Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Dream Farm



Met the kindest street vendor selling these Dream Catchers.  Upon seeing the camera, he was quick to ask us where we were from, with a big smile.  When I explained we were locals, he did not miss a beat, commenting that it was still a long drive, it what good to see us, and then proceeded to explain how his sister was a photographer.  With all that, my eye was still drawn to all the hand-made dream catchers hanging behind him, thinking, if this place could not catch a dream, no place could.

Ottawa 06.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 70mm | ISO 1600 | shutter 1/40 | f 32.0

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Guest Post: Warrior Chief (George Helal, Oil on Canvas)


In the Warrior Chief, George delivers a portrait of a battle warn warrior, in whose eyes we see the death filled wars he has led his men through over his many years.

For more, visit george's studio at http://georgehelalstudio.blogspot.com/

El Luchador



Whenever I see these masks with the street vendors, they take me back to my childhood, wondering what kind of fun could we have had on Saturday mornings after watching the Giant Jean Ferre and Maurice Mad Dog Vachon.  Have always found these old school wrestling masks to be a blast, and wanted to capture this pic just because.

Ottawa 06.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 100mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/400 | f 4.0

Monday, June 28, 2010

Weekend in the Park


Out on Sunday for a morning shoot and came across this nice gentleman.  He was set up for some quiet time - warm coffee, transistor radio dialed into big band, and his weekend Sudoku.  He was kind enough to take a moment to give me the green light to start shooting, then back he went to solving his puzzle.

Ottawa 06.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 84mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/125 | f 5.6

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Sunday Mass at Knox Presbyterian


Walking downtown Sunday morning, and my attention is drawn to the mass underway in Knox Presbyterian Church.  The old architecture is a sharp contrast to the surrounding modern concrete and glass structures.  This shot is of the side entrance, likely open to let the breeze flow through for the parishioners.

Ottawa 06.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 126mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/200 | f 4.0

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Street Angel


Came across this unique street performer on a Saturday afternoon photo hunt.  With a platform and a bullwhip, this young man put on an impressive imaginary circus.  As he finished and retreated to count his earnings from the show, I noticed the "ink".  This scene struck me as similar to an urban bird, feathering its nest from what it was able to collect from the street.  Not something you see everyday.

Ottawa 06.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 131mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/200 | f 4.0

The Grand Canal


One of my most memorable moments was walking out of the train station in Venice for the first time, coming out to a sunny day, and experiencing the sight and sounds of the Canals.  Our days were spent walking the sites, and the nights in the cafes and touring in the water taxis.  I love this shot from the Ponte Rialto spanning The Grand Canal, which captures the memory of those days.  

Venice, Italy 08.2008

ShotSpecs: Nikon Coolpix S210 | focal 6.3mm | ISO 64 | shutter 1/448 | f 4.6

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Guest Post: Broken Spirit (George Helal, Oil on Canvas)


"Broken Spirit" depicts a man, struggling with the challenges in life, comforted by his wife's embrace.  This is a wonderful piece by George, capturing the desperation and fatigue of this couple on hard times, but you believe that her tenderness will provide the energy he needs to face the day ahead.

See more at george's studio (http://georgehelalstudio.blogspot.com/)

Summer Ride




Was spending some time at Ottawa's Experimental Farm, and noticed this cyclist, tuned out and lost in his ride.  Loved the solitude of the ride on this peaceful road (the smell of manure aside).

Ottawa 07.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 70mm | ISO 1600 | shutter 1/400 | f 10.0

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Times Square


This is one of my favorite pics of Times Square.  I remember this moment distinctly... We had just finished from a show, and were taking a walk back to the hotel.  Sides streets, garbage bags piled ready for pick up, and "rats" scurrying between garbage and sewers.  As we figured out how to get to the other side, we came across this scene.  I was stopped in my tracks, and pulled the camera out - needless to say, when I was done, I was also alone - the girls were not amused.  The richness of content, color and perspective are a turn on...don't you think?

New York City 08.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 22mm | ISO 400 | shutter 1/50 | f 5.0

Monday, June 21, 2010

Obedience Class



Was running some errands and came across this doggie obedience class.  Watched the dedication of the trainer and the owner, in what had likely become "personal lessons" through circumstance versus design.  The contrast of the hard work taking place under the sign of the imminent future had to be captured. 

Ottawa, Canada 07.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 50mm | ISO 1000 | shutter 1/60 | f 5.6

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Special Post: Sunday Dress (Oil on Canvas, George Helal)


 

In honor of my Dad on Father's Day, posting one of my favorite George Helal paintings.  "Sunday Dress" is a wonderful oil on canvas, that is so full of character.  I love how it captures the essence of this shy little girl ready for a special day dressed in her Sunday best.

Dad's works are great, and only get better by the year.  We love you Dad - thanks for everything you do.


See more at george's studio (http://georgehelalstudio.blogspot.com/)

Done



This was the location of a family business that was built over 30 years.  It was time to retire, so this landmark which had served 1000's of travelers over the years was sold to a national chain.  The thing that struck me here was how something that had taken so long to build, and touched so many,  could be so easily gone.  This shot, taken through a wired fence on an overcast day, caught the moment and the thought.

Ottawa, Canada 12.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 17mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/200 | f 10.0

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Sunset at the Sailing Club


Last year, my friend Mike said, "If you like taking pictures, I have a place to take you" - the Brittania Yacht Club.  We got there around sundown, in time to catch this pic.  Have always enjoyed being close to the water at these times, with the calm atmosphere and the peaceful vibe - captured well in this one.

Ottawa, Canada 06.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 85mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/125 | f 5.6

Friday, June 18, 2010

The Day's Catch


Visiting the Australian Gold Coast on business, and found our way to this little seafood shop to try a famous fresh crab sandwich.  This place played with all my senses, and the sight of these Seafood filled ice beds called out for a pic.  The freshness of the food, activity in the restaurant, and abundance of the catch was a great experience.   I did however learn that the Australian version of the "Soup Nazi" does exist.

Gold Coast, Australia 09.2009

ShotSpecs: Point and Shoot

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Almost There


Here is our little guy ... a rescue from a puppy mill.  When we brought this goofball home, he wouldn't walk distances, go up stairs, go through doorways, or leave his corner.  Since then, everyday of every week, with some patience and care, he has moved forward in leaps and bounds.  This portrait captures his cool, calm demeanor - was pleased with the contrast of the room light on his gold coat, against the darkened room.

Ottawa, Canada 11.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 50mm | ISO 320 | shutter 1/1600 | f 1.8

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Grand Central Station


After a number of visits to the NYC, we finally made it to Grand Central Station...which it was.  We did not get the experience of peak hours excitement, but we definitely felt the history in this landmark.  Really loved the feeling of space and symmetry in this shot.  A bit of a challenge in low light, without tripod - turned out alright in the end.

New York City 08.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 17mm | ISO 2000 | shutter 1/30 | f 4.0

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Late Shift


This is one of my earliest and still one of my favorite shots with the 50D.  Captured this on the way home one night.  The streets were bare, and wanted to capture the solitude of the moment.  Got lucky with the shot, with an extended exposure, caught the motion of the ride, with the mood from the street lights.  (note: this was taken from the passenger seat)

Ottawa, Canada 05.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 41mm | ISO 3200 | shutter 1 | f 16.0

Monday, June 14, 2010

A Little Me Time


Came across this gent while in New York's Meat Packing District.  He was taking a few minutes for himself.  Snapped this pic quickly so I wouldn't disturb him.  Loved the contrast of old and new in the scene, and had to catch "Dave's" signage on the wall.

New York City, 08.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 38mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/100 | f 7.1

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Sunday Morning Window Shopping


After finishing up our coffee and croissant in the Market, we decided to take a stroll, where we came across this window display.  I couldn't help but think "what was on the vendor's mind?".  Then I realized, I had stopped...hence his merchandising strategy.  Either way, not something you see everyday, and worth a pic.

Ottawa, Canada 05.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 59mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/640 | f 5.6

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Mr. Happy


Simba, with a minor injury and the inability to leave it be, suffered the worst consequence on a Saturday morning - the Cone of Shame.  While not thrilled, he went with the flow as usual.  Another life lesson from the big boy on the virtue of "patience". (on "self-control"... not so much)

Ottawa, Canada 06.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon Rebel XSi | focal 28mm | ISO 1600 | shutter 1/50 | f 3.5

Friday, June 11, 2010

Star Alliance Boredom


On my way to who remembers where, had reached capacity for travel at this point.  Sitting in the Ottawa Airport Star Alliance lounge, this wall caught my attention.  Found the combination of materials, lighting, geometrics and boredom were a perfect inspiration to pull out the camera.  Amazing how the mind will occupy itself, when brain dead easily fits the bill.

Ottawa, Canada 07.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 70mm | ISO 400 | shutter 1/40 | f 4.0

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Roman Sunset


On this night, my Sweetheart made a subtle point that I will in fact still follow her anywhere.  After a long day on a Vespa, we climbed what seemed like a thousand steps, just in time to catch this sunset over Rome.  Its amazing what a little ambiance can do to remind you of the little things that made you fall in love.. ah Bella!

Rome, Italy 08.2008

ShotSpecs: point and click

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Classic Fairlane


Found myself at a Show and Shine, with classic cars and hogs.  Never been a big old car guy, but couldn't help but enjoy the lines of some of these machines, and the passion of their enthusiasts.  This Ford Fairlane caught my eye - right out of American Graffiti.

Ottawa, Canada 10.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon Rebel XSi | focal 28mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/200 | f 14

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

At Play


Caught this pic while strolling in the park.  Local little ones losing their minds in the water fountain -  I couldn't imagine, at that point in time, that it was possible for kids to have more fun.  The thing I love about this shot is how it captures the heat of the day and the fun in their movements.

Ottawa, Canada 06.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 50mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/13 | f 22

Monday, June 7, 2010

Fourth of July


Captured this shot from a balcony along the Floridian Intercoastal Waterways.  These Fourth of July fireworks were soaring from the Fort Lauderdale shores.  Makes you want to have fireworks everyday.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida  07.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 85mm | ISO 1000 | shutter 10 | f 22

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Balloons Dancing


Another image from the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival.  At the end of each night of the festival, dramatic classical music is played through the PA system and the balloons play their flames like an orchestra.  A wonderful combination of size, shapes, light, sound and movement.

Gatineau, Canada 08.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 33mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1 | f 4.5

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Boys on Break (NYC)


Was touring the Meat Packing District in New York City and came across these gentlemen in heated discussion on their break.  With a point to the camera, they were ready to go... all except the gray haired fellow who seemed less than amused.

Meat Packing District, New York City 09.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 47mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/200 | f 5.6

Friday, June 4, 2010

Hard Rock History (Guest Post: Alexander Helal)


During a family trek to NYC, my son Alex captured the guitar wall at the Hard Rock Cafe in Manhattan.  Pretty dramatic in black and white.

New York City 08.2008

ShotSpecs: point and click

Street Gems


A street merchant in Ottawa's Byward Market had a wonderful display of these bedazzled containers that were glimmering in the morning daylight.  Great pic - not so great merchant when I didn't end up buying one.

Ottawa, Canada 07.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 33mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/320 | f 7.1

Strawberries in the Sand


Taking a walk last summer and happened upon these baby Crocs in the sand, perfectly placed, as the sun was starting to set.  When I saw them, they seemed to summarize all the fun in the park that day.

Ottawa, Canada 06.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 50mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/1000 | f 2.8

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Day at the Fair (Coney Island, New York)



This scene kinda summed up our visit to Coney Island.  My childhood expectations were brought down to earth when we arrived at this landmark, driving through some rough neighborhoods, caged up homes on the perimeter, and finally reaching the now haven for lovers of drugs and alcohol.  All and all a great family day.

Coney Island, New York 08.2007

ShotSpecs: point and click 

Swings at the Fair



Nighttime at the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Gatineau, Quebec.  I wanted to capture the fun on the swings that night, with fingers crossed that I could also get some detail of the machine holding everyone safely.  I love this pic because it was able to get the exciting motion of the riders, while also picking up the detail at the top of the central pillar of the ride.

Gatineau, Canada 08.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 22mm | ISO 2000 | shutter 1/13 | f 5.6

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

The Fish Market, Venice



Caught this scene at the start of the day at the Fish Market in Venice.  A fun morning, trying to talk with local vendors, and taking in all the cultural flavor.  The red curtains caught my eye, as we made our way to the water.

Venice, Italy 08.2008

ShotSpecs: Nikon Coolpix S210 | focal 9.3mm | ISO 64 | shutter 0.014 | f 3.1

Venetian Alley Way


Venice is an easy place to shoot.  Every corner is beautiful (including the endless graffiti and the distinct Venetian aromas).  This picture was taken from a small bridge, on our way to dinner.

Venice, Italy 08.2008

ShotSpecs: Nikon Coolpix S210 | focal 6.3mm | ISO 120 | shutter 0.013 | f 3.1

Manhattan from the Empire State Building


Close to 2 hours in process, hundreds of tourists, lines-elevators-lines-stairs, an overcrowded observers deck, lots of sweat, whining people in 12 languages, and fighting for cabs in the pouring rain after it all.  In the end, it was worth getting this pic of Manhattan.

New York City, 08.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 50mm | ISO 2000 | shutter 1/25 | f 1.8

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Times Square (NYC)


Loved the Yellow Cabs in NYC.  Captured this pic while waiting on discount theatre tickets.  Caught "The Choir Boys" - not quite the same as "Jersey Boys"

New York City 08.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 22mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/13 | f 9.0

SoHo District (Manhattan)


Love the vibe in SoHo.  
The girls were shopping in the trendy shops, while I was keeping myself busy, people watching.

New York City 08.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 30mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/40 | f 4.5