Part of making interesting and unique photographs is getting access to seldom seen places. It’s less stressful too, when you don’t have to trespass or get permission! With that said, this weekend is the 18th annual Doors Open Toronto! It’s a wonderful opportunity, especially if you're in a creative funk, to grab your camera and make some photos!
With over 150 buildings open to explore, it can be somewhat overwhelming to decide where to go. Here are my Top 5 recommended locations to visit this year:
1. York University Station
This soon to be opened station is part of the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line expansion. Although this will soon be accessible to the public year-round, Doors Open offers the opportunity to poke around prior to the opening date. Hours 10 am - 5 pm (Saturday Only).
2. U of T - The Daniels Building
Get a sneak peek of the nearly completed renovations. The building was originally constructed in 1875 and is currently undergoing an extensive renovation (scheduled for completion in the fall). Hours 10 am - 5 pm (Sat & Sun).
3. R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant
This Art Deco building was opened in 1941 and is the largest of Toronto’s four water treatment plants. It’s a perennial favourite for Doors Open and includes some music programming on Saturday (noon to 12:30 pm). Hours 10 am - 4pm (Sat & Sun).
4. TD Centre
In my opinion, this is the jewel of the modern financial district buildings. Designed by Mies van der Rohe, Doors Open will allow the public into 54th floor Dining Room and Board room. Hours 10 am - 4 pm (Sat & Sun).
5. MOCA at the Auto Building
This Art Deco building was, for a time, the tallest building in the city. The new MOCA museum will be moving into the building soon and this is a good opportunity to visit. Hours: 10 am - 4 pm (Saturday Only)
Or, better yet, make your own itinerary. You can find a map of all the participating locations here. And while, you’re travelling to far-flung corners of the city, don’t forget that you may want to slow down and check out some additional CONTACT Photography Exhibits. See you there!!
For those of you not in Toronto, there are Doors Open/Heritage Days all over the world! If you live in a major urban city in the western hemisphere, chances are there is a Doors Open near you. Find out when those days occur and take the opportunity to make some unique photos!
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Feature Photograph of the Week - Canadian Roadtrip
In 2014 I had the privilege of visiting the Canadian Rockies. As a Canadian, living in Toronto, it left me wondering why I live I don't live in this part of the country (sorry Toronto!). I originally spotted this vista in the rear-view mirror of my car. I immediately pulled over and made this photograph. Since that day, my mantra while travelling has been, "Don't forget to check the view behind you!"
This photo is of the Mt. Kidd on the Kananaskis Trail Highway just outside of Canmore, Alberta.