A photographic journal by Brian Mazur

Upper Canada Village

A friend and I made another visit to Upper Canada Village in May 2017. I've been to the village many times, but this time I wanted to try something a bit different. Instead of taking mainly telephoto shots of details, I challenged myself to shoot with a wide angle lens for the day and specifically to take photos of some of the reenactors (i.e., people). I was inspired to try the wide angle people shots because of a presentation that I attended at the RA Photo Club. The travel photographer who gave that presentation had some quite compelling photographs of people from many cultures taken around the world with a 28 mm focal length lens. I figured, why not give it a try! I'm actually pretty happy with how some of my photos turned out, so you can expect to see some more of this in the future. It's always good to revisit a location, but there's a danger that you'll just take all the same photographs over again. So in these instances I usually set out to try something different - a different type of lens, photographing a different part of the site, etc.

The blacksmith was essential to pioneer life, and a visit to his forge is likewise essential to any photo outing to Upper Canada Village.
The blacksmith was essential to pioneer life, and a visit to his forge is likewise essential to any photo outing to Upper Canada Village.
This shot was taken at the General Store in Upper Canada Village. It was shot handheld in fairly low light.
This shot was taken at the General Store in Upper Canada Village. It was shot handheld in fairly low light.
One of the joys of visiting Upper Canada Village is that the reenactors are all used to being photographed. This one is acting as the shopkeep at the General Store.
One of the joys of visiting Upper Canada Village is that the reenactors are all used to being photographed. This one is acting as the shopkeep at the General Store.
Several homesteads are portrayed at Upper Canada Village. In this case the reenactor is playing the role of a farmer's wife and doing her chores.
Several homesteads are portrayed at Upper Canada Village. In this case the reenactor is playing the role of a farmer's wife and doing her chores.
This photograph required some extra work in post production to balance the bright light on the man's face with the low illumination in the rest of the barn.
This photograph required some extra work in post production to balance the bright light on the man's face with the low illumination in the rest of the barn.
Several of the reenactors at Upper Canada Village have been playing their part for many years, including the shoemaker shown here.
Several of the reenactors at Upper Canada Village have been playing their part for many years, including the shoemaker shown here.
As my friend and I were walking by, my eye was immediately drawn to the unusual shape of this tree.
As my friend and I were walking by, my eye was immediately drawn to the unusual shape of this tree.
This reenactor has been working in the Printing Office for as long as I can remember. She's quite knowledgeable too.
This reenactor has been working in the Printing Office for as long as I can remember. She's quite knowledgeable too.
Even putting aside the photographic opportunities, Upper Canada Village (and similar recreations) offer a facinating glimpse into the past.
Even putting aside the photographic opportunities, Upper Canada Village (and similar recreations) offer a facinating glimpse into the past.
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