfully the days are getting longer, if not warmer, and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. C'mon heat alerts.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Deep Freeze


Deep Freeze, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

Summer is my favourite time of year at the Waterworks although winter holds a certain appeal (assuming you're wearing five layers of clothing).

Monday, January 31, 2011

The Cure For Winter Blues

Trust me, by Thursday you'll be ready for some warm summer flash-backs and tales of adventure on the Great Lakes. If that's not enough to tempt you, throw in some wine, cheese, music and warm company. Hope to see you at the Urban Voyageur Show Opening, this Thursday at 7 PM at the Voulez-Vous Café. Bring your paddle.

Poster by William Self
Image by PhotoFunia
More details here

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Agile Programming


Agile Programming, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

One of the joys we have in being human is in exercising our freedom to choose and to take each case as it comes to us. We are not robots who are forced into behaviors by their programming. We see things; we think about things; and we choose our course of action or beliefs appropriately. And as long as that remains true of us, we will live every day of our lives on one slippery slope or another. There is no reason to fear this.

[Real Life Preacher]

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Rack & Ruin


Rack & Ruin, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

One of Toronto's unlikely treasures is the Leslie Street Spit also known as Tommy Thompson Park. This park is only open on weekends and holidays and doubles as a dumping ground for clean rubble during the week. Over the years, a large spit of land has been built out onto the lake and developed its own ecology. It's a fascinating place to spend a few hours hiking, cycling or jogging. Check it out.