Toronto Photography Meetup Group

What: Toronto Islands Winter Photowalk
When: Saturday February 25, 2012
Time: 1:15 pm
Where: Toronto Island Ferry Docks
Bring: Camera, lenses, warm clothing, tripod

Yes I know a photo walk to the island was done not that long ago. But I had to bow out last minute and still want to go - hopefully with some snow and ice!

The Plan: We'll be taking the 1:30 Ferry to Wards island so let's meet for 1:15pm inside the waiting area of the dock (after you pay). We'll walk through the "Village" and along the top side of the island over to the pier, and also down below in the beach areas and around the rocks (some good photo ops if there is snow and ice!) We'll then head to Olympic island for Sundown. Although I will be breaking off temporarily to shoot some photos of the sunset/night toronto skyline from the centre island dock (I think this is a better angle for what I want) - any or all are welcome to join me here until heading back to Olympic island. Bring your fire materials, marshmallows, and steel wool, etc if you are so inclined.


Directions
The Toronto Ferry Docks is located at the foot of Bay Street and Queens Quay, just West of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel.

Directions by TTC: From union station take the 509 Harbourfront or the 510 Spadina streetcar south to the Bay and Queen's Quay Stop. Alternately, take the Bay Bus #6 southbound from the corner of Front and Bay to the Bay and Queen's Quay stop. The entrance to the ferry docks is on the south side of the street, just east of the Westin Harbour Castle hotel.

Walk / Drive: Main entrance at foot of Bay St on Queens Quay. Enter through park and enter via walkway between Harbour Castle Westin Hotel and Harbour Castle condominiums. Parking is available 1 block north at Lakeshore and Bay, 1 block west on Queens Quay between Bay and York Sts, 1 block east opposite Toronto Star building adjacent to Captain Johns restaurant.
http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm

I made the last trip but Im in again. It was a good time and I got some ok shots. Im going to fix the problems I had shooting then so the shots will be better next time.

Having done the Islands twice this winter without snow and ice, I think I will wait until closer to the time to make a decision on this.

Between now and then its supposed to be getting very cold soon. That should bring some changes to the look down here. Besides it is the skyline Im particularly interested in getting right this time, snow or no snow.

For the exception of this weekend, expected temperatures above 0.
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/fourteenday/caon0696
I'm going to be a game-time decision on this one.

I went last time and enjoyed it. I'm in as well I love the island in any weather

I'm in! Most likely, I'll bring along a few people from my school who are also interested in photography (although they are beginners just like me). I was just planning to go to the Islands on Saturday anyways to show them what we usually do in TPMG when we go there, and it just happens to be on the same day.

Does anybody mind an extra 3-4 teenagers? If you don't want me to bring them, feel free to say so - I won't.

Hey the island is free to everyone. Its not like there isnt enough space to shoot. I went out today and bought a little steel egg whipper. Tomorrow I will get some steel wool.

I have another friend coming as well, but he has forgotten his TPMG username.

Thats ok. I forgot his too.

The more the merrier!!

Hmmm....3-4 teenagers who won't know any better...more fodder for the fire! (why don't we have a flaming smilie?)

TPMG and it's orgznizer (me) hold no liability for anyone burning off eye brows or other body hair during this event

You meant to say "Or other body parts?"

Hey if I use SOS pads instead of plain steel wool will there be bubbles along with the bright glow?

I was wondering similarly.

Will the soap change the colour of the sparks or will it just make it harder to light?

Oohhh a science experiment for the class!!

I say without the water to activate the soap - nothing will happen when lit on fire.

GUYS, I'M A CHEMISTRY GEEK The steel wool will only burn a different colour if you add some other metals to it (in the form of salts). Most commonly found metals, though, will burn the regular orange flame, so it's kinda pointless to add them. And, unfortunately, my chemistry lab at school is locked and under strict supervision so I can't sneak out some strontium salt (it burns a beautiful red).

I just checked and the S.O.S pads don't seem to have any other metal components other than the steel wool. Plus, the soapy coating will definitely prevent ignition.

Today's Geek Moment has been brought to you by S.O.S. Pads, for that cleaner clean you expect. NEW, now try S.O.S. Pads for Lenses! You'll just love how the gentle steel wool just cleans away the dirty grime from your lenses!!

What is the egg whipper for and the steel wool?

A little fun like this:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26927699@N00/5997276504/" title="Concentricity by calicoangus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6122/5997276504_fb0a7ae22f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Concentricity"></a>

Thanks that looks like fun,

Hey unless you have used SOS pads on your lenses, dont knock it. The soapy softness doesnt do the lens any harm. Ive been using SOS for years. I have noticed my lenses are getting a little lighter but other than that my images have that soft focus Ive come to expect. And if you dont want that soft focus, what do you think Unsharp Mask is for?



NOTE: The comments made by this guy are not necessarily those of TPMG or any of its members who cannot be held responsible to anyone who pays any attention to them.

Sorry, guys, but it turns out I'll be busy on that day, so I'm going on the trip today (I know, very last-minute).

Well thats a bummer, and you will be missed. You, and your steel wool, and your little egg beater, and of course your mushrooms, oops, I mean marshmallows.

I'm in subject to weather (snow required), work schedule (yes, I know it's on a Saturday), and my eyebrows growing back (who knew flaming steel wool could do that). Bynx: I'll let you know and maybe we can do the GO thing.

Oh, one more thing: Let's plan to be done with some time in hand. The last time we went, the forced march to catch the ferry left my achilles in a tangle around my tibia.

Hey Bynx

I was wondering when the marshmallows would come out, oh by the way don't forget the matches or lighter this time, thing might go a bit easier

Not sure if I can make it this time, will let you know later.

Hey Bynx

I was wondering when the marshmallows would come out? Just don't forget the matches or lighter this time and things might go a bite easier

Hey Bynx

I was wondering when the marshmallows would come out? And don't forget the matches or a lighter, things might go a bit easier

Not sure if I can make it this time