Jeff Isy’s art may be breathtaking but it’s also dangerous.
He has made a name for himself in the city as an “ice topping” photographer who captures moments on top of Lake Ontario’s frozen waters.
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He admits it’s dangerous but says he takes steps to make sure it’s safe before taking photos.
“I’ll always be the first to step onto the ice before bringing my models on top of it and putting them in danger,” said Isy, who has over 8,000 followers on Instagram.
Isy has been practicing his craft for about a year.
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Despite the cold, when it comes to Lake Ontario, no ice is safe ice, according to the Toronto Police Marine Unit.
“You can look out there and see open water. When you see open water like that, there’s something deteriorating the ice, causing the ice to be like that so that should be a warning sign right away,” said Constable Richard Baker.
A layer of snow can also conceal hazards.
“Snow will heat up and it will insulate the ice and the ice will begin to break down underneath it,” said Baker.
“I’m pretty fearless when it comes to stuff like this,” said Jade, a young model who braved the cold and precarious ice to pose for photos for Isy Wednesday afternoon. “I obviously see the concern. But if I want to step out onto the ice and take my chances, then I’m probably going to do it.”
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The art of “ice topping” seems to be growing in popularity. Since January Isy has done two photo shoots from Toronto Island, four to five shoots from Poslon Pier, and around five from Cherry Beach.
Police say the closer we move toward spring, the more hazardous the conditions become as ice retreats and becomes thinner.
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