Table is Set

The sidewalk patios prepared for the 4th of July dinner celebrations.  White linens, the setting sun, and hungry South Beach worshipers were the right ingredients for the evening's birthday festivities. 

Miami, Florida 07.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 24mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/160 | f 6.3

Divine

Along Ocean Drive, there was a giant clock and calendar, which provided tourists the photo opp to mark their visit to South Beach on the 4th of July.  Next to the clock was this gent, sliding himself into frame after frame, hitting his sharpest poses.  It was no surprise when pointing to my camera, that he obliged with his best photo shoot moves and smile.  It didn't hurt that my brother was behind me doing his best "love the camera" routine.

Miami, Florida 07.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 70mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/250 | f 2.8

Mr. Miami - In Action

South Miami has its version of a "muscle beach".  Groups of lads workout under the summer sun: push ups, pull ups, curling logs.  Not surprisingly, this guy was a stand out.  His unique cross training regime of body weight strength training, acrobatics, pole dancing (yes) and quite an impressive fitness level had the onlookers mesmerized.  Just couldn't help but say "dang".

Miami, Florida 07.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 24mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/640 | f 2.8

La Vita Bella

Grabbing a bite at the News Cafe, we had the pleasure of witnessing a master at work.  This waiter, anticipating the Hari Krishna parade marching down the sidewalk, made his way to the front of their line, and led the parade through the outdoor patio, ending with a Krishna "high five".  His positive vibe was appreciated by all.

Miami, Florida 07.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 22mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/60 | f 7.1

Mr. Miami

South Miami has its version of a "muscle beach".  Groups of lads workout under the summer sun: push ups, pull ups, curling logs.  Not surprisingly, this guy was a stand out.  His unique cross training regime of body weight strength training, acrobatics, pole dancing (yes) and quite an impressive fitness level had the onlookers mesmerized.  Just couldn't help but say "dang".

Miami, Florida 07.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 68mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/320 | f 2.8

Chillin'

Spending some time on Ocean Dr. in South Beach on the 4th of July, and the cast of characters did not disappoint.  This gent, with his two amigos, was the coolest thing on this hot day.  Chilling on his custom HD, he confidently gives the nod to go ahead and capture this moment.

Getting the shot ...

Miami, Florida 07.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 42mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/800 | f 2.8

One Man Band

Walking along Bayside, we came across the One Man Band.  A performer from NYC, this seasoned entertainer's smile emitted his love of music, which was further accentuated in a charming and flirtatious rendition of Happy Birthday to the beautiful Stephanie. 

Miami, Florida 07.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 32mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/60 | f 3.2

Waiting for John

As part of any good charity event, a special place was made for the special guests: community leaders, titans of industry and the most authentic of politicians.  This scene caught my eye, the symmetry, simplicity and calm before the storm.

Ottawa, Canada 06.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 70mm | ISO 160 | shutter 1/125 | f 4.5

The Hill

On this overcast Sunday morning in Majors Hill Park, I was volunteering some photography time for a fundraiser.  This view of Parliament Hill was a reminder to me of the beautiful city we live in.  I often try to put on a tourist's lens when looking at Ottawa.  It is too easy sometimes to take for granted this town of ours.

Ottawa, Canada 06.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 22mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/320 | f 9.0

After the Vows 2

The ceremony had ended on this beautiful Spring evening.  The guests filed into the tent ready for an evening of celebration, joyfully sharing in the excitement of the new bride and groom.  A beautiful couple, a wonderful moment, and appreciating having had the opportunity to share in the wedding day (... and wishing I had more camera in hand than my Blackberry)

Ottawa, Canada 06.2011

ShotSpecs: Blackberry 9800 | focal - mm | ISO - | shutter - | f -

After the Vows

The ceremony had ended on this beautiful Spring evening.  The guests filed into the tent ready for an evening of celebration, joyfully sharing in the excitement of the new bride and groom.  A beautiful couple, a wonderful moment, and appreciating having had the opportunity to share in the wedding day (... and wishing I had more camera in hand than my Blackberry)

Ottawa, Canada 06.2011

ShotSpecs: Blackberry 9800 | focal - mm | ISO - | shutter - | f -

Clifton Hill

Clifton Hill is a classic tourist attraction in Niagara Falls.  Some may call it over the top, but boring it is not.  A very eclectic cross section of society cram the streets - from bikers to brides to be (some are both).  It is a sight that forms a sharp contrast against the dramatic Falls which serve as a nearby backdrop.  This shot was taken 175 feet above this landmark, from the giant Skywheel - where better?

Niagara Falls, Canada 05.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 1600 | shutter 1/15 | f 3.5

Willy Wonka

Walking the over-the-top Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls, we popped into this "homemade fudge" shop.  The craftsman at work drew a crowd both inside out out.  His masterful circling of the the marble workbench, the skillful mixing of the delicious mixture, and the unhesitating fill of the fudge brick form was captivating.  We convinced ourselves that the precious metal pricing of the Canadian Maple and Walnuts treat was attributed more to the skill of the fudge maker, that naivete of the tourist.

Niagara Falls, Canada 05.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 19mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/15 | f 5.0

unRest and a Latte

A crisp, sunny Saturday morning in Montreal.  Window shopping and people watching on St.Laurent, we jump into one of our favorite cafes to grab a hot drink and a warm seat.  Enjoying a care free day, sitting back as my best friend grabs our drinks, I notice the gent in front of me flipping through the morning paper.  The cover page was the level set - a cold reminder of our freedoms and blessings.

Montreal, Canada 02.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 24mm | ISO 200 | shutter 1/30 | f 2.8

Le Parlement du Québec

As we settled in for the night, the crisp evening gave us a wonderful view of the Quebec City Parliament Hill.  It overlooks the Old City, with lights gently reflecting off it's stone face.  The calmness and contrast of the evening provide for a memorable site, and a moment of reflection that we are a better Nation together than apart.

Quebec City, Canada 03.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 13mm | ISO 160 | shutter 2.0 | f 4.0

Rabbit Hop

This gorgeous storefront caught our eye.  Great color and textures, Le Lapin Saute was a classic Old Quebec stop.  Our only regret was not having the opportunity to try their wonderful menu.  On the list next time we are in town.

http://www.lapinsaute.com/

Quebec City, Canada 03.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 11mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/40 | f 3.5

Day at the Track

As we walked the Old City, we happened upon a crowd, watching these young x-treme athletes bombing down the Red Bull sponsored track that ran miles around the city.  Speed, jumps, turns, and focus, all translated into great afternoon sport.  Go Canada!

http://www.redbull.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/Red-Bull-Crashed-Ice-2011/001242785030624

Quebec City, Canada 03.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 22mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/2500 | f 4.5

Cafe St. Jean

Looking to take a short repose, we stepped into Cafe St. Jean for a perfect Cafe au Lait.  A relaxed atmosphere, with a collection of a nouveau-retro blend of photo art on its walls, this cafe served as a nice break on the weekend adventure of the Old City.

Quebec City, Canada 03.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 1600 | shutter 1/15 | f 4.5

St.Patty's

A beautiful evening in the Quebec City, as St.Patrick's Day celebrations continue to ramp up.  The crowds outside this landmark pub continue to flow. and there was enough Luck of the Irish to go around. 

Quebec City, Canada 03.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 1250 | shutter 1/20 | f 3.5

Wonderland

On this beautiful Winter's day,  tree branches covered with snow and icicles, beautifully reflect the sunlight creating a wonderful feast for the eyes.  A breathtaking scene in the heart of the city.

Ottawa, Canada 12.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 47mm | ISO 400 | shutter 1/100 | f 7.1