Evening on Beaver Lake

A crisp winter night, the cutting sounds of skate blades, long shadows on the ice, and the hum of the evening crowd.  On this night, it occurred to me how I had forgotten the pleasure in this experience shared by so many of us, and so deeply ingrained in our culture.  It reminded me of evening skates with friends, capped with hot chocolate and conversation of the future.
  
Ottawa, Canada 12.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 15mm | ISO 2500 | shutter 1/15 | f 4.5

Before the Skate

Visiting Beaver Lake atop Mount Royal, brought back memories from years back.  Visitors of all ages from all walks - skating, skiing, sliding.  The trek up the mountain to the evening skate, in the crisp Montreal winter air, was an escape from studies in simpler times.
  
Ottawa, Canada 12.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 2500 | shutter 1/15 | f 4.5

Almost There

As many of you know, our Nemo is a rescue pup.  Like a Russian doll, every week of every month over the past year has opened more of Nemo to the world around him.  The Holidays have been a tough time for him - the tree, the activity, the change in routine.  But when outdoors, we see how far he has come, almost there, and you would struggle to find a happier dog.  All are his friend, and his running free through the woods is a joy to see.  So glad to have him with us.
  
Ottawa, Canada 12.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 73mm | ISO 500 | shutter 1/800 | f 4.5

The Pianist

With the hum of the guests in the background, he sneaks away for a few moments on the piano.  A little Jazz sprinkled with the Blues.  Slowing drawing an audience, they silently take in the moment and admiring the talent and skill developed over the many years.
  
Ottawa, Canada 12.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 60mm | ISO 3200 | shutter 1/125 | f 2.8

Sweets

Traditional family Christmas Eve dinner topped off with homemade desserts - bringing together the standards and some new touches from C's masterful hands.  Young and old sharing conversation and special time.  A favorite time of year.
  
Ottawa, Canada 12.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 24mm | ISO 3200 | shutter 1/125 | f 2.8

Missing Roma

Going back to the archives - This image captures one of my favorite moments in time.  As we walked the alleyways on a warm Roman August night, we came across this courtyard in front of the Pantheon.  I remember the pleasure of hearing the low hum of diners enjoying great food and wine, and doing what people do best in Rome - loving life.  How to get this feeling everyday?
 
Rome, Italy 08.2008

ShotSpecs: Nikon Coolpix S10 | focal 8mm | ISO 800 | shutter 1/5 | f 3.1

Morning Glitter

One of the best things about freezing rain storms, are the days following.  Tree branches converted to hanging crystals, glittering in a morning sunshine.  This scene made the morning windshield scraping almost worthwhile.
 
Ottawa, Canada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 17mm | ISO 400 | shutter 1/100 | f 7.1

P2

A common site at the end of a long day - the trek to my chariot's stable on the second level.  The sun low in the sky, casting strong shadows and warming the stairway, a quiet walk, collecting thoughts after what felt like an endless series of back to back meetings.  In an attempt to stay true to a personal goal to shoot images everyday, this sight stopped me long enough to reach for my camera and capture the moment. 
 
Ottawa, Canada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 17mm | ISO 400 | shutter 1/100 | f 7.1

Ink Joint

This old school tattoo joint stood out for obvious reasons.  Along a back street, with hot rods in the yard, and an unapologetic neon green exterior - this place was cool.  Did not get the dragon tattoo on this visit, but was thinking about it...really thinking about it.
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/200 | f 8.0

Kaleidoscope

Out to experiment with low light photography, I made my way to this newly opened Arts Center.  The facade was formed by a collection of colored glass panels, that glowed with the back lighting from within the facility.  A sparkling gem, the chromatic reflections, partnered wonderfully by the silence of that night, were very comfortable.
 
Ottawa, Canada 06.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 76mm | ISO 1250 | shutter 6.0 | f 22.0

Expressway

Crossing the overpass, the natural attraction to capture the movement of the expressway was irresistible.  Fortunately, my partner in crime on that evening, once again found the opening, where we could take advantage of an extended exposure without the fence obstructing the shot.  I found this scene enchanting - the vibrancy of the city lights and cars, against a calm desert sky and distant mountain range.
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 22mm | ISO 400 | shutter 1.3 | f 20.0

Burrito Factory

 

Mark's comments summed it up - "If this place was open, I'd be all over it.  My kinda place."  A little rest spot, out of the way, and was all business.  You just knew that the tamales would make your mouth water, the burritos would be the size of your forearm, and their sauces hot enough to take the paint off a battle ship.  Just right.
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/60 | f 4.5

Hooka Cafe

In a rundown part of town, we crossed this interesting little building with an ornate wooden facade, gold accents, and vibrant colors.  The Maharaia Hookah Cafe, stood out from its neighbors, with a unique look and offering for the area.  The combination of the rich colors and materials, while out of place, were wonderful for the senses.
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/40 | f 4.0

Orchard

That time of year again.  On my way home after running about, and the rows of rickety apple trees, bare of their crop, are a thing of awkward beauty.  The crevasses along their trunks, the twists and turns of each branch, are all filled with character, highlighted by the hard light of the afternoon sun.  While they may look a horror, the real beauty comes from their character and from the wonderful harvest they provide for others to enjoy.
 
Ottawa, Canada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 30mm | ISO 400 | shutter 1/400 | f 16.0

Delayed

A usual scene for road warriors - weary travels staring at flight status, fingers crossed.  While I am critical from time to time on air travellers today, I do still find the experience in airports stimulating.  For a people watcher, it is an incredible cross section of subjects.  On a recent flight, I heard the tails of an American lad, visiting his Canadian bride (met over the internet), and the challenges he has had finding work as an engineer, and how "the man" is a drag.  This delicious story capped with a youth growing up with the Hells Angels biker culture in the "hoods" of LA ... regardless of how much truth was in the story, it was interesting.

Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/25 | f 8.0

Overpass

Drawn by the distant Red Rock mountain range, we started across this overpass.  If arching protective fence along a winding roadway became in interesting subject before the imminent sunset.  The capturing of colors, lines, perspective and motion made this one appealing to my eye.  Sometimes the simple things do the trick.
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 1000 | shutter 1/15 | f 20.0

Wheels

Shooting street scenes, caught this fellow outside the Harley store.  The HOG culture is all about the freedom of the open road.  The contrast of this gentleman's situation against the ultimate icon of the Live to Ride, Ride to Live philosophy was dramatic.  Counting blessings.
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 50mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/160 | f 4.5

Aria

For all its oddities, Las Vegas has some breathtaking sights.  This collection of buildings surround a courtyard area, baked by the Aria Resort and Casino.  While some may disagree, these are visionaries in the Hospitality industry, building out memorable architecture that demand you stop and pay attention.  I am fan of glass and steel when put together "just right".
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 2500 | shutter 1/10 | f 3.5

C52

Last leg back to Ottawa, hustled over to Terminal 1 Gate C52 to the delayed flight.  On the moving walk way, the lines and perspective were quite cool as they drew into the distant boarding area.  If you are wondering what looks a little off in the image - it's that there are few people - which I guess is the case at that late hour.  It did help with the pic though.
 
Chicago, Illinois 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 400 | shutter 1/15 | f 3.5

A Graceland Wedding

The only thing better than a beautiful weeding, is a wedding led by the King of Rock'n'Roll himself.  The Graceland Wedding Chapel, is one of a long line of Vegas express wedding institutions.  This is yet another industry unto itself in this City of Many Flavors.  Fun, easy and memorable (taken to an extreme) - isn't that the way they are all suppose to be?
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/400 | f 11.0

Vegas Sunrise

 

Mark and I were on a 6 a.m. hunt for perch to capture a Vegas Sunrise.  Locked buildings, side streets that weren't going anywhere... but never to be discouraged.  We ultimately found a parking garage rooftop.  It wasn't the best we were hoping for, but I was pleasantly surprise to catch this silhouetted shot of the distant sunrise.  Sizzling hot and delicious - perfect for the City of Sin.
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 21mm | ISO 1000 | shutter 1/50 | f 13.0

You've Got Mail!

An old school mailbox, in a neighborhood where "no news is good news" likely reins true.  The thing I found interesting, aside from the snazzy gun metal gray finish, was the clear imprint that this box is in fact "certified" by the Postmaster General.  Government regulation at its finest.
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 46mm | ISO 320 | shutter 1/60 | f 2.8

Blocked

Passing by an abandoned lot, found this site amusing - markings pointing out the way to go, with a fence blocking the ability to act.  Seemed a bit like what many of us experience from time to time - knowing what needs to be done, but not able to move forward because we have something standing in the way, real or otherwise.  Step around it or climb over it...just keep going.
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/250 | f 10.0

Emergency Exit

After yet another delay, started wandering O'Hare with Canon in hand.  Came across this Emergency Exit - its combination of lighting and textures caught my eye.  Made me think, wouldn't it be great if, just sometimes, we had one of these handy in those moments where enough is just enough - escape hatch to collect ourselves and come back to fight another day.  Just a thought.
 
Chicago, Illinois 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 19mm | ISO 1600 | shutter 1/15 | f 4.5

Freemont East

Visiting "Old School Vegas" was fun.  Freemont is lined with joints that made the town back in the day.  And even early on this morning, the characters that walk the streets added a special dose of spice to the experience.  Nice day, hanging with Mark, and a handful of memory cards - a great combination.   
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 24mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/15 | f 22

Fascism-mo

We came across these two paper boxes knocked over in the street, I stopped to have a look.  I was taken by the how much was going on: Not sure if it was the question as to what drove someone to kicked these over in Sin City? Was it that news boxes in Vegas only seemed to carry the picks of the day? Or was it the diversity of the markets targeted by the promoters?  I think the thing that tickled me the most was what appeared to be a confused neo-Nazi, uncertain as to the components of their trademark, and making their mark in pink nail polish.  If you can get past the symbols of hate and exploitation, the contradictions are interesting to contemplate.   
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 17mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/60 | f 5.6

Great Pyramid

The fun side of Las Vegas is the opportunity to see things that you would never see (or possibly not want to see) anywhere else in the world.  Take for example the Luxor.  A majestic black faced Pyramid of glass and steel, trimmed in traveling lights, and firing a beam of light into the atmosphere that can be seen from outer space.  Quite a sight.  It's a wonder we still can't seem to find a cure for the common cold - seems all the smart people are working on these projects.  
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 18mm | ISO 1600 | shutter 1/20 | f 4.5

Party Central

In the shadow of the Las Vegas Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino is an abandoned hotel and bar.  Strolling the grounds, we came across the bedding and belongings of someone living outside this less glamorous establishment, and these remnants of a recent celebration in the adjacent lot.  Las Vegas is a city of extremes and contradictions - those on the wrong side of hardship face an even steeper hill to climb in the City of Lights.   
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 500 | shutter 1/250 | f 11.0

Neighbors

On the north end of the Las Vegas Strip near Freemont Street and its surrounding neighborhoods, there are some interesting sights.  Some parts are rougher than others - gravel lawns, rickety fenced yards with "no trespassing" signs, and some homes that no longer have residents.  The interesting thing on this day's journey was that we witnessed the tier system of casinos - a social Olive Press.  It ranged from the main strip squeezing the highest grade of Extra Virgin dollars from its patrons, down to the bare and raw gambling houses that take the Pumice dollars left in the pockets of those who do not have anything left to lose - a well oiled machine indeed.   
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 28mm | ISO 250 | shutter 1/50 | f 2.8

Half the Man

One early Sunday morning, Mark and I set out on a PicSafari in the not so glitzy part of Las Vegas.  While Mark was diffusing a situation involving a security guard, and an issue with taking photographs of a government building, I noticed this street paint which made me grin.  Understanding that this was a marking placed by workers, I thought it was oddly symbolic of what many men are feeling in today's economy - a fraction of their full potential.
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 21mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/200 | f 11.0

Great Adventure

On my way to Chicago, was looking to kill some time capturing pics from outside the airplane window.  While shooting, I noticed out of the corner of my eye, this sweet little gal, staring out in wonderment.  She was full of excitement and questions throughout the flight, to which her Mom not only provided answers, but also helped add wonderful color to her daughter's adventure.  This one makes it to the list of personal favorites.
 
Chicago, Illinois 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 17mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/50 | f 8.0

Three Amigos

There comes a point while visiting Vegas that you become desensitized to the lights and sounds around you.  I was abruptly reminded of this as it occurred to me on my way out of Sin City.  Passing through the McCarran Airport, strolling towards my gate, I had passed lines and lines of slot machines, before realizing that they were even there... and we wonder why today's youth are so tuned out.
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 13mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/50 | f 4.5

Tired

Spending some more quality time in a near by junkyard, these piles of used tires drew my attention.  The contrast of dark and light, combined with the texture and geometrics of the tire treads were visually interesting.  Equally interesting was that I was not able to detect any matching tires in the piles - more likely the nuance of the operator's advanced organizing system was lost on me.
 
Ottawa, Canada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 52mm | ISO 250 | shutter 1/100 | f 5.6

Fully Engaged

On this day, I had the fortunate opportunity to spend some time with this young happy couple, shooting photos to commemorate their recent engagement.  With a bit of planning, some trust on both sides, and putting on our best photo shoot attitude, we were able to collect some memorable moments beautifully capturing their excitement in the future ahead.  This shot in the Byward market, with the dramatic red and black background, was one of my favorites from the day.  I could get use to this kind of fun.
 
Ottawa, Canada 09.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 48mm | ISO 320 | shutter 1/160 | f 3.5

Fall Delight

On my way up to Wakefield, this scene pulled me to the side of the road.  A beautiful field, lined by a delicious tree line of dramatic fall colors, capped with a dramatic sky.  The price for this scene - gratis, courtesy of mother nature.  It was a day full of eye candy.
  
Ottawa, Canada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 22mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/80 | f 13.0

Wakefield Bridge

As a local boy, I am embarrassed to say on this day I experienced only my first visit to the Wakefield Bridge.  A charming red covered wood crossing, in a community with a cool artsy vibe reminding me of Laguna Beach - without the ocean or the plastic surgery.  Stepping up to capture some shots, I also came across a pro taking some portrait shots of a teen, and her beaming Mom.  A nice day.
  
Ottawa, Canada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 24mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/100 | f 10.0

Guardian Angel

Another shot from my Faith theme, this Guardian Angel stirred up a number of thoughts.  In exploring this cemetery behind a small chapel, I was reminded how full of emotion these quiet places are.  The pain of loss, the comfort of memories, and the clear perspective they provide.  This white angel slept at a family site, a few feet away from fresh broken ground behind her.  How did you spend your day today?
  
Ottawa, Canada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 70mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/640 | f 2.8