Category Archives: 2017

Cranes in the City

Panoramic

The landscape of downtown Toronto is changing at a rapid pace. For the past few years, (and many more years to come), a significant contribution to this growing change has been the presence of high rise cranes. They are building some of the tallest structures the city has ever seen. If you are in the core you can see one almost anywhere you look. As a Toronto native, watching the city transform before my eyes, I was inspired to talk to the people who build these incredible towers; specifically, high rise crane operators and concrete workers. With interviews of company officials that provide insight on the monumental construction process itself, I wanted to capture the stories of the people who create this extraordinary work, through photos and videos. 

I will be displaying the results in a photography exhibition with some breath-taking views of the city of Toronto, from the vantage point of a crane operator. An opening reception will take place on Thursday, November 9th, 2017 from 6 to 9pm. The pop-up gallery will be open to the public through November 11th. The pop-up will feature a unique collection of large-scale prints on various formats. The goal is to help guests appreciate the scope of this work and to experience the views in a large format, as close as possible to real life. The photos and video installations will present an interactive curatorial component in the exhibition room. To attend please contact me at info@tonycicero.com.

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Tower Automotive Building – One of Toronto’s first skyscrapers

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The fascination for me was the new views of the city from vantage points previously unattainable, unless you were a bird or in a helicopter. So up the ladder I climbed…

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Top of the Concert Tower 88 Scott 669ft – 204m

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One foot over the edge at 700 feet!

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George Petrantonakis and Craig Gibson of Local 793 at the Concert Tower at 88 Scott were my first subjects.

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Crane Operator George Petrantonakis

Craig Gibson - Crane Operator

Crane Operator Craig Gibson

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Here is a live video from the top:

 

Here are some more photos from the top:

 

Faema Caffé Trucillo Latte Event

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Faema Canada held a training seminar last week for their commercial clients and potential new ones. In collaboration with Caffé Trucillo, the seminar provided proper brewing techniques and a chance to learn some fancy latte art.

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1926 Ford Model T Coupe

Faema’s state of the art showroom headquarters, located at the corner of Dupont and Christie in downtown Toronto, was originally built as the former Ford Motor Company of Canada factory. It too was a showroom for great machines of the time. Now it features some of the greatest espresso machines of our time, many of which can be viewed and sampled with some exclusively imported beans and ground coffees.

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Elektra Mini Vertical A1 Coffee Machine

The family company was founded over fifty years ago by Lorenzo Michele (Mike) Di Donato when he immigrated to Toronto. His idea was to introduce the real Italian food and espresso culture here in Canada. Soon after importing his first machine, great espresso was available in restaurants and homes across the country.

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Latte artist/barista Elliott Boylin (@boylinlatteart) teaching how to make drinkable art.

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The Faema facility also includes the Pizza Studio Canada which provides services for restaurant planning, consulting, training and special events. This is where Pasquale Ponticiello will provide you with all that it takes to making a real Neapolitan pizza.

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Pasquale Ponticello of Pizza Studio Canada

More photos from the event:

 

Evan Biddell – The 81 Pound Challenge

L-R Stacey McKenzie, Evan Biddell, Josh Mario John

Stacey McKenzie, Evan Biddell, Josh Mario John

Earlier this month I was shooting at Toronto Women’s Fashion Week part of Eco Fashion Week. The Evan Biddell show was one that I thought sent the strongest message for fashion today. He was asked to take part in the Value Village 81LB Challenge. This is the amount the average person discards in textiles every year. Using eighty one pounds of unsold merchandise, Evan really shows that good fashion is never out of style. Here is some of his work:

Stacey McKenzie

Stacey McKenzie

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Canouan: A Hidden Caribbean Treasure

Bay of Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Grand Bay – Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

My first week of 2017 started off in the Caribbean. I was hired to photograph a friend’s wedding on the tiny island of Mayreau, part of the beautiful island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

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Salt Whistle Bay – Mayreau, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Traffic Officer - Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Starting on the mainland, in the capital city Kingstown, I jumped on a flamboyantly painted public bus. This a fun way to see the vibrant and bustling city like a local. Plus, they all have incredible sounds systems blasting the best island tunes!

Bus stop - Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Bus stop – Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Buses loading passengers - Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Buses – Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Camillia Bus - Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Salassie Bus - Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Dimez Bus - Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Bus - Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Fisherman - Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Fisherman – Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Fish Market - Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Fish Market – Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Making my way over to the tiny island of Canouan, I discovered a true island paradise. Known for its remote beaches and authentic island life, it is also a favoured place for sailing and yachting.

Grand Bay - Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Grand Bay - Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Grand Bay – Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S/V Mandalay - Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S/V Mandalay – Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Canouan, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Here are some more photos of the island:

 

There are a few resorts on the island including the Tamarind Beach Hotel and the newly finished Glossy Bay Marina. Each with hospitality that matches the spectacular surroundings for an truly luxurious experience.

Tamarind Beach Hotel - Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Tamarind Beach Hotel – Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Tamarind Beach Hotel - Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Here are some more photos of Tamarind Beach Hotel:

 

Glossy Bay Marina beach - Glossy Bay Canouan, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Glossy Bay Marina beach – Glossy Bay Canouan, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Glossy Bay Marina pool - Glossy Bay Canouan, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Glossy Bay Marina pool – Glossy Bay Canouan, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Here are some more photos of the Glossy Bay Marina:

 

After spending a week island hopping this region, I can see why the pirates did not want to leave this area!

Carnash Bay - Mayreau, St Vincent and the Grenadines

Salt Whistle Bay – Mayreau, St Vincent and the Grenadines

Grand Bay Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Carenage Bay – Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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