Since the launch of our new "Photographer of the Week” feature, we have primarily focused on some very artistic contributors, as well as their influences and photographic backgrounds. While a good portion of the photographers posting on UrbanToronto focus on moody skyline shots or monochrome streetscapes, the bulk of our photographic contributions take the form of construction updates and photos highlighting architectural features of recently completed buildings. Since journalism-style photography stands as one of the most integral elements in keeping our Forum rich in information, we decided to show our appreciation by selecting Forum contributor Zach Balbino as this week’s UrbanToronto Photographer of the Week.

Market Wharf with the under-construction L Tower on the left, image by Zach Balbino

Since working as a co-op student at heavyweight architecture firm architectsAlliance last Summer, Zach has become fond of photographing the details of both completed and under-construction projects all across the GTA, posting them to our Forum since September of last year.

Shangri-La obscured by fog, image by Zach Balbino

A high school student currently studying to become an architect, Zach has always had a passion for architecture, which like so many of us, was fostered by the ongoing development boom. Using photography as an outlet, Zach is working to better his understanding of structures in their context as well as to learn how these buildings are constructed.

Theatre Park under construction, image by Zach Balbino

While many photographers in the City Photos & Videos section of the Forum use high end DSLR or pro-sumer level mirorrless cameras, coupled with plenty of editing, many of the valuable photo updates found in the popular Projects & Construction sections are shot on point-and-shoot cameras, as well as increasingly capable smartphones and tablets. Zach’s photos are taken using either his Canon PowerShot or his Samsung Galaxy Note II.

Absolute World in Mississauga, image by Zach Balbino

We will return next week to feature another photographer from our Forum. Think you've got what it takes? Grab a camera or mobile device and get to work, then post your content in the Forum, and you just may find yourself featured in next week’s article!  

Related Companies:  architects—Alliance, Baker Real Estate Incorporated, Bluescape Construction Management, Castlepoint Numa, CCxA, Hariri Pontarini Architects, II BY IV DESIGN, Jablonsky, Ast and Partners, L.A. Inc., Milborne Group, NAK Design Group, Quest Window Systems, Rebar Enterprises Inc