The 2011 High Park cherry blossoms were in full bloom this morning, but the real show was the sheer volume of photographers who came out to shoot them. Droves of professionals and amateurs alike descended upon the park sporting every camera type under the sun — from digital to film, DSLR's to point and shoots, from tablets to camera phones, even people with Nintendo ds' couldn't pass up the chance at shooting the cherry blossoms. By 9 a.m. Sunday morning, there were more than 200 people at the park snapping away.

Standing back and watching it all take place, I couldn't help but wonder what the profound fascination with these blossoms was. Were people really so enthralled by a few flowers, or was there something more going on here? Maybe more than the flowers themselves, this event provides the visual confirmation that we so desperately need that the long Toronto winter is really over and that spring is finally here.

Photographers storm the park

The requisite photog-free shots

Previous years:

• 2010
• 2009
• 2008
• 2007

Writing and photography by Tom Ryaboi.