Occasionally you feel the need to do something to break up what you are doing. A sanity break. I know people sit doing repetitive work all day without a fuss. However, when you are expected to perform creatively then keeping fresh is important. If you're looking for your sanity break, get out and do something different. In February 2020, here is what I did, and importantly, what I learnt from my experience.

After a long run of studio time, I felt like I just needed to get out for the day. I did not want the constraints of time, theme, style, or whatever to bother me. I just wanted a day whereby I went where ever it led me. I put a post up on Facebook asking if anyone would be interested in street shoot to see what would happen. I had a few replies. I did not expect many for a mid-week daytime shoot with slightly under 24 hours notice. However, one reply did stick out as it was yep, no problem. We set up a mutual time and place.

Next day we met on time perfectly in the right location. Celeste was a recent arrival from the Prairies to the City. Taking some time to learn her way around and get settled in. We wandered around ducking in and out of different locations to keep warm. Fortunately in Toronto we can use the Path system also to get around the Downtown without going outside. Although it was very cold out, I mentioned it was February, there was no snow on the ground. As Celeste was new to the city, it was refreshing to hear her enthusiasm towards the city. We here all the time about how everyone hates Toronto but it is really not true.

Strikingly, the first thing that I noticed was how different the mood and conversations went. There was no need to discuss plans as we did not have any. The conversation was just a genuine chat without any requirement for mood, style, direction, posing, lighting etc. We were both just going with the flow of the moment. I also realized that despite shooting in so many locations in North America, I really have not shot in Toronto. I can only put this down to separation. When you are working you go and get on with your work where you need to be. When at home, I really do not think to get out in the city and shoot. Not that I am a master at street photography in any shape of form. I guess Celeste gave me the purpose to get out in the city.

Anyways, without going on and on. I enjoyed the experience and mostly enjoyed the opportunity to meet with Celeste. Sadly the pandemic struck and all this was really lost. It was refreshing and I hope that this year this will be possible once more. Here are my take home points. The best method to ensure you end up relaxed and unwind is by considering these things:

• Make sure your schedule lets you forget about looking at your watch. If it doesn't, you'll have trouble getting in the moment.

• Ensure your focus has less to do with the images and more to do with connection so you can enjoy the day.

• Any good camera and lens should let you get some relaxed fun shots. This is important because you need to not be concerned about getting all technical and geeky.

While not necessary, some great bonus features are that you get some good portrait and character shots from the day and make a new friend.

Good luck

ig: @celestenic_