inspired photography with just enough perspective
Winter can last so long that some of us need visual cues that it’s coming to an end. Such was the case when I walked by these plants in the city park. Until this point, it never even dawned on me there would be an end to winter. Irrational yes, but very good news nonetheless.
This little fella decided to move in, but you can see he has a lot of catching up to do. In 2006, Vancouver experienced a devastating windstorm the effects of which can still be seen. With change comes renewal and this little cedar is evidence of that never ending cycle. From the looks of it, he has a lot of sturdy neighbors to keep him company through the many years as he grows to eventually tower through the canopy and see the sunrise on one side and the sunset across the Pacific Ocean on the other.
Something about a cafe on a busy street. I like sitting by a window and watching the world go by. But just as often, when I’m walking by, I like to look in. You can pick up on the character of a place, the type of patrons, the conversations, or perhaps people just, well, watching. Don’t ask me where I’m going with all this, probably nowhere. In any case, this upscale cafe is Joey Bentall One on Burrard in downtown Vancouver. This particular morning they hadn’t yet opened, it was early. But in a few hours, it would be, and so would the street outside.
A reflection is removed, not the real thing, it somehow affords us perspective. Kind of a luxury when you consider the demands of everyday. None of this was on my mind when I took this photo, but upon reflection, maybe it makes sense.
Architecture in a city can be pretty dynamic. It gets to the point you walk right by something that could be remarkable without really noticing. Such is the case with this building. As I walk by this most days, it appears typical glass and concrete, I couldn’t even recall where it is, nondescript. One night however I walked by and thought, where did this come from? A few blue lights and it’s a different building, who’da thunk? Seems the more I stop to notice, the more I, well…, notice. Funny how that works. Makes for a more interesting day, or night, as the case may be.
As I wandered through this lobby I stood around looking at the menu, all the while eyeing the bar and wondering if it was worthy of plunking my tripod down. I couldn’t help notice the exotic menu and the prices which were, uh…, a little higher than O’Malleys down the street. Nonetheless, I snapped the picture and made a mental note to come back right after I win the lottery.
I’m not the sharpest tack in the drawer. For a couple of weeks after I took this I couldn’t remember the name of this hotel. This is the lobby of the Pan Pacific in Vancouver. What caught my attention as I walked by was a banner outside which says Tea at Two. Expecting to see old world charm, or perhaps the queen, I headed in and was presented with this surreal scene. For whatever reason not a single hotel guest was in sight which had me glancing back at the door to make sure I was in the right place. In any case, I’m coming back here one day at two and ordering tea with my best British accent, assuming I haven’t forgotten the name of it by then.
I’m amazed at how much is below the surface in some cities. The next time you see a high-rise, keep in mind that a lot of it is underground; not just parking but restaurants, shops and walkways. Walkways that lead to other buildings and other shops and restaurants and other walkways and, well you get the idea. At first I was baffled by these stacks, but after a little consideration realized that these probably lead to who knows what under my feet. Probably someone sipping on a latte at Starbucks wondering what the weather is like outside.
I saw a picture by a local photographer of this bridge. Living in the county on the other side I racked my brain trying to figure out where it was taken. After a little checking I figured I had the spot so I headed out early one morning, Dunkin Donuts coffee in hand. Being my first photo trip I was a little apprehensive but nonetheless picked my way through the predawn to find the spot. I set up my tripod and waited in silence on the isolated shoreline off an isolated road. Just then lights and the sound of tires approached and I had no idea what to expect. Wouldn’t you know it, another photographer showed up, followed by two more after him. That’s when I realized this must be a popular spot and I was the new one to the party.
