Bonne Nuit Montreal

After another beautiful evening in Montreal, we settled in for the night.  The view from the 31st was beautiful - city lights glimmering, the moon shining down, and line of sight to some of the places where we shared the fondest of memories.  Love this town.

Montreal, Canada 02.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 18mm | ISO 2500 | shutter 1/4 | f 4.5

Luis de Metro

On a cold Montreal winter evening we happened upon this performer in the Berri Metro underground.  Amongst the rush of commuters, Luis de Godoy passionately strums his Spanish guitar, lost in his music.  He explained how he was an artist, and visits the Berri station to practice.  He pointed us to his presence on the web - noticeably uncertain as to what was actually there.  Luis did not miss the opportunity to let us know how happy he would be to perform his music for functions of any kind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXu-lZiw5ZU


Montreal, Canada 02.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 30mm | ISO 400 | shutter 1/40 | f 2.8

Schwartz's Deli

Schwartz's Hebrew Deli on St. Laurent Street in Montreal, has been a staple of ours for over 25 years.  It's the Ivy League of "old school" -  crowded, line ups, shared tables with unknown "friends" and colourful staff from years gone by serving the best smoked meat you will find.  There is something about this place that feels like coming home, no matter what city you are from.

Montreal, Canada 02.2011

ShotSpecs:  Blackberry 9800  

http://www.schwartzsdeli.com/index2.html

Young Beauty

Working with light on this day, my niece was a willing subject for the exercise.  She suggested the wrap, which once on, struck me as an image from the Italian Renaissance.  Her natural beauty and wonderful eyes made the task at hand as easy as can be.  Boy - time flies.

Ottawa, Canada 01.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 51mm | ISO 800 | shutter 1/100 | f 2.8

New Year's Morning

Early New Year's morning, by the docks, with fog covering the lake.  Recalling the year that has passed and great expectations for the one ahead.  A good time for reflection.  Thoughts of new opportunities and the pursuit for positive impact on those around us.  The desire not to fall into the trap of routine and the squandering of the promise each day offers.  Our best efforts for 2011.

Ottawa, Canada 01.2011

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 12mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/80 | f 5.6

Evening on Beaver Lake

A crisp winter night, the cutting sounds of skate blades, long shadows on the ice, and the hum of the evening crowd.  On this night, it occurred to me how I had forgotten the pleasure in this experience shared by so many of us, and so deeply ingrained in our culture.  It reminded me of evening skates with friends, capped with hot chocolate and conversation of the future.
  
Ottawa, Canada 12.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 15mm | ISO 2500 | shutter 1/15 | f 4.5

Before the Skate

Visiting Beaver Lake atop Mount Royal, brought back memories from years back.  Visitors of all ages from all walks - skating, skiing, sliding.  The trek up the mountain to the evening skate, in the crisp Montreal winter air, was an escape from studies in simpler times.
  
Ottawa, Canada 12.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 2500 | shutter 1/15 | f 4.5

Almost There

As many of you know, our Nemo is a rescue pup.  Like a Russian doll, every week of every month over the past year has opened more of Nemo to the world around him.  The Holidays have been a tough time for him - the tree, the activity, the change in routine.  But when outdoors, we see how far he has come, almost there, and you would struggle to find a happier dog.  All are his friend, and his running free through the woods is a joy to see.  So glad to have him with us.
  
Ottawa, Canada 12.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 73mm | ISO 500 | shutter 1/800 | f 4.5

The Pianist

With the hum of the guests in the background, he sneaks away for a few moments on the piano.  A little Jazz sprinkled with the Blues.  Slowing drawing an audience, they silently take in the moment and admiring the talent and skill developed over the many years.
  
Ottawa, Canada 12.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 60mm | ISO 3200 | shutter 1/125 | f 2.8

Sweets

Traditional family Christmas Eve dinner topped off with homemade desserts - bringing together the standards and some new touches from C's masterful hands.  Young and old sharing conversation and special time.  A favorite time of year.
  
Ottawa, Canada 12.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 24mm | ISO 3200 | shutter 1/125 | f 2.8

Missing Roma

Going back to the archives - This image captures one of my favorite moments in time.  As we walked the alleyways on a warm Roman August night, we came across this courtyard in front of the Pantheon.  I remember the pleasure of hearing the low hum of diners enjoying great food and wine, and doing what people do best in Rome - loving life.  How to get this feeling everyday?
 
Rome, Italy 08.2008

ShotSpecs: Nikon Coolpix S10 | focal 8mm | ISO 800 | shutter 1/5 | f 3.1

Morning Glitter

One of the best things about freezing rain storms, are the days following.  Tree branches converted to hanging crystals, glittering in a morning sunshine.  This scene made the morning windshield scraping almost worthwhile.
 
Ottawa, Canada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 17mm | ISO 400 | shutter 1/100 | f 7.1

P2

A common site at the end of a long day - the trek to my chariot's stable on the second level.  The sun low in the sky, casting strong shadows and warming the stairway, a quiet walk, collecting thoughts after what felt like an endless series of back to back meetings.  In an attempt to stay true to a personal goal to shoot images everyday, this sight stopped me long enough to reach for my camera and capture the moment. 
 
Ottawa, Canada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 17mm | ISO 400 | shutter 1/100 | f 7.1

Ink Joint

This old school tattoo joint stood out for obvious reasons.  Along a back street, with hot rods in the yard, and an unapologetic neon green exterior - this place was cool.  Did not get the dragon tattoo on this visit, but was thinking about it...really thinking about it.
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/200 | f 8.0

Kaleidoscope

Out to experiment with low light photography, I made my way to this newly opened Arts Center.  The facade was formed by a collection of colored glass panels, that glowed with the back lighting from within the facility.  A sparkling gem, the chromatic reflections, partnered wonderfully by the silence of that night, were very comfortable.
 
Ottawa, Canada 06.2009

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 76mm | ISO 1250 | shutter 6.0 | f 22.0

Expressway

Crossing the overpass, the natural attraction to capture the movement of the expressway was irresistible.  Fortunately, my partner in crime on that evening, once again found the opening, where we could take advantage of an extended exposure without the fence obstructing the shot.  I found this scene enchanting - the vibrancy of the city lights and cars, against a calm desert sky and distant mountain range.
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 22mm | ISO 400 | shutter 1.3 | f 20.0

Burrito Factory

 

Mark's comments summed it up - "If this place was open, I'd be all over it.  My kinda place."  A little rest spot, out of the way, and was all business.  You just knew that the tamales would make your mouth water, the burritos would be the size of your forearm, and their sauces hot enough to take the paint off a battle ship.  Just right.
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/60 | f 4.5

Hooka Cafe

In a rundown part of town, we crossed this interesting little building with an ornate wooden facade, gold accents, and vibrant colors.  The Maharaia Hookah Cafe, stood out from its neighbors, with a unique look and offering for the area.  The combination of the rich colors and materials, while out of place, were wonderful for the senses.
 
Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/40 | f 4.0

Orchard

That time of year again.  On my way home after running about, and the rows of rickety apple trees, bare of their crop, are a thing of awkward beauty.  The crevasses along their trunks, the twists and turns of each branch, are all filled with character, highlighted by the hard light of the afternoon sun.  While they may look a horror, the real beauty comes from their character and from the wonderful harvest they provide for others to enjoy.
 
Ottawa, Canada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 30mm | ISO 400 | shutter 1/400 | f 16.0

Delayed

A usual scene for road warriors - weary travels staring at flight status, fingers crossed.  While I am critical from time to time on air travellers today, I do still find the experience in airports stimulating.  For a people watcher, it is an incredible cross section of subjects.  On a recent flight, I heard the tails of an American lad, visiting his Canadian bride (met over the internet), and the challenges he has had finding work as an engineer, and how "the man" is a drag.  This delicious story capped with a youth growing up with the Hells Angels biker culture in the "hoods" of LA ... regardless of how much truth was in the story, it was interesting.

Las Vegas, Nevada 11.2010

ShotSpecs: Canon EOS 50D | focal 10mm | ISO 100 | shutter 1/25 | f 8.0