Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Vieux Montreal


Montreal is a great city, that I will never grow tired of.  An old world flavor that is distinctly Canadian.  There are few places like Vieux Montreal in the summer time, with people from around the world, the restaurants, and a wonderful vibe that is so easy to get lost in.  This shot captures a sidewalk cafe early in the day, with the artisans setting up their works close by.

Montreal, Canada 05.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 20mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/60 | f 5.6

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Happy Face


On a walk-about and came across this little guy.  Originating from the land of misfit hats, this chapeau is another one of those unexpected things that brought a smile.  The irony in the piece was equally amusing: the thought that an artisan, by design, created a hat intentionally to look like something made by someone who could not afford to buy a hat designed by an artisan - brilliant!?

Ottawa, Canada 10.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 33mm | ISO 500 | shutter 1/60 | f 5.0

Friday, July 23, 2010

Responsible Parenting 1


This one from the archives continues to be one of my favorites of all time.  It was taken during a haunted hay ride, right at the point that the masked mass murdered, with chainsaw screaming, jumped out of the woods to chase the children.  While it is not the terror on the childrens' faces that I find funny (well, maybe a bit), I can't help but laugh at our culture that brings our future to and pays for an event aimed at terrifying them with symbols of the worst our society has to offer.  Fortunately, my daughter's twitch is hardly noticeable now. 

Ottawa, Canada 10.2002

ShotSpecs: Point and Click | focal - | ISO - | shutter - | f -

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Little Miss Potty Mouth


Caught this shot while visiting New York.  The mural of Marilyn caught my eye, and added a bit of style to an otherwise rundown building.  On closer look, I noticed the editors of the piece decided to put some words in the subject's mouth.  When thinking about her life, I was sure Marilyn dropped a delicious F*** bomb from time to time...one of those things that just seems right and feels good when the situation calls for it.  It's ok, you can admit it.

Meat Packing District, New York 08.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 56mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/100 | f 10.0

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Entertainer


I have to hand it to some street performers.  Buskers put themselves out there for all to see and judge.  While most of us are terrified to speak in public, these players do their thing, with the size of the crowds and the ching of the change in their hats directly measuring what the audiences feel about them.  I caught a pic of this gal prepping for her next number, in which she was utterly swept away in her lyrics and sounds.  Quite something when you think about it.

Ottawa, Canada 06.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 180mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/250 | f 4.5

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

March of the Dinosaurs


A local street vendor had this display of neat figurines, with little bobble heads.  In the wind, with necks moving, they looked like a herd of misfits on a trek to the next watering hole.  The collection of color, movement and shortened depth of field captured the fun of the moment in this image.

Ottawa, Canada 10.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 79mm | ISO 500 | shutter 1/500 | f 6.3

Monday, July 19, 2010

One of those Days


We all have those days where things just aren't lining up and we start to lose perspective.  I was having one of those days, compounded with a storm.  As I stared out the window on that day, in frustration, it took a minute before I noticed this rainbow.  It instantly reminded me of how seeing a rainbow as a kid was the most exciting thing, second only to the Ice Cream man ... perspective was regained.

Ottawa, Canada 08.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 24mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/100 | f 7.1

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Mike



This is Mike.  Mike and I have known each other for close to 40 years, and now break bread on Saturday mornings.  Mike is a great guy, with an encyclopedic knowledge of sports, music, and film, and with a one of a kind laugh.  Once "the funny" pushes Mike over the top, sit back and watch the show - you can't help but laugh with him.

Ottawa, Canada 06.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 75mm | ISO 3200 | shutter 1/125 | f 4.0

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Bread Sticks


On Sunday mornings during the summer, we head out for early breakfast to get the most out of the beautiful days.  There is a local bakery that has a wonderful selection of fresh baked goods and delicious Cafe au Lait.  On a recent visit, waiting to pay for our order, this display of cheese bread sticks caught my attention.  They were very tempting.

Ottawa, Canada 05.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 56mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/13 | f 5.6

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Simba


This big boy is Simba.  He joined our family on the rebound, after having to put down our second dog in a year.  I came home from a trip, and met our new foster, who before we knew it, was a permanent family member.  There are few things that can make me laugh as easily and consistently as this guy.  He is a 100lb lap dog-land shark, that just wants everyone to be happy.  He also taught us the joy of adopting.

Check out the SPCA of Western Quebec
http://www.aylmer-hull-spca.qc.ca/main_e.html

Ottawa, Canada 12.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS Rebel XSi | focal 29mm | ISO 800 | shutter 1/25 | f 4.5

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Quiet Time

 

This is my Uncle Dave.  My most distant and fond memories take me back to visiting his store, and spending time with my cousins who were more like brother and sisters.  Uncle Dave was a work horse, with an insatiable ambition, and love for family.  He has been tested in recent years, but continues to fight, with his mind as active as ever.  

Ottawa, Canada 07.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 200mm | ISO 2500 | shutter 1/2000 | f 4.0

Monday, July 12, 2010

Peaceful Thought


This gentleman is my Uncle Dave's brother.  I have had the good fortune to spend a bit of time with him over the years.  Simple conversation, and admiring his positive demeanor, even in the face of his blindness.  When I was first introduced to him many years ago, he took my hands and held them for a moment.  After the pause, he told me with a smile how I have my grandfather's hands, and proceeded to share some memories.  My grandfather was an important person in my life - that moment was one I will not forget.

Ottawa, Canada 07.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 200mm | ISO 1000 | shutter 1/640 | f 4.0

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Inukshuk 2


Another shot from the Saturday morning adventure.  This image of the small gathering of these Inukshuks captured my imagination.  One thing I noted were signs posted everywhere "please do not touch" the figures, as they were assembled through a balancing of the stones.  Looking around, the thing I found interesting was that, for the most part, all appeared to be intact ... in a time where vandalism just seems to be too easy for some.

Ottawa, Canada 07.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 159mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/1000 | f 4.0

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Inukshuk

 

At Saturday morning breakfast, one of the boys suggested I head by the river to this site, where there was a small village of Inukshuks assembled by the water.  I found it quite nice how this little spot was so peaceful, with the sun shining down on the figures, and the relaxed pace of the people along the water.  Thanks Pete.

Ottawa, Canada 07.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 200mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/1000 | f 4.0

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Working Man


Was visiting a local repair shop, taking some pics, and this mechanic comes out and says "Do you want to get a shot of these.  They get a lot done in a day".  Pride in his work, and in his work ethic - how could I resist.

Ottawa, Canada 07.2009

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

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Florence Cathedral



One of the most beautiful sites I have seen is the Florence Cathedral and the Duomo.  This marble covered architectural beauty was a perfect backdrop to our journey through the Italian Renaissance.  The lines, colors, and detail is something to behold.  A challenge doing this place justice in a photograph.

Florence, Italy 08.2008

ShotSpecs: Nikon Coolpix S210 | focal 12.3mm | ISO 74 | shutter 0.009 | f 4.6

Monday, July 5, 2010

Democratic Renovation



This is a scene I've driven by a number of times over the past few months, and have always been amused by the unintended symbolism.  With all the recent debate around democracy and freedom of speech, this caged eagle in a construction zone seems to sum up the climate of the day.

Ottawa 07.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 85mm | ISO 1000 | shutter 1/60 | f 32.0

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Superheroes


These local Superheroes were set up to perform for the tourists.  Passionate - no doubt.  Original - absolutely.  Entertaining - you got it.  Tone deaf - unfortunately yes.  On this day, their super powers could not help them stay in key.  This did not stop them from giving what they got ... loved it.

Ottawa 07.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 28mm | ISO 1000 | shutter 1/200 | f 22.0

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Totem


Outside the Ottawa School of Art, this traditional Aboriginal Totem Pole stands, with some non-traditional themes.  This piece was created through sponsorship from across the city, with the carved images reflecting the various cultures which have contributed to Ottawa as it is known today... a beautiful piece. 

Ottawa 07.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 17mm | ISO 1000 | shutter 1/250 | f 22.0

Friday, July 2, 2010

Before the Storm


Taking the long way home one day after work, and came across this scene.  The thing I recall was that there was a very eerie silence and feeling in the air.  I couldn't help but feel something pretty awesome was about to happen.  So, of course, rather than keep going, I pulled over to shoot it.  I love the contrast in this shot - highlighting the beautiful massive clouds against the small farmhouses below.

Ottawa 07.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 70mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/250 | f 16.0

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Random - Pens

 

Checking out the books at Chapters, and this display caught my eye.  Liked the colors, and thought I would take a quick set of pics.  In the middle of the shoot, I hear from across the room, "Sir, Sir....you are not permitted to take pictures of the merchandise!!".  Of course, at that point, I had to pull out my best Jeff Spicoli "Ahh...whhaaa...me?".  Doesn't quite work from a middle-aged dude.  Anyway, got the shot - no harm, no foul.

Ottawa 06.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 64mm | ISO 2400 | shutter 1/8 | f 20.0

Waiting



 


Starting off Canada Day downtown, and found myself walking around as my wife checked out a shop.  Came across this gent, waiting on a scooter, in a similar predicament.  After a couple of back and forth glances, I gave a point to the camera, and he gave me a nod.  This man's calmness, was contrasted by the beautiful character of his face which detailed the living he had done.  He wasn't sure why I'd be interested in a picture of him, but I was grateful for the generosity.

Ottawa 06.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 200mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/250 | f 4.0