Up Sides Down and turned 180, Reflection on theme 24 of 52

If you look at a “How To” book for photography amongst the discussions of aperture speed and light, etc., there is usually the recommendation for the photographer to change their perspective. Maybe it means holding the camera low to the ground and shooting up at a statue. Maybe you find a balcony and shoot down at tables and chairs on a patio. Is there an angle of a building that people usually don’t see, or a time of day where the light hits a detail that seems to change the object that makes it come to life?

This can be said for cities as well, and the challenges that we have with making them vibrant places. This week YKNOT, an organization focused on young professional retention, and WETechAlliance took this strategy, flipping Windsor on its head through the #Windsor180 summit and week of activities. I thought we could join in the excitement and take upside down photographs. Here is the description:

It is an exciting time to be in Windsor – Essex. You get the feeling that things are changing, that there is some reinvention happening. This is exemplified this week by Windsor 180, a week long conversation that seeks to turn Windsor “on its head”; to promote the area in terms of new technology, knowledge, and skills, to bring the changemakers here. It also provides us with an excuse to take upside down shots and still be part of something exciting. I would also encourage you to attend the events, and of course, bring your camera with you.

I attended the summit and enjoyed the creativity and energy of the people who ran it, the presenters, and my fellow participants. You can check out the follow-up on the following sites:

YKNOT
Windsor 180 
WEtech Alliance

What did we #52weeksofWE challengers flip upside down this week? Carnival rides and streetscapes, market fruit and the Renaissance Center. My personal favourite is Paul’s Written on Clouds that captures the monumental names and the reflection of the Spitfires in Jackson Park.

 "Written On Clouds, Windsor, ON" by Paul Thibodeau

 "Taking the Plunge" by Steve Biro

"Bizarro World!" by Steve Biro

"Upside Down" by Lupita Amaya G.

"Riverfront Festival Plaza, Summer Festival, Carnival in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, lots of entertainment for the families, with games, music, food and getting ready for Fireworks next week."

My contribution was “Re-entry,” an upside down shot of the art installation in front of the Capitol Theatre. I also flipped my complimentary #Windsor180 mug in Sandwich Town and then right side up in my digital darkroom.

 "Re-entry" by Patrick Firth

"The Mug Righted" by Patrick Firth

For those concerned whether or not I would leave the #52weeksofWE hashtag in a prominent spot during the summit, let your fears be put to rest. It is done.

Enjoy next week where we don’t celebrate any particular event or organization in general. Rather we are simply enjoying red things. As always, check out more photos on Flickr, as well as updates on Facebook and Twitter.