People of Kensington Market

These photos were taken July 11, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, CA while spending time in the Kensington Market area. This vibrant, diverse and eclectic neighborhood was a feast for the eyes, cameras and palettes and included interesting interactions with some of the locals.

Magic

Morning Stroll

Grocery Run

Eclectic

Hangin'

Cheese Magic

Phone Check

Jammin' Out

Love Birds?

Golden Grams

Which Came First?

Chicago, IL

I spotted her from across the street and was compelled to ask the question. She confirmed that the coat came long before the hair, but the shoes were a more recent addition.

It was ironic because I was downtown on the way to a rally protesting the "Orange One".

Sony A7IV @ f4 | 1/125 | 20mm | ISO 200

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 4/5/25

White Scarves

Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL

Shot this image during the Beers & Cameras-Chicago meet-up.  These white scarves were just screaming to be photographed.  Photographing strangers is one of my favorite genres so it's fitting I end the year with one.

Sony A7Cii @ f5.6 | 1/320 | 15mm | ISO 1600

Voigtlander VM 15mm F4.5 (adapted)

Photographed 12/22/24

Beard, Yes - Mustache, No

Scott was a cool sales guy at the Eddie Bauer outlet store and allowed me to photograph his striking beard for the series.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro @ f1.8 | 1/60 | 6.76mm (50mm equiv) | ISO 200

Photographed 7/10/24

Two Beards - Same Guy

On a photowalk at the Libertyville Farmers Market, I spotted the beard & long locks and, since we share hair color, struck up a conversation.  Alfredo said he's had the beard forever and just trimmed it and cut his hair for donation.  He found a photo before the trim and shared it with me (see 2nd photo below).

I'm including this shot as part of my "Beards" series.

After The Trim

Sony A7Cii @ f8 | 1/400 | 40mm | ISO 500

Voigtlander VM 40mm F2.8 Heliar (adapted)

Photographed 7/18/24

Before The Trim

Apple iPhone shot of Alfredo's phone photo.

B*tch With Brain

52 Assignments BW14 - Total Stranger

On a photowalk with some friends, we encountered three young women from Singapore.  I admired this woman's hat and she allowed me this photo.

Sony A7IV @ f4 | 1/640 | 44mm | ISO 100

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 4/7/24

Entrepreneurs

Libertyville Farmers Market
Libertyville, IL

Having done so 30 years ago, I very much enjoy meeting young entrepreneurs embarking on a journey to fulfill their dream.  Check them out.

Melissa

Zachi - Ecuadorian chocolate.

https://www.zachichocolates.com

Sony A7 IV @ f8 1/320  42mm  ISO 100

Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6

Yami

Three Legged Brewing - craft cold brew coffee & tea.

https://www.3leggedbrewing.com

Sony A7 IV @ f4 1/800  28mm  ISO 100

Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6

All Photographed 7/6/23

Ben

Kenosha HarborMarket

Kenosha, WI

Was treated to the sweet sounds of Ben Mulwana.  Tech job by day...musician at all other times.  Check him out at https://www.benmulwana.com/

Sony A7 IV @ f6.3 1/640 66mm ISO 100

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 6/24/23

Peace

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Sony A7 IV @ f7.1 1/125 70mm ISO 160

Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Photographed 5/17/23

Donut Guy

Stopped in for an afternoon cup of coffee and met Krishna.  He saw my camera and we started chatting. Not only is he a donut guy, but also an accomplished photographer.  Check him out at @IamKrishna2001 on IG.

Sony A7 IV @ f5 1/125 29mm ISO 1250

Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6

Photographed 1/10/23

Back to the Movies

52Frames - Week 49 - Shoot From Below

EC: Portrait of a Stranger

Just picked up an adapter to fit my old Nikon 10.5mm fisheye to my Sony full-frame mirrorless body. Took it to the theatre, just in case a photo op materialized.

Sony A7 IV @ f?? 1/50 10.5mm ISO 12800

Nikkor Fisheye 10.5mm F2.8 G ED (adapted)

Photographed 12/6/22

Coax

2022_CLondon52w48: Your Voice

From the C.London website: "You may feel that you don’t have a distinct voice just yet, and that’s entirely okay! It takes years to truly nail down your voice, and most artists find that their voice is constantly changing. What do you think is integral to your voice at this moment? Is it how you use color, or the subjects you choose? Whatever it is, show it with this week’s image."

An excerpt from my website bio in part describes my voice: "...I uncover interesting narratives in places, faces, and interactions that are often overlooked, while also capturing truthful glimpses of life's most temporary and beautiful moments."

Didn't matter how much coaxing the dad was doing, his son was not climbing that hill.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f3.5 1/1000 40mm equiv ISO 100

Photographed 11/26/22

Candice

While visiting the Mall of America in Minneapolis for the first time, I spotted her as she walked in my direction. I slowly approached and complimented her on the awesome hairdo. She smiled and thanked me. In response to my inquiry about how long it took her to do this, she told me 3-4 hours at the salon. I asked to make a photo and she readily agreed.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f4 1/1000 40mm equiv ISO 640

Photographed 11/12/22

Jackie

Cancun, MX

On our final day, I took a walk along the beach, camera in hand.  As I passed by, I noticed her painted nails and commented on how spectacular they were.  I asked if I could make a photo of them (thinking macro) when she started posing and displaying her hand.  After capturing a couple of frames, I asked her name, thanked her and wished her a good rest of the day.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f7.1 1/500 40mm equiv ISO 200

Photographed 5/25/22

Newlywed Message

La Isla Fashion Harbour

Cancun, MX

As the couple approached, I could not help seeing the words boldly written on their shirts. With he on the left and she on the right, at first the words did not make sense. It was only after reconfiguring the sequence in my mind, did I see the message. Those that know me would not be surprised that I was compelled to address them and ask to make a photo. 

 They told us their wedding was the day prior and gladly allowed me to make a photo. They also agreed to switch positions so the message was readily readable for the photo. Regrettably, I did not get their names nor email address to send them a photo of their great message.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f2.8 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 12800

Photographed 5/16/22

Push-Ups & Pull-Ups

Los Angeles, CA 

As if 850' of climb on a 2.65 mile hike at Runyon Canyon Trail wasn't enough exercise, these guys were supplementing their program along the way.

 
"Push-Ups"
Ricoh GRIIIx @ f4 1/1000 40mm equiv ISO 100

"Pull-Ups"
Ricoh GRIIIx @ f8 1/400 40mm equiv ISO 100

All Photographed 2/12/22

Olivia

Los Angeles, CA

Finishing a 3 mile hike at Runyon Canyon Trail, I encountered Olivia working a free clothing stand in support of abused women.  Her smile caught my attention and I asked if I could make a portrait.  She was super-friendly and more than happy to oblige.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f4.5 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 400

Photographed 2/12/22