Photo Walks in Toronto and Mississauga

Photo walks can be a great way to explore an area, socialize with other photographers and engage in some two-way learning. On June 22 and 23, I had the opportunity to lead two photo walks sponsored by Olympus and Henry's Cameras. The first was through the historic Distillery District in Downtown Toronto, while the second was at beautiful Riverwood Park in Mississauga. They each had about a dozen photographers in attendance, and one person decided to attend both. 

The Distillery District is so named because of the breweries that used to operate in the area. It is now a vibrate tourist and arts centre.

The threat of heavy rain didn't stop these avid photographers from coming out to Riverwood Park. The fresh rain and overcast skies were actually perfect for some nature photography.

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The Distillery District
During a photo walk I actually find myself taking very few photos. I am focused on assisting others in the group, because I know that if I get in full photographic mode it is very easy to ignore everyone else and just focus on the image. I asked the participants to send me some of their favourite photos to share. 

Credit: Leighton Wong (Olympus E-M5 Mark II, ISO400, 1/640s @ f/6.3)

Credit: Leighton Wong (Olympus E-M5 Mark II, ISO400, 1/400 @ f/14)

Credit: Leighton Wong (Olympus E-M5 Mark II, Rokinon 7.5mm, ISO400)

Credit: Mike Reid (Panasonic G85, ISO200, 1/60s @ f/10)

Credit: Mike Reid (Panasonic G85, F7.1, ISO 200, 1/400s @ f/7.1)

I photographed this image a few years ago. The "love locks" are certainly one of the most popular attractions in the district. (Olympus E-M1, 14-150mm f/4-5.6, ISO1000, 1/500s @ f/4)

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Riverwood Park
Situated along the Credit River in Mississauga, Ontario, Riverwood Park covers approximately 60 acres and is home to 475 species of plants and animals. About 5 minutes before our photo walk was to begin, the heavy rain stopped. It turned out to be a great day for some nature photography. 

Credit: Brian Naidu (Olympus E-M1 Mark II, 17mm f/1.2 PRO, ISO200, 1/1600s @ f/1.2)

Credit: Brian Naidu (Olympus E-M1 Mark II, 17mm f/1.2 PRO, ISO2500, 1/250s @ f/8)

Credit: Leighton Wong (Olympus E-M1 Mark II, ISO400, 1/100s f/7.1)

Credit: Leighton Wong (Olympus E-M1 Mark II, ISO1000, 1/30s @ f/7.1)

Credit: Anthony Lee (Olympus E-M5 Mark II, 60mm f/2.8 Macro, 1/60s @ f/8)

Credit: Anthony Lee (Olympus E-M5 Mark II, 60mm f/2.8 Macro, 1/2500s @ f/2.8)

Credit: Anthony Lee (Sony A7iii w/ 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 @70mm, f/10, 1/160sec)

Credit: Andrea Rees (Olympus D E-M1 II, 60mm f/2.8 Macro, ISO200, 1/125s @ f/4)

Credit: Andrea Rees (Olympus D E-M1 II, 60mm f/2.8 Macro, ISO250, 1/125s @ f/7.1)

Credit: Andrea Rees (Olympus D E-M1 II, 60mm f/2.8 Macro, ISO200, 1/125s @ f/4)

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Final Words
Thanks to all of the people who came out to support these two photo walks, and to those who took the time to share their images. It's wonderful to see what caught the eye of each photographer.