2017 Toronto Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival

Just back from a whirlwind tour of the 2017 Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival and 2017 Sound Image exhibitions! I met so many people, networked and made some new friends while touring all the shows. It was so uplifting to be surrounded by peers who all seek and love taking photos no matter what level you are at. There were hardcore photojournalists with war stories, ex-super models turned feminist fashion photographer, healthcare journalists who organized the coolest show in several hospitals run by Sinai, international photogs and film makers and some of the greats like Sebastiao Salgado who is photographer god in my book!

What an exciting adventure- I am so glad I took the time to drive 4.5 hours to get to Toronto and then to see the big city which was a shock to my rural small town system. It took a day to get used to so many people everywhere! Then walking miles and miles to get to all the gallery openings helped me burn some winter calories. I wore my red walking sandals and rocked Queen Street with no trips or falls and no sore feet. (City smart)

What was the best part? It was talking to so many people about what they do and hearing their stories! #Priceless #StoriesBehindtheMusic #ConnectWithPeople #Lovewins

It was also really cool to see all the musicians who came to the Analogue Gallery show in support of the photos and the photographers. It's fun to walk through a crowd and walk by some of Toronto's best musical talent just having a good time and then seeing their photos on the wall.

Here's an album by Aussie photog Rick Clifford from the Analogue Gallery 2017 Sound Image event in the new artsy part of town on Sterling Road off of Dundas street in a cool multi level loft like space. I loved the outdoor patio where you can see me staring up at the surrounding architectural skyline. I got a lot of positive feedback on my black and white print of the classic and beautiful Ms. Andra Day. A lot of people asked where it was shot at as well. So I was able to pump up the Detroit scene while in Toronto. I already have a few musicians and photogs lined up to stay in my guestroom in Detroit to check out the scene while on tour or covering shows.

Thanks to all I met over the last few days. And even more thanks to all the volunteers and staff who work behind the scenes to make all of this happen. #ThankYou And thank you to IndexB&B Gallery for hosting me this week- one of the coolest couples in Toronto on Gladstone Avenue!