The Light

The ceremony ended on this hot summer day.  The bride was beautiful, and the ceremony went off with out hitch.  It was now time to celebrate.  The anxious guests made their way for the group photo on the front steps of the cathedral, the prelude to an evening of dance, drink and family.

Ottawa, Canada  07.2012

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 7D | focal 25mm | ISO 5000 | shutter 1/400 sec | f 9

The Loading Dock

During an evening walkabout, we passed this after hours loading dock during sunset.  The strip of golden light filling the area, accentuated the interesting combination of geometrics, lines, textures and colours.  I find these everyday street scenes interesting to the eye ... worth a snap.

Ottawa, Canada  09.2012

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 7D | focal 24mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/40 sec | f 11

42nd Street

One of the things we love about NYC is its complexities.  So many neighbourhoods and streets with their own well developed personalities and flavor.  42nd street is one of those streets - all the stereotypical lights and hustle you expect from the City, with a little extra edge to add to the experience.    That dynamic feeling is one I have tried to capture in this night shot from one of outings.

New York City, New York  08.2012

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 7D | focal 10mm | ISO 100 | shutter 3.2 sec | f 22

Spot by the Window

A great part of the week is the standing breakfast board meeting with friends.  Each Saturday we get together to catch up at a local diner that is a throw back to old school comfort food and colorful clientele.  Gathered at the table by the window, opinions are shared on topics spanning the spectrum, peppered with a few laughs - a simple pleasure that is hard to beat.

Ottawa, Canada 08.2012

ShotSpecs: Blackberry 9900 | focal - | ISO - | shutter - | f -

Fifth Avenue

After a long morning of exploration, we were ready to recharge.  A look across the street finds our pit stop, and presents a typical slice of the New York landscape.  Capturing the blend of concrete and steel, hustling crowds and yellow cabs still captures my imagination, and this brief pause was enough to add one more to the archives.

New York City, New York  08.2012

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 7D | focal 24mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/13sec | f 14

The Big Apple

When in Manhattan, the Apple stores are a regular destination for us.  The vibrancy at each location, coupled with the great store design (and exceptional air conditioning) make for a welcome August in Manhattan oasis.  This view is from the  top floor of the Meat Packing district location, overlooking the neighborhood, as we plan the next step on our walkabout. 

New York City, New York  08.2012

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 7D | focal 24mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/15sec | f 16

34th Street Platform

Waiting for our train to arrive at the 34th street station, I was interested by the view that the platform on the other side of the tracks offered.  An interesting collection of activity, on a stage framed by the track opening, bringing together workers, musicians, students, and travellers patiently looking for the next car to take them to their destination. 

New York City, New York  08.2012

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 7D | focal 10mm | ISO 640 | shutter 1/15sec | f 3.5

The Soloist

A hot busy day in the city.  Massive crowds move through tight spaces, trying to reach their destinations.  In the midst of it all, the soloist fills the air with serenity.  Enchanting tones, beautifully resonating in the concrete underground.  Lost in his own music, he offers his gift for brief instances to the traveller to do with it what they may.

New York City, New York  08.2012

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 7D | focal 13mm | ISO 1000 | shutter 1/20sec | f 4

The Execution

Walking The Strip after a long day, I was stopped in my tracks by a conversation.  It wasn't loud.  It wasn't aggressive.  It was the substance.  An unbelievable public humiliation of one man by his partner, in as calm, cold, and eerily masterful an execution as could be imagined.  As she listed what seemed to be an endless collection of reasons why he was inadequate, you could hear the odd mild mannered replies "I don't think I am that bad...", "that's not completely fair".  While it was clear that these two people were in a relationship, the absolute absence of respect, decency or judgement left me perplexed.  What added to my confusion was that all signs pointed to this being a vacation getaway for the happy couple.  

Life is way too short.

Las Vegas, Nevada  10.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 16mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/60sec | f 4

Sunrise

The morning sunrise along the Intercoastal Waterways is a wonderful thing.  A warm breeze, the rising light on terra cotta rooftops, in the distance an ocean view, and the singular sound of the wind on water.  An early rise to these calming surroundings, before a long work day.  How can you go wrong?

Hallandale Beach, Florida  03.2012

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 7D | focal 64mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/160sec | f 7.1

Post Race

After a hard fought win, No.9 gets his rub down and drink of water before being escorted to the winner's circle.  I don't pretend to be an expert of the racing culture, but on the rare occasions I get to to the track, the handlers consistently appear to love these beautiful animals they care for.  Gentle in the treatment, warm in the touch - the animals reciprocating.

Hallandale Beach, Florida  03.2012

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 7D | focal 85mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/320sec | f 8

Down the Stretch

St. Patrick's Day at the Gulfstream was a colourful day.  A beautiful afternoon, a festive crowd, and an abundance of green sequin hats and shamrocks.  The perfect blend of race day ambiance and the sound of each pack charging to the finish line made for a good time with my peeps.

Hallandale Beach, Florida  03.2012

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 7D | focal 85mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/400sec | f9

The Archway

Being honest, sometimes it's a struggle to find the inspiration to shoot something as often as I would like.  That's when I thank heaven for geometrics.  Lines, shapes, colours and contrasts are in and of themselves a great subject, and and can be thought provoking (for some I guess).  This archway was part of a walkabout -  the height, space and symmetry with the delicious purple lighting helped me get into a groove on this night.

Hallandale Beach, Florida  03.2012

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 7D | focal 50mm | ISO 1250 | shutter 1/13sec | f13

The Handicapper

As I was setting up for a shot of the staircase, this interesting gentleman makes his way down.  After a brief exchange, I asked if I could take his photo.  He asked me if it was "because of the win".  Had no idea what he was talking about, until I looked him up when sending the street pic.  Turned out this guy is a world class race handicapper, that had won a $500,000 grand prize from a starting pool of 100,000 entrants.  You never know who you are going to meet.

Hallandale Beach, Florida  03.2012

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 7D | focal 22mm | ISO 800 | shutter 1/30sec | f4

At The Wire

These pups can move.  The evening races at Mardi Gras Casino went through their ritual ceremony for each run.  The presenting of the greyhounds (tails wagging), lining up for the race, the buzz of the speeding bunny...and they are off.  A very exciting, high energy event, executed wonderfully by these canine athletes.

Hallandale Beach, Florida  03.2012

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 7D | focal 30mm | ISO 5000 | shutter 1/80sec | f10

The Court

This was delightful sight.  During race day, the stands that line the court are filled with race goers, watching the walk of the competitors.  At night, the area is filled with the evening crowd, soothed by the pastel coloured lights and the sounds of water in the show piece fountain.  A pleasant surprise indeed.

Hallandale Beach, Florida  03.2012

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 7D | focal 17mm | ISO 1250 | shutter 1/30sec | f 4