Professional Photographer

Ajax Downs releases 2013 calendar

DR Photos — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:20:04 +0000

The New Year has been a rough start for the horse racing industry in Ontario. With severe changes made to the industry by the Ontario Government race tracks have had to resort to some very creative ways to stay in business. Funding from a reserve fund is allowing Ajax Downs to continue a long standing tradition in Ajax. Since 1969 Picov's Downs (now Ajax Downs) has been racing in the Durham Region. With these new changes residents will continue to enjoy the unique experience of thoroughbred racing.

Ajax Downs Changes Race Days

With change comes more change. With the reduced number of races Ajax Downs has all but dropped Sunday races. For 2013 there are 2 Sundays scheduled in the calendar. How will this impact the community’s awareness and attendance? Only time will tell. Personally I enjoy the energy one gets at the track. Expecting the unexpected is the norm for me at the track and if I'm lucky captured in camera, as seen in my Ajax Downs photos. This year is all about change for both the industry and audience.

Ajax Downs Scheduled Races

Download Ajax Downs 2013 Calendar

Ajax Downs Gate

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Highlights from the 2012 Royal Horse Show

DR Photos — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 17:03:53 +0000

Another great night at The Royal Horse Show! Watching greats like Ian Millar and Yann do their thing at the Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championships. The evening was filled with excitement and even a bit of mystery. An unexpected fire alarm slowed things down for 20 minutes or so. Once the alarm was reset things kicked in to high gear. There was a sense of urgency to get on with things and boy did they do that. Hats off to the organisers at the Royal Winter Fair for keeping things on track and action packed.

Photos from the Greenhawk Canadian Show Jumping Championships

Ian Millar

Ian Millar winning at the The Royal Horse Show at this years Royal Winter Fair

Yann Candele

Yann Candele winning at the The Royal Horse Show at this years Royal Winter Fair

Yann Candele takes the Greenhawk jump instride at the Royal Horse Show

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New photos from the Royal Winter Fair

DR Photos — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 23:11:06 +0000

Ontario Toyota Dealers Royal Rodeo Saddle Bronc RidingOne of the most dynamic and jaw breaking events in this years Royal Winter Fair has to be the Rodeo. This event showcases Saddle Bronc riding, Barrel Racing, Bareback Riding and the intense Bull Riding. The unpredictability of these events brings a heightened level of energy. Everyone in the building, even Amber Marshall, was focused on the ring.

Photos taken at the Royal Winter Fair Rodeo

This new set of photographs were taken at this years Ontario Toyota Dealers Royal Rodeo. Take a look at the Bronc coming down on the rider. Yea he was hurt but walked away by the end of the day.

For more photos check us out on Facebook for the latest releases.

Amber Marshall and Ross Millar at the Royal Winter Fair Ontario Toyota Dealers Royal Rodeo Saddle Bronc Riding

Ontario Toyota Dealers Royal Rodeo Bull Riding

Ontario Toyota Dealers Royal Saddle Bronc Riding

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Amber Marshall arrives at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto

DR Photos — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 03:22:21 +0000

Amber Marshall from the CBC TV show Heartland makes her third appearance at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. The Royal, as it's called locally, is celebrating it's ninetieth year.

Amber Marshall MC for the Ontario Toyota Dealers Rodeo

An exciting and very unpredictable event the Rodeo offers spectators nothing less than full on action. This year's event also had Amber on the run quite a few times. During a number of the events Amber Marshall seemed to be the focus of the Bulls and Saddle Bronc's.

Ontario Toyota Dealers Rodeo Bull Riding at The Royal Winter Fair

Amber Marshall at this years Royal Winter Fair

Amber Marshall getting ready for the Ontario Toyota Dealers Rodeo at the Royal Winter Fair

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Johnny Depp pleases fans on the red carpet

DR Photos — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 13:04:54 +0000

Johnny Depp send fans crazy as he takes time to sign autographs on the red carpet.

Johnny Depp Premiere

During the premiere of West of Memphis Johnny Depp takes the time to sign autographs down the red carpet. After spending a little time with the media Johnny, after cries from his fans, starts from the beginning again and sees all his fans. Depp hasn't been at the Toronto International Film Festival in some time. This opportunity wasn't lost on adoring fans as they push forward to get a glimpse and hopefully an autograph.

Signing autographs Johnny Depp drops a smile for his fans.

Johnny Depp on the red carpet

See all the red carpet photos of Johnny Depp in our gallery.

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Johnny Depp at premiere West Memphis TIFF Toronto

DR Photos — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 21:27:16 +0000

Johnny Depp swings to the side and signs autographs for his fans!

Crowds wait in the rain in Toronto and the Toronto International Film Festival for the premiere of West Memphis.

Photo of Johnny Depp in Toronto and the premiere of West Memphis

Johnny Depp West Memphis premiere TIFF Toronto

More photos to come from this rare apperance at the TIFF in Toronto.

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Jockey Jeff MacLaren pulls off a win in the 8th with Heza Quick Six

DR Photos — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:15:06 +0000

Another hot summer's day at the race track proves to be a great one. Both horses and jockeys at Ajax Downs put on a show on this hot summer’s day. Just East of Toronto the old Picovs Downs track was converted a few years back and is now called Ajax Downs. Sunday and Tuesday race times in early afternoon make for a full day of excitement.

Jockey Jeff MacLaren drops his crop and wins the race!

In the 8th race at Ajax Downs this photo captured yards from the gates show jockey Jeff MacLaren dropping his crop. It seems nothing slows him down as he continues to push through and win the 8th race riding Heza Quick Six. This photo taken with the Canon 1 DX (see sample photos from the Canon 1 DX in our gallery) is a great sample picture that illustrates the speed and accuracy of this workhorse.

Ajax Downs Jeff MacLaren Heza Quick-Six

Race results for the 8th at Ajax Downs

Heza Quick Six – Jeff MacLaren
Streakon Sandy – Cory Spataro
Runin for the Bar – Chelsey Willick

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Hibiscus Promotions dancing up a storm in Ajax captured by the Canon 1 DX

DR Photos — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 18:20:12 +0000

Dancing sample image - Canon 1 DX

How do you get a crowd of horse racing enthusiasts to take their eyes off the race?

You hire Hibiscus Promotions and let them do their thing. A recent “Family Day” held at Ajax Downs just east of Toronto Ontario showcased the talents of this Caribbean entertainment company. Delivering a unique combination of dance and music Hibiscus brought life and excitement to the party. Not only did they deliver a fantastic show they brought the show to the crowd. Bringing the crowd in to the action these dancers high energy was easily transferable to children and adults alike.

Capturing the energy and movement of Caribbean dancing with the Canon 1 DX

Many cameras fall short when shooting live event dancing. One of the biggest issues you face when taking pictures at a live event is lighting. As the dancers move around and ‘work the crowd’ lighting quickly changes. The Canon 1 DX easily kept up with the speed of the dancers and did an amazing job with metering the whole scene. Focusing was also a snap with the 61 AF points and quick selection of groups and spots.

For more samples images of the Canon 1 DX check out our gallery.

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Sample images of a NHL players highlight the quality of the Canon 1 DX

DR Photos — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 17:12:57 +0000

This year’s annual Family Day at Ajax Downs was a big success. A picture perfect day, big crowds and exciting entertainment added to the always exciting Quarter Horse Racing. Held on Sunday August the 19th just east of Toronto Ontario this free community event was held in support of the “Image is Everything” campaign for the Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering hospitals.

Hockey legends Wendel Clark and Darryl Sittler

Wendel Clark Toronto Maple Leafs sample photo (image) using the Canon 1 DX

Darryl Sittler Toronto Maple Leafs sample photo (image) using the Canon 1 DX

At the event hockey legends Wendel Clark and Darryl Sittler both formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs were on hand for autograph signing. Throughout the day both players were available for photo ops and signing as well as auctioning off two signed jersey’s.

Photos taken with the Canon 1 DX of both players can be viewed in our Canon 1 DX photos gallery.

Sports photography with the Canon 1 DX

Although these hockey players weren’t on ice the quality of the Canon 1 DX is clearly seen in these sample photos. This camera is a workhorse, no pun intended, and showed its power in sports photography. During the day’s events Quarter Horse racing showed just how quick the 1 DX is at capturing fast acting sports. Horse racing is over in a matter of seconds and less than two seconds near the finish line. Capturing the power of this sport at that moment is extremely tough. The Canon 1 DX was amazing for capturing this sport.

More sample photos and images taken with the Canon 1 DX can be seen in my Flickr set

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Canon 1 DX sample photos

DR Photos — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:15:57 +0000

The new Canon 1 DX has finally arrived. It seems those not shooting at the London 2012 Olympics had to wait until the big event was over before getting their hands on the long awaited Canon 1 DX. Luckily I’ve been able to take one for a quick test drive and have some sample photos.

Sample photos from the Canon 1 DX

Instead of showing you how I unpacked the camera, what cute little manuals it comes with and the careful packing done I’ve decided to post some photos. After all we really want to see sample photos of the Canon 1 DX and not more photos of cardboard boxes.

With little to no time to figure things out i shot a bunch of pictures to see how this machine works right out of the box. My first impressions were WOW. A highly technical term used to describe something you have no clue where to start with. The fit, feel, sound, and of course image quality is simply amazing. Now I know lots of people want to compare the Canon 1 DX with the Nikon D4 but I won't. I simply don't care. If you have Nikon glass you're going to stick with Nikon bodies and the same for Canon shooters. So why bother picking each other apart? They're both excellent cameras.

Shooting sports photography is always a challenge. The lighting, timing, position etc… are all major obstacles you have to overcome before you even think about taking a picture. So where better to start than with fast moving Quarter Horse race?

I lucked out that close by there was a Family Day at the local horse racing track, Ajax Downs. Not only would I get to take pictures with the Canon 1 DX and show off its speed capabilities I'd also get to shoot an event. During the day there were former Toronto Maple Leaf hockey legends Wendel Clark and Darryl Sittler as well calypso dancers and steel drum musicians. It was a perfect day to test drive Canon's flagship camera the Canon 1 DX.

You can see the first bunch of pictures I shoot in the Canon 1 DX photo gallery, enjoy!

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