Along with crocus, snowdrops are among the first flowers we see in the spring. The dried flowers from last season were surprising to see, given the winter that just passed.
Tag Archives: Black and White Photography
EARLY SPRING
This is what an early spring day looks like here. We still have a ways to go.
SPRING MELT
Not quite yet, I took this scene in April a few years ago. I hope this year things warm up sooner.
SUMMER’S EASE
When I took this scene I pictured it in black and white. A lazy afternoon in summer.
ANTICIPATION
Waiting for the kids to return.
SQUIRREL SCOUT
Despite the cold, this time of year has its advantages. It’s easier to spot the locals. 😏
LATE SEASON DUCK
With snow in the forecast, opportunities like this are fading quickly. Taking a camera out in cold weather is a challenge. My plan is to use my camera phone this winter to take some decent photos, I guess that means I’ll have to read the manual 😏
NOVEMBER SCENE
I liked the partial shadow of the branches against the white wall. Quite stark and what a typical November looks and feels like. This year is not the usual though it’s been warm and sunny and some flowers are still in bloom.
SHARE THE PATH, DUCK
Obviously, the signs don’t apply to this duck. 😏
AMERICAN BLACK DUCK (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
The American Black Duck is very similar in appearance to the female mallard, although its feathers are darker and its bill is an olive yellow. Not as common here as the mallard but still well represented.
THERE’S ART EVERYWHERE
I liked the curves and lines of this ladder that leads to the building’s roof. A piece of functional art.
GOOSE TRIO
If you wait awhile Canada Geese can strike some interesting poses or sometimes you just happen upon a scene like this.
SHAKEN NOT STIRRED
Sparks Street is a pedestrian mall in downtown Ottawa. It’s a mix of office towers, shops and restaurants. I liked the old fashioned sign and the chairs stacked up waiting for the Cocktail Hour.
END OF THE ROAD
I always find scenes like this pretty melancholy, however, the boots were in fairly decent shape and placed with care. Maybe the owner left them there for someone else to wear.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WALK
I’m not sure who was expecting the delivery here.
SHADOWS AND REFLECTIONS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I took both photos in downtown Ottawa. New construction abutting the old. This high-rise will be another added to the collection of unremarkable structures that take the place of buildings such as this lovely Art Deco style building.
ROYAL VISIT
I’m not a great fan of lawn art but I liked this touch of whimsy.
WATCHFUL
We stopped on the side of the road to enjoy the surroundings. It was perfectly silent and calm yet the sky held some menace as the clouds rolled in.
RED IN BLACK AND WHITE
Red squirrels are active all year round. When it gets very cold they retreat to dens in tree trunks but even so you often see them about if only briefly. They also depend on food that they have cached during the fall; frozen berries and buds.
TAKING IN THE SIGHTS
The dog’s owner had run into a store and left his Great Dane in the car. The huge dog in the tiny car drew a lot of attention and I had to wonder how the owner managed to drive with him on board.
HAIRY WOODPECKER
Very similar in appearance to the Downy Woodpecker, the Hairy is distinguished by its larger size and bill length. Have to admire that fancy footwork too. 😊
STEADY GAZE
Late in the season some wildlife seem less skittish around people. Either they’ve gotten used to our presence or just hoping to be fed.
WHAT A DAY
This female wood duck was just scratching an itch but you could read more into her expression.
BEFORE THE RIVER FREEZES (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I took this photo on a mild October day while walking along the river. The gull seemed to be enjoying the relative warmth too.
ROCK ART
I didn’t see this rock art being created and I don’t know how long it had been standing. Someone had formed a circle with these balancing rocks which I rather liked.
YOU TOOK MY SPOT
Standing on a pedestrian bridge, I watched some gulls fly overhead. I haven’t taken many birds in flight shots and thought I’d practice as this gull came in for a landing. I liked the expression on the other bird!
PATTERNS ON THE SHORE (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
On a walk by the river, I noticed the exposed roots of the old tree. They formed swirling patterns on the shoreline. They reminded me of the legs of some fantastic sea creature.
CALM (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
The mallard pair found a quiet spot near shore. No other ducks, barely a breeze; a perfect moment.
ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU
I saw this Labrador Retriever one day on a walk. He wasn’t bothered by me or my camera, never so much as barked as I took a few shots. Too busy watching his owner at the foot of the driveway.
RIVER VIEW (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
There’s a spot on the river where the cormorants gather. The silhouetted bird was sharing the tree with four other birds. I wish I had a longer lens that day.
SIDEWALK VIEW-2 (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I thought the little statue added some charm to this small yard. It looked as nicely weathered as the house beside it.
SECOND LOOK (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I like scenes like these, just a bit quirky.
FLOWERS TELL A TALE (THREE PHOTOGRAPHS)
The first flower peeked out of the long grass, its stem bent by a recent rain. I thought the shadow added interest to the tiny flower below.
ANTICIPATION (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I imagine the basketball was left there as I took the photo around lunchtime. The same holds true for the bike.
NEIGHBOURHOOD FAVOURITE (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
This was taken in a garden of an old house in the neighbourhood. The garden is left to itself and it’s thriving. It begins the season with a few tulips, then on to lilacs, lilies of the valley and later in the summer, tiger lilies. There are plenty of wild flowers too including these Dame’s-Rockets. A neighbourhood favourite for bees as well.
DOWNTOWN SCENES (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I liked the sign on the old apartment house. The blue design on the red brick caught my eye as well.
CURIOSITY (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
You have to wonder what happened here. A pair of canvas shoes placed neatly at the curb, almost as though their owner was going to slip them back on.
ROBIN GOTHIC
I didn’t have a chance to change the exposure compensation as the robin landed close by. I took the photo and despite how dark it was I liked it. I made a few adjustments in Lightroom and Photoshop and this is the result.
NEIGHBOURHOOD FINDS (THREE PHOTOGRAPHS)
Walls and fences make for interesting subjects. I find the colours and textures appealing. Add some greenery to complete the picture.
MONDAY WALK (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Under the current Covid stay at home orders staying close to home is what we’re doing. I’ve always enjoyed walking in our neighbourhood and this spring it’s like seeing everything for the first time.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 