Everybody Needs a Hobby
The mainstream media has a tendency to only provide coverage of popular sports, hobbies and pastimes. There is more to life than mainstream interests. Television has created a world of spectators instead of participants. You know who they are; the armchair quarterback, the sofa hog or PC jockey. Typically full of criticism and self-loathing of any activity that is outside the norm or not televised on TV. Thankfully there are people that are outside the norm and do participate in their own hobbies and interests. Some would call the people that attend FanExpo or Comicon as freaks and weirdos. Look at this from a different angle. They are actively participating in something that they love. This is a far cry from the bench warming activities of the armchair quarterback. In the Gallery you will see people that have a zest for life. We could all learn something from their passion.
A hint for photographers, you might want to hire a FanExpo or Comicon participant as your next model. They already know how to hit the poses.
Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by the Toronto based photographer Peter Watson.
Vintage Classic Event 2014
The vintage motorcycle classic event at Canadian Tire Motorsports park was markedly different than 2013. In 2014 the weatherman threw us a curve ball and delivered some nasty summertime weather. Track conditions and facilities continue to be improved making the race exciting for both racer and spectator. The vintage classic race at Mosport continues to be the premier event of the vintage road racing association of Canada. Nothing comes close to this event as we watch the riders throw themselves into the corners at the former Formula 1 race track.
This year sparked the addition of the F1 class to the race lineup. When you look at the galleries see how many of the F1 bikes that you recognize from yesteryear. They are still as awe inspiring as ever. Pit lane and race team areas continue to be an excellent source of images for street photography. Not to be outdone the canines in attendance did their best to look good for the camera. Have a look at Kira the Wonder dog in the "I Love My Dog" gallery. This is the last race of the season for me and I am already looking forward to next year to get my fix of motorcycle racing. My new tagline for the racing images is "Maximum horsepower, maximum speed and photography at the edge!".
Vintage Road Racing Association
Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, travel, people and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.
SuperBike 2014 Races at Mosport
It was an exciting weekend at Mosport for the double-header superbike races. Jodie Christie captured the Superbike championship with his weekend win. Weather has played a factor in this seasons motorcycle races in Ontario. More pics are available in the Gallery.
Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.
Tudor Sports Car Racing 2014
2014 marked a change in the big race up at Mosport. 2013 marked the end of the IMSA GT era and 2014 was the year that the Tudor sports cars were ushered in. The only differences were updated cars, new prototypes and a name change for the prestige race of the year. The Sports Car Grand Prix race was won by the oddly painted pink and black combination Nissan Morgan prototype. The car was driven by France’s Olivier Pla and Gustavo Yacaman.
This race marked my full time transition to the new Nikon 80-400 G lens. In years previous I had used the Nikon 70-300 and the Nikon 70-200. Although pricey the Nikon 80-400 G lens can certainly deliver on bright sunny days and when it is cloudy with precipitation in the air.
The weekend of racing also featured the Porsche GT3 and Lamborghini classes. This was my first time seeing the Lamborghini's race and awe inspiring.
Race pics can viewed in the Gallery.
Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature, and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.
Up, Up and Away!
A hot air balloon is made up of a large nylon bag or envelope that contains the heated air and a wicker basket which is fastened with wires and ropes. The heated air inside the envelope makes it float or rise since it has a lower density than the external cold air. The hot air inside the balloon is created using a large gas fed burner that is controlled by the balloon pilot. The wicker basket usually holds the pilot and from 1 to 16 passengers.
The hot air balloon is the oldest method of flight that dates back to November 21, 1783, in Paris, France. The first manned flight was piloted by Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and François Laurent d'Arlandes originally constructed by the Montgolfier brothers.
Every year there are festivals in North America that dedicated to the sport of ballooning. Many of these are located a short day trip away from the greater Toronto area. For those lucky enough to secure a passenger ticket on a balloon flight to quite often is the culmination of a dream or desire to fulfill an item on your personal bucket list. For this week’s update we are lucky to have a dual perspective on a balloon flight. The passenger’s viewpoint photographed by Cistrone Photography and the thrill of the balloon chase photographed by WatsonPhotography.ca. You can view all of the images in the Gallery.
To add another tick mark to your bucket list you can purchase your balloon flight here.
Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.
50th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang, manufactured by the Ford Motor Company was based on the platform of the second generation North American Ford Falcon. Introduced early on April 17, 1964, and commonly called the "1964½" model by Mustang fans. The 1965 Mustang was the automaker's most successful launch of vehicles in the 1960’s. The Mustang is synonymous with the "pony car" class of sports-car like coupes with long hoods and short rear decks
An interesting note to the history of the Mustang is that the first serial number was, sold to a Canadian airline pilot.
On April 14, 1964, Stanley Tucker walked into the George Parsons Ford dealership in St. John’s, Newfoundland. The 33 year old pilot made an immediate connection with the white convertible 1964 ½ Mustang. Somehow through persistent customer persuasion the Mustang was sold three days before the actual street date; mandated by Ford. This is how serial number 5F08F100001 ended up in private ownership instead of being shipped to the Ford museum.
A short while later, Ford realized they had a mistake in shipping the first serial number to a dealership. Ford then made an effort to track down the first customer and requested the return of the Mustang. This was subsequently declined by the owner who then went on to enjoy his purchase by putting 10,000 miles on his new purchase. In early 1966, Ford sweetened the offer to the first Mustang owner and offered the up the delivery of the One Millionth Mustang, equipped to his exact specifications.
Today as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mustang you can be assured that serial number 5F08F100001 is now in its final resting place at the Henry Ford Museum.
Soon after the introduction of the Mustang it started to show up at NHRA drag strips where it was entered by privateers and dealer sponsored teams. Ford used the company Holman & Moody to prepare its factory racing campaign by building 10 specially prepared prepare ten 427-powered Mustangs to contest the National Hot Rod Association's Factory Experimental class for the 1965 drag racing season.
Through a collaboration between Ford and Shelby Racing the GT 350 R, a full racing version of the Shelby GT 350, went on to win five of the Sports Car Club of America's six divisions in 1965. Today the Mustang racing spirit is still alive through racing new versions of the car through sanctioned racing events and the vintage Mustangs are still racing at Vintage Road Racing events in the United States and Canada.
You can see more of the vintage racing Mustang’s in the photo Gallery.
To find out more about vintage racing in Canada contact the Vintage Automobile Racing Association of Canada.
Here is another one for your bucket list, Rent a Ford Penske GT Mustand for the day.
Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.
Lancaster Heritage
In 2014 the Canadian War Aircraft museum commemorated one of the most notable of the 419 squadron Lancaster bombers by repainting the colours and markings of "Ropey". The original Lancaster KB772 VR-R bomber nicknamed "Ropey" had an amazing flight service record of 64 operations. "Ropey" was manufactured at Victory Aircraft LTD. of Malton, Ontario in January of 1944. In November 1944 the aircraft was flown to England and delivered to the 419(B) squadron located in Middleton St George, York.
The RCAF Lancaster bombers were known for their colourful paint treatments, with the 419 squadrons having the most heavily painted aircraft. In the case of "Ropey" it's four engine cowlings were painted with an image of the "Flying Tiger" shark mouth with eyes.
Ropey was flown on 33 air combat operations including the squadrons last operation on April 25th 1945 against the enemy defenses on Wangerooge. Flown on that occasion by Flight Lieutenant J E Short. The raid on Wangerooge was intended to knockout the coastal gun batteries on the Frisian Island. This island was of strategic importance as it controlled the approaches to the ports of Bremen and Wilhelmshaven. It was a spectacular air raid that featured 482 aircraft; including 158 Lancaster bombers.
Lancaster KB772 completed flying 64 operations by April 1945, and was then flown back to Pearce, Alberta in September, 1945. After the war it served with the RCAF’s Eastern Air Command operation until May 1947 Later it transitioned to a role in maritime reconnaissance and search and rescue operations. In 1964, it was decommissioned.
For more information about the History of the Lancaster you can watch a full length documentary here. Documentary
Do you want to fly on this legendary aircraft? There are only two remaining Lancaster bombers still flying. A once in a lifetime opportunity that may not be available in a few years time.
Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.
Wangerooge mission photo credit of The National Archives UK.
The Marshall: The Story Behind the Photograph
The Marshall
They said that a few days of rest and relaxation was what I needed. It will heal your spirit and your heart. As I packed my luggage I had lingering doubts that this would cure my ills. Life has a way of wreaking havoc and in my case it was a soul destroying divorce and the death of my beloved companion animal that set me adrift. There were few options left to ponder. I could dive into a deep well of addiction, slowly fade away into the bland melancholy existence as do many Americans or try a Hail Mary pass and try to restart my life.
My life to this point had been a series of conservative choices but this time I decided to go counter-intuitive and go for that unbridled Hail Mary Pass. This was a road trip that was meant to rekindle my passion with life and photography. A small duffel bag with a couple of changes of clothes, an old-fashioned paper map and a camera were all that I needed where I was going.
The turn of the key caused the incessant whine of the starter motor and I breathed a slow breath and the engine of the old Jeep roared to life. A couple of brief stabs of the gas pedal exuded a confident but throaty roar from the engine. It was an inspiring yet confident roar that got me on my way to kick start my life.
The goal was to travel the old parts of Route 66 and to look for a quieter, gentler side of life. A stark contrast to the rough sounds of the city constantly berating your eardrums. As the miles racked up on the speedometer I looked over to the passenger seat and remembered fondly of the days when my trusty dog leaned out the window. Snorting in the smells of life at 60 mph. A dog’s zest for life is unparalleled and somehow he always managed to bring out the best in me. Maybe one day I will be re-united with my beloved friend.
The changing sun indicated it was somewhere past the stroke of two. The temperature had climbed considerably and the temperature gauge in the Jeep had started to panic. Dancing with the upper reaches of the red line caused small wisps of smoke started to appear from the engine hood. I slowly pulled over to the side of the road. Lifting the engine hood let loose billowing clouds of steam that seem to merge together with the heat waves echoing off of the pavement. Things did not appear rosy all of a sudden. A quick glance of the 1980 paper map showed a gas station 2 miles down the road.
As I walked along the road I could see the heat waves shimmering and the tumbleweeds blowing along at a leisurely pace. Sweat had been pouring down my brow and then a jackelope ran out from the side of the road. This brought me back to a stark reality and I pressed on to the gas station.
As I got closer to the gas station I could see the old sign reminiscent of 1950’s advertising. Alas, I spotted the oasis of the gasoline pumps. A quick glance around seemed to indicate that the gas station was deserted. The moving clouds caused a large shadow over the gas pumps. Out of the shadows a large man with a weather-beaten face appeared.
A downcast look was sent my direction and he quoted Ezekiel 25:17 "The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who in the name of charity and good will shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee."
This was my first encounter with the “Marshall”.
The story continues in the State of Wyoming the following year.....
Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.
Vintage Motorcycle Racing
The warm weather is finally in first gear and with it we have the kickoff race of the Vintage Motorcycle Road Racers event at the Shannonville race track. It was an awesome day of racing with some of the racers pushing themselves too hard which resulted in a sidecar falloff and a nasty accident at the end of the straightaway.
Each VRRA race is full of bikes with an excellent racing pedigree. Featured here is the venerable Yamaha TZ250. The TZ250 was produced by Yamaha from 1973 to 1982 and was raced by the legendary racer Kenny Roberts to victory in 1978. In the Shannonvile VRRA round we see a TZ250 being pushed to it's limit.
More coverage of the VRRA races when we see the Mosport round of races. Gallery
Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.
Visiting a Bygone Era
The wail of a siren, clank of the streetcar bell, the lumbering sound of a diesel truck and the whoosh of a bicycle quickly moving by are all sounds we hear constantly in the city. Technology in every day living is always within reach. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a place that is full of technology from the 19th century This is when times were different, life is hard and everybody appreciated the simple pleasures in life. Well sometimes you can back to a different era.
Tucked away in the serene countryside and along the banks of the Indian River lies Lang Pioneer Village. The village features over twenty-five restored and furnished buildings constructed between the years 1825 and 1899. The majority of buildings were located within the County of Peterborough and moved to their present site along the Indian River.
Lang Pioneer Village is a true photographers paradise. Everything is as it was in the 19th century. All of the details are there including farm animals, original rail fences, farm fields, quaint roads and people engaged in village life. Everything you see is authentic from the real lemonade served at the hotel, printing of the village paper, sparks at blacksmith to the carpenter building furniture.
To crown things off there are restorations in progress, derelict artifacts, open fields and nearby attractions to make the trip worthwhile. Next door is the Lang Mill and just down the road is the Hope Saw Mill. This is a day trip that is definitely worth five stars. To find out more about the village visit the web site for Lang Pioneer Village. Visit the photo gallery.
Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.