Halifax Skatepark

When wedding season starts to loom on the horizon, I like to get my camera out and log some hours. Weddings are all about anticipating the moment: knowing what's going to happen one minute ahead of time. On bright, sunny Saturdays in Halifax, there is no better place to work that groove than the Halifax Commons Skatepark. I do this once a year or so. It's a relaxing day with a perfectly good excuse to get out in the sun. 

First, some shots from previous years...

 2004

 2007                                                       2010

 April 14 was my day this year, so off I went, camera packed and spring fever on my mind.

This guy was easy. Focus on the bright orange fire hydrant... and wait.

 A little watching and a little more patience and...

 And finally, find a not-so-comfy seat on the pavement, some bright red graffiti with a brilliant blue sky, and a jeans-and-sneakers-clad teenage boy who doesn't even notice you panning your camera to his every move, waiting for just the right moment.

Huzzah! Perfect!

Gemini

This spring, one of my best friends brought herself home a new kitty. His name is Gemini, and I have accepted the position of part-time babysitter. When she went away for the weekend back in April, I was left in charge of feeding and entertaining Gem... although between him and my camera, HE was the one doing the entertaining!

What a stunner!

Christmas 2011

I love Christmas.

I love the decorations, the food, the excuse to be corny and nostalgic. These shots were taken all over the holidays this year, and represent some of my favorite parts of the season

I don't know what was up with this guy either, but it cracked me up a little:

Mmm... epic noms, and a chance to exercise my baking skills...

... and we can't just have them go homeless!

Wishing you and yours the best of the holiday season

from me and mine. :)

Gabarus Lake

 Just before Christmas, I found myself in Cape Breton again to spend some holiday time with my mother. December 21^st was particularly clear, crisp, and cold, with a light layer of snow, so I packed my camera into the car and let it take me where it would.

By early evening, I remembered a sunset I had never captured, and headed out to a little place I know on Gabarus Lake.

On the way there, I came across this lovely fellow and couldn’t resist stopping the car to catch the juicy way the light was falling across him.

I arrived at my destination with plenty of time to wander before the sun went down, so I piled on gloves and an extra sweater and went to investigate a nearby brook. It was there that I found exactly what I hadn’t known I’d been looking for!

Mother Nature had turned some random twigs into canvas, and frozen some dripping water into expertly carved sculptures. There were icicles and droplets, solidified in place by the calm below-zero temperatures, and painted with reflections of the surrounding water and skyline. I was entranced!

So cool!

I did also end up getting my sunset shots. This is actually two stitched together for the full effect and it's my favorite.

All in all, it was a long drive, and a cold, wet shoot, but so definitely worth the trip!

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Once, this was my favorite place on Earth.

I grew up here, made so many friends, and hit so many milestones right along these shores. These days, it's overgrown and unkempt, split into lots to be sold to the highest bidder. For me, though, the memories alone made it warm and inviting. My heart swelled so much that I stood there frozen to the spot, and went through the entire spectrum of emotions while the sun burst out from behind the ominous-looking clouds.
It was a sign, I knew. Someone very important knew I was there, and he hadn't forgotten either.