Ottawa’s Centretown neighbourhood is a mix of the old and new. A lot of old houses and apartments have avoided the wrecker’s ball and are a source of much of my photography. The garden in the first photo is one I return to throughout the warmer months, I like its untended look. The elements in the balcony garden look carefully chosen, a little oasis in the city.
This mailbox reflects a time when receiving mail was an event. Along with the usual bills and notices there might also have been a much anticipated letter!
I liked the effect the breeze had on the tulips, it almost looked like they were dancing.
In an older part of town many of the houses were built of brick. I liked the play of light and shadow on the red brick and the fringe of green the unopened tulips formed.
I’m not sure who was expecting the delivery here.
Window shopping in Montreal. Design with flair.
While visiting an art gallery, I looked out a window at this scene. The mesh shade I shot through made for an interesting effect, I thought.
It’s fun to walk along the quiet lanes in residential areas. The sheds there can be weather worn or sport a new coat of paint. Once the snow melts, I’ll be exploring them again.
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.
I’m not a great fan of lawn art but I liked this touch of whimsy.
I took several photos of this Great Dane and featured another one in January. I think the dog was becoming a bit inpatient as it shifted position and was staring directly into the store window, willing its owner to return.
This dachshund looked patient and a bit wistful as it waited for its owner to return.
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.
This goldfinch was the last thing I expected to see in surroundings like these. You just never know 😊 .
I liked the colour and the slight distortion of the street scene reflected in the glass.
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.
This building was a neighourhood grocery a long time ago. It’s divided into apartments now. Its brick facade is a favourite stage of mine to showcase its wildflower garden. I stop by regularly, all year round.
I liked this little dog. It watched me closely but never barked. Not guard dog material, I guess.
As we turned the corner I saw these two and thought they looked pretty lifelike for lawn ornaments. When one duck moved its head I almost jumped. I’ve never seen a Pekin Duck before and never downtown. We stopped by to visit a few times over several days, more photos to come…
Sometimes you just have to get away 😊.
The old house that once stood on this lot was torn down many years ago. The land hasn’t been developed and is enclosed by a mesh fence which I shot through. I was struck by the sunflowers standing tall. They continue to flower and give pleasure to anyone that passes by.
I thought the little statue added some charm to this small yard. It looked as nicely weathered as the house beside it.
I like scenes like these, just a bit quirky.
There are many old homes with pretty gardens in this downtown neighbourhood. Turning the corner I noticed these little green visitors that added a bit of whimsy to the mix.
I saw this bull dog in a small fenced in lawn. He turned away as I approached but I did get his handsome profile.
I noticed the blue graffiti on the door frame earlier in spring. When I passed by recently and saw the day lilies I knew I had my picture.
A cat enjoying the sun on a warm afternoon.
I imagine the basketball was left there as I took the photo around lunchtime. The same holds true for the bike.
From this angle it looks like this cottage is being overrun by rose bushes. A friendly takeover.
I liked the sign on the old apartment house. The blue design on the red brick caught my eye as well.
I’ve driven by this barbershop often. This time I was on foot and noticed the nifty signage. It’s nice to slow down sometimes.
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.
Walls and fences make for interesting subjects. I find the colours and textures appealing. Add some greenery to complete the picture.
Walking down a neighbourhood street I happened to look up and saw this construction worker suspended in midair. I can’t begin to imagine what that must feel like.
We walked past this Basset Hound on our way to the store and he hadn’t budged on our return. A study in patience.
This casse-croûte (snack bar in English) promises you your fries quick! We discovered this place on a walk through a small Quebec town.
I liked the look of this Halloween decoration, someone got very creative with their pumpkins this year.
The Elphin is an iconic 1960s apartment building in Ottawa. The building had all the amenities of the day, including a darkroom for camera enthusiasts. The Elphin with its namesake elf and look retains a charm lost by the modern glass towers nearby.
A lot of old homes in my neighbourhood have wrought iron fences with flowers peaking through the gaps. The grass is always greener…
On a road trip last summer, we stopped in a small town to take a break and look around. We saw this abandoned factory just before we drove into the town centre. These forlorn looking buildings just ask to be photographed. The building in the second photo might have had an occupant, as a lace curtain hung in the bottom window.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 