Summer-time in Waterloo Region

Ahh, summer! The season of blue skies, big big clouds, beautiful flowers and never-ending construction! :-)

Plains, Trains and Automobiles

Actually, just trains this time. I was out and about and stopped by the train station here in town. I bet that view waiting for the train hasn't changed in many years! There was this one lone traveler waiting to be picked-up who graciously agreed to pose for my shot. Kitchener must be a destination spot because more people were getting off than getting on. The middle image is a happy arrival and not a sad departure.

The End of An Era

For those familiar with the Waterloo Region, you will have heard by now that the Seagram Barrel Pyramid is being taken down. Sadly, many of the barrels are in disrepair and the new Balsillie School of International Studies is building a walkway to CIGI directly in the path of where the pyramid currently sits. I just wanted to capture a few more images of the barrels before this landmark no longer exists. There is so much symmetry here to try and capture, not the least of which are the shutter shadows being cast at the same angle as the pyramid. The last image is of a skittish little Starling that seemed to think I was trespassing on his territory. I was drawn to his rough and tough, yet somewhat ornate appearance....these birds are a known to be hoodlums or vagabonds and I think this fellow really looks the part! :-)

Old Friends

I don't often get time alone with 6 people in our family but last night everyone was out doing something...except me! A good time to scratch my photography itch. I love everything to do with photography - its history, its technology, its ability to preserve and transform the world around us. These are a few shots I took tonight of a few members of my "other" family I've collected over the years. The Yaschica Twin Reflex I've actually used...the last time I ran some film through it was in 2002. It was the poor man's version of the famous Mamiya C330. The Brownie Box was my grandmothers...I have some negatives from it of her as a young woman. The first two are traditionally exposed photos and then the third is an HDR version of my favourite.

Creeks & Streams

I love water....lakes, oceans, rivers, creeks and streams. I am fortunate to live near the Grand River and the trail system that runs beside it. I was out on my bike this week with camera strapped to my side and stopped to explore this creek that runs behind our subdivision. Here are a couple shots done in HDR (high dynamic range) which is one of my favourite techniques - I should probably blog about that at some point.

Seasonal Transitions

There is something optimistic about the transition from winter to spring...the best is yet to come and the worst is behind you. Although it often seems like being in a state of limbo, it is nonetheless hopeful. These are just a few random images of the Waterloo area during this season.

Lunch Time in Hamilton

I find myself in the steel city for our daughters' dance competition and decided to enjoy the spring day by wandering around during the lunch break with camera in hand. Two connected images emerge in that 30 minute span of time. The first is the stark reality of hardship that runs as an undercurrent throughout the downtown core. The second is the reflection of what was once the economic foundation of the city which has now been reduced to being merely a building.