Photography is a common connection for people around the world. All around the world we have people walking around capturing photos and creating their own styles. We have learned about many different photographers with different styles and cultural beliefs. I thought that all of their styles and approaches were unique and effective.
I decided to create my own style and take portraits of random people on the streets of Toronto. My style is similar to the style of photojournalist Henri Cartier Bresson I try to capture a photo as it is without any retouching. The photos from the website magnum photos inspired me to take portraits of the people and to bring a story of multiculturalism to the readers of my blog. Just like Henri Cartier Bresson, I try to tell a story of a person through a photo. Since I am very proud of multiculturalism in Canada, especially in Toronto, I thought it would be a good idea for my virtual essay to capture photos of people from different backgrounds. Another photographer who had impact on my style is my own father. He has taught me how to properly take portraits and what to look for in the photo. Also a photographer Sebastiao Salgado impressed me with his photos about the poor in Latin America. The way he portrayed those people and told their story through a camera lens was amazing.
I optioned to go for a walk and capture photos randomly. It was a sunny day in Toronto and I started my journey in downtown. The streets were very busy but on my way to Dundas Square I saw two squirrels and a dog. Someone already had their bikes ready for the spring and a very unique tree caught my attention (photos #1-8).
When I finally made to the destination, I met Wayne(photo#9). He is a homeless, panhandling on the streets of Toronto. He gave me permission to capture a photo of him as I promised to tell his story. He was born and raised in Canada. His mom sold the house so he had to move out on the street.
After him I ran into my friend from college. His name is Onder (photo# 10) and he is from Istanbul, Turkey. He came to Canada to study Hotel Management and has a dream of owning his own establishment sometime in the future.
In front of school I met with my other friends, Marykris, Alyssa and Valentina (photo#11). Marykris and Alyssa are from Philipines and Valetina is from Russia and they always spend time in school together. This shows that multiculturalism is very strong and residents of Toronto are very comfortable with different cultures.
Another photo of an old man from Pakistan (photo#12) was taken in front of a convenience store and I thought it is powerful photo sending a message to the public how everyone can wear their own religious hats and gowns. This man was very happy just to be able to smoke his cigarette and enjoy the sun.
Victor (photo#13) has Greek background but he was born and raised in Toronto.
Nelle (photo#14) is of a Serbian background and has his own music band. All these people who were portrayed in my virtual essay have one thing in common; they are all residents of Toronto with a purpose to have a better life.
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