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

Eternal

Preparing a collection of works across a Faith theme, and came across this message.  Its simplicity and truth in a time where the age of the individual reigns, brings one to pause and thought on what we really want our legacies to be.
  
Ottawa, Canada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 51mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/200 | f 2.8

Piccolo Grande

After Saturday breakfast, Leo and I came across the delicious Fiat.  About the size of a loaf of bread and suited up with only the bare essentials, this beauty promises to beat any gas pump.  Sure, it may be light in the "chick magnet" category, but parallel parking is a breeze - simply stop in front of your spot, and hip check this baby into place.
  
Ottawa, Canada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 26mm | ISO 800 | shutter 1/200 | f 9.0

Pizazz

If this beautiful day was not glorious enough, this bundle of sunshine turned it up ten notches.  Working the street party, chatting up the crowds, this guy was joy personified ... sequins and all.  A wonderful expression of individualism.
  
Ottawa, Canada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 55mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/1250 | f 2.8

Mod Squad

This cast of fine young characters are reminders of how precious time really is ... and how it can disappear if you are not paying attention.  These cousins have grown together as brothers and sisters into talented distinct individuals, well on their way.  Looking at them on this Thanksgiving Day,  it's hard not to be amazed at what you can grow with a little food, watering and love.
  
Ottawa, Canada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 13mm | ISO 2500 | shutter 1/400 | f 4.0

Denny

This is Denny.  I have had the good fortune to get to know Dennis over the past year as a member of the Board.  A uniquely generous, caring and charitable soul, whose cutting wit is quick to punctuate any debate.  Truly one of a kind, whose fan club stretches a long way - adding one more to the line.  You're a good man Denny.
  
Ottawa, Canada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 19mm | ISO 1000 | shutter 1/125 | f 4.5

Divine

Came across this gal, on a walkabout, in all her glory.  She was manning a booth for a municipal candidate, with a sister drag queen, a street artist and two troubadours.  Thinking how some people are paralyzed by the thought of speaking in public, this gal likely suffered from the extreme opposite - terrified of not being able to speak for all to share.  I give her and her colleagues credit - if nothing else, they knew how to drum up a crowd.
  
Ottawa, Canada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 43mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/1000 | f 2.8

Makeover

This school bus was in rough shape, and left me with questions on the story that brought it to this point.  Mostly, it struck me as symbolizing the state of our school systems today.  How we must take a fresh new look to the future needs of our youth and society, and placing the appropriate value on our teachers and on quality education.  Without this prioritization now, we will pay in the not to distant future.

Ottawa, Canada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 25mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/200 | f 4.5

Cool as Ice

Came across these street artists creating this piece from blocks of ice and colored paints.  The process involved the use of picks to chip away along the top of the wall of ice, and then the squeezing of different colored fluids into the grooves that were formed, with a resulting flowing and blending that rendered this result.  The combination of the daylight through the ice, the beautiful transparency of the blocks, and the blending of the many colors resulted in an interesting creation that continued to evolve with each pass.

Ottawa, Canada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 55mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/400 | f 7.1

Sam I Am

This is a special young guy.  He is at a wonderful point in his life, full of energy, filled with questions as he looks to understand the world around him, and a sense of humor used for good versus evil.  On this day, he was a willing and excellent subject for this image.

Ottawa, Canada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 24mm | ISO 800 | shutter 1/30 | f 2.8

Hunka Hunka Burning Love

What does it mean for your day when you happen upon a sidewalk Elvis impersonator knocking out the King's greatest.  He was into it, as was the crowd.  Say what you will, but Elvis Presley was about as cool as they came.  A true original, and it will be a long time before we see another like him, if ever in our lifetimes.

Ottawa, Canada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 64mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/1250 | f 4.5

Post No Bills

Walking to our next destination, I had to double-take when passing this site.  A construction site, with a "Post No Bills" message, and a less than successful result.  Had to chuckle and capture it for the record.

Ottawa, Canada 08.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 22mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/200 | f 4.5

Release Me

I'm a pretty easy going guy for the most part.  However, I am first to admit that my passionate side can at times translate to fixations.  This Hydro corridor is one of them.  When we first moved into our home, the farmers' fields near our place, had teeny tiny towers delivering power from there to here.  They drove me crazy.  They were hypnotic - all I saw in that field.  Hating the way they cut through the landscape.  Then came the day we dreaded.  The tiny were changed with the non-tiny.  My internal fury swelled - as I waited for the fields to be paved over with gray concrete.  I have slowly come to welcome them when I see them now.  While they are still the ugliest of beasts, especially in recent times, I have decided ... ENOUGH ALREADY.  Moving on.

Ottawa, Canada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 200mm | ISO 800 | shutter 1/8000 | f 4.0

Terminal

Travel has played a varying role in my business life over the years.  Road Warriors understand that this lifestyle is a two-edged sword.  I have never really minded the travel - a lot of time in transit, in a bunch of different places, provided a rich opportunity to observe.  Terminals provide a highly energized cross-section of activity.  People on their journeys: young professionals, fresh new starts, family bonding, alone and wanting to get home.  A wonderful collection of experiences spanning the best and the worst our society has become.

Ottawa, Canada 07.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 41mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/200 | f 6.3

In the Shadows

More along the Fall theme.  The thing that made this shot for me was the combination of the simplicity of the bed of leaves cut sharp by the diagonal shadow being cast.  I often find that the most simple of things can provide the most interesting of subjects to capture.

Ottawa, Canada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 46mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/1250 | f 2.8

Fall from Grace

On a Sunday visit, and with Canon in tow, the time was right to get a few early Fall pics.  Looking at the lawn covered in fallen leaves that had better days, I noticed this green leaf amongst the old and withered, looking like it had fallen well before its time.  An interesting metaphor for the pressures faced by the career minded in today's hyper competitive workplaces.

Ottawa, Canada 10.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 48mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/1000 | f 2.8

Home and Castle

On another walkabout, I came across this downtown home that had been renovated to include this interesting tin faced tower with stained glass window.  The lines, lighting contrasts and materials combined to create a interesting and appealing visual...worth capturing.

Ottawa, Canada 09.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 24mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/250 | f 5.0

Pop Life

This is one of those shots that just happened.   Lucky enough to capture this fine lady on her way back from grocery shopping.  Was tickled by her contrast against the exhibition poster advertising the Pop Life exhibition (still time to see it).  She strikes me as having passed through "Pop Life" on her way to "Real Life" years ago.  A gal on a mission ... "don't waste my time and get out of my way"

Ottawa, Canada 09.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 24mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/50 | f 11.0