I'm planning on shooting from the north end of the beach on Toronto Island. So if anybody wants to mug me for my gear, or throw mudballs at me, weather permitting, that's where I'll be on Saturday, September 4th, from 12:30 to 4:30. If the weather sucks, I'm not going, but it's been great for the past three years straight.
I shot from the beach in 2008 and it was very pleasant. It was sunny and hot, yet the beach was practically empty. I brought a chair, but spent most of my time standing up to my knees in the cool water of Lake Ontario, enjoying the sandy bottom. The beach is near the end of the show's flight path, and next to the island airport, from which some of the planes take off & land. The sun is to the left, so you aren't putting in a day of contre-jour, though some planes loop around and give the opportunity. There are also opportunities for unique views including the Snowbirds looping around the CN Tower and many planes with the CNE buildings.
In 2009 I met up with some other DPCers on the Exhibition grounds. (see this thread). The views are closest from the CNE itself, but you're shooting into the sun, which will sap you of strength, energy, and eyesight, while burning your face. It is also very crowded there, and one of the DPCers was involved in a heck of a fist-fight over territory. I won't mention names, but it rhymes with a popular Indian food.
Traffic and parking are generally insane, so I will likely take the GO Train in, but am tempted to drive so I can revisit the Awesome Parking Spot. The only crowd to deal with is at the ferry to the island, but that's brief, then I think they all go to the nude beach at the south end. That's also an option if you enjoy shooting in the nude.
No need to "sign up" or anything, but it would be cool to know if anybody is going to be there as well. Just so you know, if you do show up, I will be signing autographs, and it's a $5 charge to have your photo taken with me.
Yeah.. that's just north of the Hanlan's Point (aka nude) beach. Good spot. The water is beautiful there too... way clearer than on the north side of the island.
Bump for tomorrow. The weather may not totally suck. I'm still playing it by ear and will go or not depending on what I see coming toward us on the satellite tomorrow morning. Though thunder clouds as a background would be neat.
12pm 19°C Cloudy with sunny breaks
1pm 19°C Cloudy with sunny breaks
2pm 19°C Cloudy with sunny breaks
3pm 18°C Variable cloudiness
4pm 18°C Variable cloudiness
5pm 17°C Isolated showers
