People of Pearson: Randy and Spencer

“Our names are Randy and Spencer. We’re father-and-son photographers, adventurers, and storytellers. Together, we have given a chair a voice, one that speaks a universal language of unity, responsibility, and individual power that is being shared with audiences around the world.

“Take Your Seat uses a camera, pen and director's chair to share the human narrative that connects us all to each other, our planet, and our best selves. Our director's chair is a symbol of taking charge. Each of us gets to decide the course of our lives and how we interact with each other and our planet.

“Take Your Seat had the rare privilege of working with Toronto Pearson as the first photographic installations in two of the airport’s security screening areas, which opened in recent years. We were part of an initiative to create a more relaxing, enjoyable experience at the airport. The work shares our chair's continuing journey throughout the world in Terminal 1 and throughout Canada in Terminal 3. 

“We tend to look at scenes quite differently; it's a highly collaborative exercise. Sometimes it's simply the need to have one of us with the chair on a long shot. Other times, it can get quite technical. Being able to bounce ideas off each other always results in a better photograph.

“We've collaborated on what may be Canada's largest photographic installation. 15 images, each 12x30 feet, will showcase Toronto and our chair as we share our incredible city from a unique perspective. Our chair serves as an invitation. With open arms, it welcomes residents returning home as well as visitors and new Canadians. Our hope is that the warmth and variety of the images will inspire travellers to literally take their seat throughout this amazing city and its surrounding areas.

“We have been fortunate to work with Canada to create a series of expeditions that share our country alongside countries like Morocco, Thailand, Japan, Türkiye, and Korea. As proud Canadians, having the chance to share our home country while showing connections to seemingly disparate nations has been very memorable. Indigo has just published and distributed our first book nationwide. “Take Your Seat” [https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/take-your-seat/9781552674802-item.html] tells the story of our chair through 14 countries; it’s our newest opportunity to showcase Canada on a global stage.

“It's always a joy to see how people respond to our chair. Kids to seniors all over the world have the same emotional reaction. At first, they wonder why a director's chair is in every photograph. It compels them to ask. We then have an opening to start a conversation. Connecting with our audiences reminds us of why we started this project in the first place. We all want to be loved, to be respected, to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Take Your Seat inspires that unifying awareness.”

- Randy and Spencer, Photographers, Take Your Seat
 

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