Editor's Choice - Pictures of the Day - Rooftopping in Toronto - January 30, 2012

@wgpix

Terrifyingly high above the streets of Toronto, Tom Ryaboi peers out at the city in front of him.  Dangerous and daring, the growing craze of 'Rooftopping' photography takes place hundreds of feet above the streets. A dedicated few 'Rooftoppers' are determined to climb to the top of every skyscraper roof in their city, hang off the edge and photograph the evidence as proof. Avoiding security, CCTV and risking their lives on top of the windy ledges up to almost 1000 feet high. One of the most notable exponents of this growing movement is Toronto resident Tom Ryaboi, 27, who has climbed over 100 buildings and produced some of the most stunning examples of Rooftopping to date.     

 

 

Yorkville, Toronto. Ryaboi was sitting and talking with a fellow rooftopper when he turned around and snapped this.

Tom Ryaboi/Barcroft Media /Landov

Tom Ryaboi/Barcroft Media /Landov

Yonge Street, Toronto. A rooftopper lines up a view with his camera. In the distance below is Yonge Street looking north from Dundas.

Tom Ryaboi/Barcroft Media /Landov

First Canadian Place (or the BMO Building), Toronto. “Probably the least dangerous ... I was looking for a foreground subject and that (blue) line was just leading into the city beautifully.”

Tom Ryaboi/Barcroft Media /Landov

University and Adelaide, Toronto. “For this one I had to do a lot of stair climbing. Then keeping the person still for, I think it was 20 seconds, was really difficult.”

Tom Ryaboi/Barcroft Media /Landov

Financial District, KPMG building, Toronto. “My scariest moment happened just after I took this shot ... There was a moment when I thought, ‘This is it, I'm not going to survive.'”

Tom Ryaboi/Barcroft Media /Landov

Tom Ryaboi/Barcroft Media /Landov

Tom Ryaboi/Barcroft Media /Landov

A fellow rooftopper scales an open structure.

Tom Ryaboi/Barcroft Media /Landov

Tom Ryaboi/Barcroft Media /Landov

Tom Ryaboi/Barcroft Media /Landov

Comments

[Noels*]

One minute you are a "roof-topper" the next minute you are a "tradgic accident." The star will certainly post both stories about you! I hope your body doesn't land on me or anyone I care about...

[Pete G]

The seventh photo: surely that's not in Toronto, is it?

[J]

It just seems like an unnecessary risk for thrills, these photos are not that spectacular.

[MC]

These pictures are beautiful but even just looking at them makes my stomach nervous.
I wish these skilled photographers would tie themselves off though, it would be a shame to lose such talent.

[Laura]

These pictures are amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[Steve Parson]

Where is the 7th image down located? The one with the pillars and the girl standing on the edge. I've seen it but can't place it

[Laurin]

Can I please have my stomach back now...

[Jonathan]

How did you get permission to get up there? I'm a photographer as well and (maybe this is because I'm too much of a 'rules' person) there is NO way security/building supervisors would let you do that. If you end up hurt or dead it's going to be on their watch and the last thing they want is to get sued.

[Elizabeth]

Seventh photo - Chicago! Trump hotel?

[Nick Dees]

I am also dying to know where that picture was taken that everybody is commenting on. I believe the 7th picture down. The older structure looks like the St Lawrence market, but I cant for the life of me figure out what that new building with the spire is. If anybody can shed some light on this mystery please do. My only other guess is the Trump Tower in Chicago. Any other guesses.

[ChrisFizik]

Yep -- 7th one down is definitely Chicago. Trump building. And reminds of 'Transformers'. haha

[Charlie Self]

I'd get on any of those spots--with a safety belt designed to hold at least a ton!

Some great shots there, though.

[Gus Dalling]

Tends to tip off the killjoy authorities if you turn up to an office reception with a rucksack full of safety equipment I'd expect! Awesome photos though!

[O J Smith]

Idiots!!

[Heather (Baird) Logan]

Thank you for sharing my favourite City through your eyes. You have given us a perspective that I would never have the guts nor opportunity to risk to see these incredible works of Art.