B Photography

Woof!

2012-01-06T19:57:00.000-05:00

I'd like to introduce you to the newest member of the Gilbert Family. This is Dallas. With a face like this....I'm sure Dallas get's away with alot. I know, I wasn't able to resist him!

Teetu

2011-12-30T19:36:00.000-05:00

Everybody...this is Teetu. A beautiful Husky that belongs to my nephew. I did these photos back in the beginning of November but I couldn't post them because these photos were a Christmas gift for my nephew from his Mom. Teetu was so much fun to photograph and he loved to pose for me. I'm glad Teetu's Dad loved the photos.

Going to the Dogs...and the Cats...and the Pig?

2011-12-20T21:13:00.000-05:00

With the festive season almost here, it's only right that Fluffy, Fido and Einstein the Pig get their photo's taken with Santa. The SPCA in Chelsea had their Open House which allowed our furry friends to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas. We had lots of dogs, a couple of cat's and one special visitor....Einstein the Pig.

My photo instructor, Harry Nowell, http://www.harrynowell.com/ volunteers to take photos and open's up this opportunity to one of his students. I jumped at the chance to do this. I believe I put my name in for this over a year ago when I signed up for the ProProgram Course.

Most of the pet's coming in to get their photo taken, adopted their new families at the SPCA in Chelsea. The volunteers here are the most wonderful, amazing people and I was thrilled to be part of this special day. The Open House and Photo's With Santa raised about $2000.00. I know all the animals that have passed through this shelter say Thank You. Woof! Meow! Oink!

Here are a few photos of this wonderful day.

Fluffy here was all decked out for it's photo with Santa. It came in with bells on!

How cute am I?

Our beloved Maxwell, passed away almost 4 years and I have been trying to get my husband to agree on adopting another dog but I haven't had any luck. This little guy was looking for a new home so I took him to Santa, took his photo and was hoping to show this little face to my husband and maybe adopt him. No luck but I think he's starting to think about it. Fingers crossed.

This handsome fellow with Santa is Biscuit.

Einstein The Pig made me laugh. I've never been near a real pig before. Einstein was so cute with his top hat and coat.

Smile for the camera Einstein.

Let's Dance - Part 2

2011-12-10T19:19:00.000-05:00

This photo session was a little warmer than the one we did with the first set of dance instructors from Dance With Alana. http://www.dancewithalana.com/ (see Let's Dance on earlier blog) Lou Truss, http://www.loutrussphotography.com/ was my partner in crime for this photo session. We got to photograph some amazing dancers. Hope you enjoy some of the photos from our session. Thanks again to all the dancers!

More Dancing Fun - Sneak Peak

2011-11-21T20:44:00.000-05:00

Back in October I had an amazing photo session with some dance instructors from Dance With Alana. http://www.dancewithalana.com/ We had so much fun, we decided to do it again. My partner in crime for this shoot was Lou Truss. http://www.loutrussphotography.ca/ Here are a few of the shots I took. Stay tuned for more photos!

Let's Dance!!

2011-11-06T20:31:00.000-05:00

On a beautiful, slightly cool October day, I had a the opportunity to photograph some wonderful dancers from a local dance school in Ottawa, Dance With Alana. http://www.dancewithalana.com/ With the help of two of my photography friends, Lou and Hagen, we had a blast working with Caroline, Rafeek, Joseé and Ben Jammin.

Enjoy!

Jackie & Adam

2011-10-28T22:57:00.000-04:00

On a beautiful, sunny October day, Jackie and Adam allowed me to share in their special day and photograph my very first solo wedding. It was an amazing opportunity and I had such a wonderful experience working with this couple and their wonderful family and friends.

Here is a video of some the photos from their special day. Congratulations Jackie and Adam. Wishing you all the best in this new adventure in your lives.

Sneak Peak - Dancing in Ottawa

2011-10-23T20:54:00.000-04:00

Here is a sneak peak of some amazing dancers we had the opportunity to photograph today. We started and 1:00PM and stopped at 5:30PM and really only stopped because the sun was starting to go down. Thanks so much to the wonderful dancers and to my photo partners, Lou and Hagen...thanks for helping make this such a great day.

Ben Jammin

Joseé

Caroline

Salsa Dancing

Night Lights Workshop - Day Two

2011-10-16T19:54:00.000-04:00

Mother Nature wasn't happy on Saturday for Day Two of my Night Lights Workshop with Harry Nowell. http://www.harrynowell.com/ The wind was howling and the rain was pouring but we were a hardy bunch and we didn't let it cut our night short. We had our heavy coats, hats and mitts so we were all set.

I picked this because of the "starburst" effect coming off the street lamp. Thanks for the tip Harry!

Having some with blur. Love the reflection on the road and the Chateau Laurier in the back. My "starburst" effect is back.

This statue was on the University of Ottawa campus.

Wanted to try something different. Put this on a slow shutter speed and zoomed in and out slowly. Kinda cool.

Night Lights Workshop - Night One

2011-10-15T09:49:00.001-04:00

On Friday, October 14th, I particiapted in the Night Lights Photo Workshop with Harry Nowell http://www.harrynowell.com/ The course is designed to teach new photo techniques at night and I must say, this the most fun I've ever had in a photo workshop. Some of the techniques were so much to learn and develop. Below are a few pictures I took last night using some of the new techniques.

Our first assignment was to pick one location and photograph it over the course of a 1/2 hour. Taken at 6:37PM

Taken at 6:41 PM

Taken at 6:47 PM

Taken at 6:57 PM

Using a flashlight to highligh the building. I love the sky. No editing involved.

This exercise we were painting the statue with light. I highlighted the left side of the statue. The tree and the sky really add to the picture. Again, no editing.

In Ottawa, there is a company that does Ghost Walks. They tell people the local Ottawa ghost stories. Very rarely to you actually see one, but last night while photographing in The Courtyard downtown, my camera picked up a ghostly image. That image is actually me using my external flash. I think it's pretty cool.

Sneak Peak -- Jackie and Adam

2011-10-10T10:33:00.000-04:00

October 8th was a big FIRST for me. It was my first time photographing a wedding all on my own and I had the most amazing couple to work with. Jackie and Adam had the most wonderful fall day to begin the next chapter of their lives together.

Here is a sneak peak at a couple of their wedding photos. Most to come soon.

Saturday Fun In The Park

2011-08-24T19:34:00.000-04:00

Spent some time a few weeks ago with this handsome little fellow at his neighbourhood park. Kayden was a joy to photograph. He was full of fun and smiles.

Thank You Greekfest

2011-08-22T19:53:00.000-04:00

Well, all good things must come to an end and so to must Greekfest. I had a great opportunity to photograph Greekfest for 3 different sessions and I had an amazing time. The food was terrific. The music was awesome. The people...what can I say about the people...I was so warmly welcomed by all the volunteers, especially my friends in the back cooking tent who took me under their wings, introduced me around and made me my own special plate of Greek food.

The volunteers at this event are second to none and thank you for making me feel so welcome. I hope you'll have me back next year. OPA!!!

Family Day included the Shriner's Clowns. Waffles here is working hard for all the kids.

Smile and the world smiles with you.

Those that know me, know how I love pictures of shoes and toes. Waffles had the most awesome shoes.

The Ottawa Police were on site to show the kids their awesome bikes and talk about their jobs.

Harley Davidson...doesn't get any better.

We got a little rain on Saturday, so I headed in doors to take pictures of the beautiful church.

One of the beautiful carvings in the church.

Beautiful ceiling.

Fireworks!!

2011-08-21T16:18:00.000-04:00

Spent a wonderful summer evening watching the most amazing sound and light show at Casino Du Lac-Leamy http://www.feux.qc.ca/en/ These four countries showed off their fireworks during the competition and this was the finale which showcased firework displays from Canada, Germany, Italy and China. The winner was GERMANY. They won the Zeus award which was for best sound and light display and they won the fan choice award.

Greekfest Continues

2011-08-19T20:02:00.000-04:00

The party continues at Greekfest and I was there to enjoy Multicultural Night. It was a wonderful night of music and dancing which included local dance troupes representating their countries in dance.

Cooking up a storm at Father Alex's Saganaki Shack. Saganaki is a pan seared cheese appetizer and when it is ready, they light it up and this is the result.

Zorba Dancing at Greekfest.

Members of the Thai Dance Troupe of Ottawa.

Members of the Jalilah Raq's Ensemble

Odyssey Dance Troupe

Serbian Folk Dance Ensemble - Kolo

Venezuelan Folklore Dance Group “Cherun Meru”

The Odd Couple

2011-08-13T20:22:00.000-04:00

What do you get when a Pug and a Chocolate Lab share a house? You get the cutest, funniest pair of dogs that you'll ever meet. Whitney The Pug and Hershey The Chocolate Lab rule the house but they totally love their Mom, Melanie.

WANTED FOR BEING TO DARN CUTE
Stands 12 to 14 inches high. Weighs between 13 to 20 lbs. Has short, blunt, square shaped muzzle and large, prominent eyes. Answers to the name of Whitney.
If you see this dog, do not try to apprehend.

A beautiful profile shot of Hershey.

Hershey's Mom love's this photo.

The Odd Couple.....too cute!

Greekfest 2011

2011-08-13T12:55:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Greekfest Ottawa 2011.

Looking for a great event in the City of Ottawa. Take a drive out to 1315 Prince of Wales Drive and spend some time enjoying the food, the music and the people. Check out the entire listing of events at http://www.ottawagreekfest.com/ OPA!!!!

Three Sisters have the most wonderful cookbook available for sale "Around The Greek Table". They have been doing demonstrations at the Ottawa Greek Festival and last night they made the most amazing meatballs. Check out details of their story and their amazing cookbook at: http://3greeksisters.com/

No night at Greekfest would be complete without music and dancing. The Zorba Dance at the end of the night took my breath away. You have to see this show.

Zoom Zoom

2011-07-24T19:33:00.000-04:00

That title pretty much sums up the day I had a Calabogie Motorsports Raceway http://www.calabogiemotorsports.com/ in July. I had a great opporunity to photograph the BMW Driving School with some photography friends. It was a boiling hot day but it was so much fun watching these drivers putting the petal to metal.

Not In My Backyard

2011-07-14T22:06:00.000-04:00

Went on a little photography adventure this week. We drove out into the Ottawa Valley and stopped at a local gentleman's farm and took some pictures of the old farm equipment and vehicles laying around the property. By the looks of things, when something broke, no need to fix it, just leave it and let the grass grow up around it.

My Own Backyard

2011-07-10T19:58:00.000-04:00

Before leaving to do groceries this morning, I had time to admire our garden. I can't take any credit for it as I have NO gardening abilities what so ever. All the hard work and credit goes to my mom. When we first built our house, we had a landscape designer come and give us the plans and we did the work ourselves. Just last year, we finally finished the backyard landscaping and here are some of the results of mom's hard work. The Lily's recently added to the garden are so beautiful and they smell amazing. Thanks Mom!!!!

Creativing Cropping

2011-07-05T20:06:00.000-04:00

After posting my pictures from my trip to the nursery, I got some great feedback from some of my photography friends and a few of them challenged me to be more creative when cropping my photos. So, below are some of my attempts at Creativing Cropping. Comments and suggestions welcomed. Enjoy.

Before Photo

After Photo

Before Photo

After Photo

Before Photo

After Photo

Before Photo

After Photo

Before Photo

After Photo

Before Photo

After Photo (thanks for the suggestion Hagan)

Pretty Flowers in Almonte

2011-07-03T20:57:00.000-04:00

A few people from my photography group got together on Saturday and went to Whitehouse Perennials just outside of Almonte. They had the most amazing set up with the most beautiful flowers. It was so great, we're going back again in a few weeks to take some more photos.

New York, New York

2011-07-03T19:36:00.000-04:00

A city so fabulous they named it twice. Yes, I'm sure everybody has heard that line but it's so true. This was my second visit to this great city but on this visit I got to see so much more than my first trip there.

My trip to New York was made better having my mom and friends come with me for a girls 4 day getaway. We stayed at the amazing Waldorf Astoria Hotel. You can't put into words how spectacular this hotel is. Sunday Brunch is available for $95.00 for adults and $65.00 for children under 12. Oh, tips and drinks are extra. Believe it or not, people were lined up for. We went to a little local resturant around the block from the hotel. 2 eggs, bacon, toast, homefries and orange juice for $5.99.

We took the New York City Hop On, Hop Off bus tour which included tours of Brooklyn, Harlem, Upper and Lower Manhattan. We also took a harbor cruise that went around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

We did a little shopping which included Macy's, Tiffany's and one of favorite stores in Time Square...the M&M Store. Our tour guide said we had to go to John's for the best pizza in New York. The pizza was OK but the next we went to the same resaurant and had the most amazing Chicken Parm and Pasta. For dessert, we stopped by Carlo's Bakery (the Cake Boss on TLC).

This statue is located at the pier where we caught the ferry over to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. I must admit, I was difficult to look at when the waves kept going over the face of the statue in the water.

One of my favorite stores in New York is the M&M Store. This is Blue dressed up as John Travolta.

The Statue of Liberty. The ultimate symbol of freedom of the United States and to get there we needed to go through metal detectors, take our shoes off and some were patted down.

My favorite building in New York City. The Flatiron.

We walked around Central Park one morning and got a great picture of this little guy. I like to think of him with Robert DeNiro's voice saying, "You looking at me?"

Central Park and this is the Hans Christian Anderson statue. My main goal was to get a picture of this statue and the Alice in Wonderland statue.

From our bus tour coming across the Brooklyn Bridge heading back into Manhattan.

My purchase at the famous Tiffany's of New York. I'll keep my blue box forever.

I hope you my photo adventures in New York City. I can't wait to go back!

Canada Day Fun

2011-07-02T18:37:00.000-04:00

What better way to celebrate Canada Day then to spend the day out in the park with friends! MJ invited me to celebrate Canada's birthday at Petrie Island in Orleans. It was a perfect day to enjoy the sunshine, playing on the beach and having a picnic. Dominique and Alexia had a great time and I really enjoyed taking some photos of their time at the park.

Some Fun In The Park

2011-06-26T17:54:00.000-04:00

Andrew Hayden Park is a very popular place for families to enjoy the great summer weather. It's got lots to offer including playing in the play ground or having a picnic or just enjoying a good book. I had a photo shoot there on Saturday, June 18th with two cute little boys and they had me climbing in the play structure and chasing after them around the park. It was great fun. Thanks Devin and Taylor.

2 Families = Double the Fun

2011-06-25T18:22:00.000-04:00

Had some fun at Andrew Hayden Park with these two families. Laura and Katrina are best friends and wanted to get some photos done since Katrina is moving with her family out of country. I had so much fun with 2 mom's, 2 dad's, 3 little boys and 1 little girl.

Stephanie + Rick = First Engagement Shoot

2011-06-24T19:47:00.000-04:00

I've had a lot of first in thislittle journey of photography and on Saturday, June 18th I had my firstengagement shoot with a super, wonderful couple Stephanie and Rick. We did thephoto's down at Andrew Hayden Park and the weather was perfect. Stephanie and I have been friends for a numberof years, and I'm so totally thrilled for both her and Rick and I was honouredwhen she asked that I do their engagement photos.

Let's flash back to May 28th ataround 9:00 PM where I just finished shadowing a wedding in Brockville withAllison Love of Captured Photography and when I got to my car and noticed I hada text message from Stephanie which went like this:

"Hey B! Scott told me u r at a wedding shoottoday...How ironic...Rick proposed tonight! I'm engaged!!!!! Will call utomorrow" Needless to say there wasNO WAY I could wait until tomorrow to get all the details and called right awayand I'm sure Allison's neighbours must have thought I was being attacked withme shrieking into the phone giving them both my heart felt congratulations.

So, here are a few of my favouritephotos of the day.

Stephanie and Rick....thanks forletting me be part of this special time in your lives and I can't wait untilthe big day.

Spring Into Ottawa

2011-04-10T20:01:00.000-04:00

Well, it looks like another winter is over and Ottawa is starting to wake up from it's long winter nap. We have such a great city and I really love walking through the streets and parks and enjoying all the city has to offer.

Saturday was such a beautiful day, after leaving the Vimy Ridge Service at the National War Memorial in downtown Ottawa I walked through the city and noticed that the city and the people know that Spring has sprung.

Welcome Spring!!!

Majors Hill Park. Love taking photo's of benches.

This Angel was donated to the NCC by the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation. It used to be on the mortuary chapel of Notre Dame Cemetery in Vanier. Sculptor is unknown but it's beautiful.

The Byward Market is great. Lots of fresh fruits, veggies, beautiful flowers and baked goodies. Lemon's anybody?

We have such beautiful buildings in Ottawa. Love the design of this building. Perfect!

One of the best statue's in Ottawa. Oscar Peterson is located just outside the National Art Centre.

Remembering Vimy Ridge

2011-04-09T20:18:00.000-04:00

Today I spent time at the National War Memorial in Ottawa towatch the Memorial Services to commemorate the Battle of Vimy Ridge. It was a moving ceremony with a small numberof people attending. On Friday Night, anumber of young students held a candlelight service and they participated on Saturday by laying a wreath inmemory of the this epic battle.

Many people, including most Canadians don’t know the storyof Vimy Ridge. The Battle of Vimy Ridgehas considerable significance for Canada as it was the first instance in whichall four Canadian divisions, made up of troops drawn from all parts of thecountry, fought as a cohesive formation. Many historians believe the Battle of Vimy Ridge symbolized Canada’scoming of age as a nation.

The battle, which took place from 9 April to 12 April 1917and by nightfall on the 12th, the Canadian Corps was in firm control of theridge. The corps suffered 10,602 casualties: 3,598 killed and 7,004 wounded.

Veterans from all divisions of the military came out to participate in the service.

This Veteran was very moving to watch. I was watching him during the playing of the Canadian National Anthem and I had tears coming to my eyes. Thinking of events he's probably seen made me appreciate what all members of the
military past and present do and have done for us. THANK YOU!

General Walter Natynczyk was part of the service.

Numerous wreaths were left but the first one that was laid was from the Canada. France was next.

Nothing more needs to be said.

Hockey Night in Orleans

2011-04-02T20:41:00.000-04:00

I had an opportunity to photograph some hockey in Orleans this week. These young players were in play-off action mode. The Orleans team won the game 3 to 2 which gives them 2 wins out of 3 in the first round of the play-offs. Good luck in the rest of your season guys!

Sugarbush = Springtime

2011-03-27T20:10:00.000-04:00

Spring is right around the corner which means it's time for a trip to the Sugarbush for some Maple Syrup and Pancakes. I participated in a Photo Workshop hosted by Alain Simard at Foulton's Pancake House and Sugarbush. http://www.fultons.ca and got some wonderful pictures of our outdoor adventure.

The weather was a little cold so the sap was only running on certain trees that were in the sun. The old tree behind the cooking shed was one of the few trees with the sap running.

Our Workshop included a sleigh ride into the Sugarbush. Beautiful!

The horses hard at work.

We had breakfast before our Workshop. (Pancakes, Sausages and Maple Syrup ofcourse) Very yummy. To complete our day, we got to sample some Maple Taffy.

This is the Old Elephant Tree that is found on the yellow trail. Thanks to Alain for lending me his coat so I could lie on the ground and get this shot.

Janice and her Baby Bump

2011-03-12T16:33:00.000-05:00

I had a great opportunity on Saturday, March 5th to take baby bump photo's of my friend Janice and her future little bundle. She's due with her first baby, a little girl, in April. This was my first attempt at doing baby bump pictures and thanks to the help of my friend Alain (www.alainsimardphotography.ca) who provided me with the studio space and assistance, I think I caught some excellent moments with Janice and her little bundle.

Janice and Baby Bump

Janice needed a little assistance at first to bring out that smile. Thanks to Alain`s dancing and singing dog, Janice was giving us a great belly laugh.

Black and white photo of Baby Bump and just a touch of color.

A lovely picture of Janice`s Baby Bump.

Janice giving us her belly laugh in black and white.

What Janice didn't know is that we were out taking her baby bump photo's, her Mom and best friend Stephanie were preparing for her surprise Baby Shower at her house. My part of the plan was to keep her out of the house until at least 1:00 PM and then bring her in for her surprise. It all worked perfectly and Mommy to Be had a great overall day.

Thanks Janice for the great day and letting me part of this special time with you. I can`t wait to meet your little bundle and hopefully do more baby photos when she arrives. Congratulations!!!

Hockey With Bite - The Ottawa 67's Part 2

2011-02-20T15:42:00.000-05:00

Hockey With Bite! I had another opportunity to take photos of the Ottawa 67's in action on Friday, February 18th. It was the 67's VS The Belleville Bulls and thanks to the press pass that I got through Valerie who does the Ottawa 67's fan blog (http://ottawa67s.blogspot.com) I got some special access which included the press room, access to the ice and the players bench during warming up.

#77 Mike Mascioli from the Belleville Bulls

Ottawa 67's player enjoying a few minutes before the game starts.

A little action on the ice.

Belleville Bull's goaltender #20 Tyson Teichmann. The 67's won the game 5 to 1.

Ottawa 67's #36 Taylor Fielding and Bull's #27 Dylan Corson having a little disagreement on the ice.

Winterlude 2011

2011-02-11T22:04:00.000-05:00

Living in Ottawa we have the great opportunity of hosting one of the best Winter Carnivals in North America. Thousands of people descend into Ottawa to celebrate Winterlude which includes the World Longest Skating Rink (7.8km), amazing ice sculptures and of course the world famous Beaver Tail! For those of you that don’t know…it’s not really a beaver tail…it’s a deep fried pastry with toppings like cinnamon and sugar.

Life in the Balance was the winning entry for the ice sculpture competition.

This is the view from the Rideau Canal.

Skating on the Rideau Canal. It was very cold so not alot of people were out enjoying it.

Winterlude 2011. Part of one of the ice sculptures on display.

Hockey With Bite - The Ottawa 67's

2011-02-10T21:32:00.000-05:00

I had a great opportunity on February 6th where I got to do a photo shoot with our local junior hockey team...The Ottawa 67's. This was a workshop offered as part of my ProProgram through Harry Nowell. (www.harrynowell.com)

Bobkov is the London Knights goaltender. He was in net when Russia beat Canada in the World Junior Tournament last year. It didn't help him much. The final score...4 to 0 for the Ottawa 67's.

A little action coming up the ice.

This is one of my favorite pictures. Close up of one of the Ottawa 67's players.

This is the Ottawa 67's goaltender. I loved the back of his helmet.

Teenagers Just Want To Have Fun!

2011-02-04T17:34:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, I participated in a Natural Light Portraits workshop with Harry Nowell as part of my Pro Program Course and I wanted to get some additional practice so I mentioned this to my friend who said her daughter and her daughters friends would LOVE to do a photo shoot with me. She was right and I had a few eager models to help me out.

On Sunday, January 30th, I hooked up with Taylor G, Taylor B and Karalee at the Carp Fairgrounds to try taking some portraits. It was a beautiful, sunny day but it was still minus 13 out and the girls weren't really dressed for winter so we had to take a few breaks so they could thaw out in the car for a bit.

The girls were so much fun to photograph and the hour and a half we spent shooting just zoomed by. I just dropped the CD's off for the girls and I really hope they enjoy the pictures. I had a great time taking them. I still have a lot to learn but this was a great experience and I have a few additional shots to add to my portfolio and the girls have a ton of pictures to post on Facebook.

Below are a few of my favourite shots from our photo shoot. Thanks again ladies. It was a lot of fun and we'll have to do it again....when it's warmer outside!

Gene Simmons from KISS would be so proud!

A shy little smile and a great picture!

Awesome close up shot.

Having some fun in the park.

The girls in a great shot by the trees in the playground.

The World from Rough Stones by Malcolm Macdonald

2011-01-20T19:19:00.000-05:00

The World from Rough Stones is Book One in a trilogy following the Stevenson Family written by Malcolm Macdonald.

Another book that I found wandering around Chapters. It caught my eye and reading the back of the book saying, “Rich and exciting” from the Washington Star. “You can’t put it down” Chattanooga Times. Well, what does Barbara McKenzie say????

I couldn’t finish this book. There are only a handful of books I’ve never been able to finish and The World from Rough Stones will now be added to this small group.

I never felt any pull to any of the characters and the story seemed very dry and I actually skimmed through certain sections because it was just so boring. I read about 400 pages before I gave up. Very disappointing.

Book Review - The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalin

2011-01-10T18:03:00.000-05:00

The Double Bind is a novel from Chris Bohjalian who wrote another book, one of my “Best Reads” called Skeletons At The Feast.

Fact and fiction become indistinguishable in The Double Bind. The story centers on Laurel Estabrook, a young social worker and survivor of a near-rape, who stumbles across photographs taken by a formerly homeless client and tries to understand how a man who'd taken snapshots of celebrities in the 50s and 60s might have wound up on the streets. When Bobbie passes away he leaves no possessions other than a box of old photographs. Since Laurel has some knowledge of photography, her supervisor suggests she find out a little about the photos and have an art show for the agency’s benefit. Little does she know, just how much Laurel is about to discover.

I can’t really break down too much of the story because of how intertwined it is and this book is too good to have it ruined by a review. You may feel once you've reached the last page, you want to go back to page one and begin again. I say this not because it's a bad story, but because it's that good. The twisted ending which leaves you compelled to go back and absorb the story again, which I plan to do.

The book contains black and white pictures that were taken by once homeless man named Bob “Soupy” Campbell. The pictures are real but the story about Bobbie Crocker is fictional and Chris Bohjalian does an amazing job creating unforgettable characters.

Two Of My Favorite Things....

2011-01-06T20:21:00.000-05:00

I'm working on a photography project called 365, where I take a picture every day of the year. I've decided during the course of the year I'll photograph the book that I've just completed and provide a review. Here is my first book review.

The Lake of Dreams is the new novel from Kim Edwards who wrote the best-selling book The Memory Keeper’s Daughter and I have so been looking forward to her next book, The Lake of Dreams. I finished this book and I must say I’ve got mixed feelings about it.

The story follows Lucy Jarrett, who left her family and small town after her father dies in a boating accident. She seems to be at a loss and haunted by the past. While living in Japan with her boyfriend Yoshi, Lucy decides to make a visit home and when she stumbles upon items from the distant past in a window seat, she starts a journey of her family’s history and starts to find peace at The Lake of Dreams. I love the letters that Lucy finds that takes you back to the past and sheds light on Lucy’s family history.

Lucy also has to come to terms on how life at Lake of Dreams has changed and the people she loves are changing and moving forward. Her mother seems to be finding romance again. Her brother Blake has decided to join the family business with his uncle. Her teenage love Keegan has moved back to town and started a successful glass blowing business. While Lucy has been travelling the world, she still doesn’t seem to be moving forward with her life.

Like The Memory Keeper’s Daughter, Kim Edwards has created some wonderful characters. Her writing is so detailed so when you’re reading it’s like you are actually standing in Japan, living through the earthquakes or riding down the lake on the Keegan’s boat. I was slightly disappointed by it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good book but it doesn’t meet the expectations I had of it. It’s hard to put my finger on it but worth the read. Like The Memory Keeper’s Daughter, Kim Edwards has created some wonderful characters. Her writing is so detailed when you’re reading it’s like you actually standing Japan, living through the earthquakes or riding down the lake on the Keegan’s boat. I was slightly disappointed by it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good book but it doesn’t meet the expectations I had of it.

My next review will be The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian.

Top Photographs of 2010

2010-12-26T22:28:00.001-05:00

When I had my first meeting with my Photography Instructor Harry, I had to provide 10 to 15 of my favourite pictures but I had some troubles and I think I had it narrowed down to about 25. Driving around the past week, I've been hearing all the Top Music Countdowns for 2010 and I thought it would be a good idea to try this with photographs I've taken during 2010.

I'm going to break this into 4 categories; The Great Outdoors, Buildings/Monuments, Animals and Just For Fun and I’ll place my top 3 photos for each group. I’ll then have to make my top pick of #1 Photo of 2010.

Top Three Photographs - Animals

This is my mom's cat Dempster. She was enjoying the winter sun in our backyard.


This beautiful swan was in the Toronto Harbor.

This little fella was charging me because he thought I had food. Sorry.....

Top Three Photographs - Buildings and Monuments

Mozart statue in Vienna, Austria.

Our beautiful Parliament Buildings decorated for the holidays.

Kaiser Franz Joseph....it just sums up the sadness of the Old Emperor...his sons suicide pact,the murder of his wife and the assassination of his heir and then the destruction of the Dual Monarchy and all the miseries that followed from that... (thanks to my Uncle for the back ground on the Old Emperor

Top Three Photographs - The Great Outdoors

A simple Daisy at the end of my driveway.

Kayaker and 2 Geese taken this fall at Hog's Back in Ottawa.

Upper Canada Village at Night.

Top Three Photographs - Just For Fun

Taken in Vienna, Austria. These bikes were everywhere in the city.

DARTH!!! What more can I say. I've been a Star Wars fan from the very beginning. Am I showing my age?


My Lego Stormtropper. There is a Photographer named Mike Stimpton who does the most amazing photographs with Lego. He has inspired me to try my hand with Lego. I had fun.

My Number One Photograph of 2010........

I took a Photography Workshop that took place at the Experimental Park in Ottawa. It was pouring when we showed up at 6:30 AM and then it just stopped. I got some amazing photos but his was my favorite of the Workshop. This photo and my Darth Vader were running neck and neck as my favorite. It was a tough choice.

I hope you enjoy my pictures. I can't wait to start working on my favorites of 2011.

Happy New Year!!!!

Upper Canada Village at Night

2010-12-19T20:36:00.000-05:00

Looking for something to do over the Christmas Holidays? Take the short drive to Morrisburg, Ontario and visit Upper Canada Village at Night. http://www.uppercanadavillage.com/UCV/index_e.aspx?ArticleID=629
The park is covered with 250,000 lights which takes 6 weeks to get put up and on Saturday Nights, they have been getting 3,000 people visiting. You can walk through the park or take a horse drawn carriage ride. They also have a skating area.

The church is the most amazing location in the park.

I'm still learning alot about Night Photography and it was so much fun playing with a few different techniques. I was great some great tips from my photography buddy Andre. Looking forward to trying some more techniques but I hope you enjoy some of the pictures I took on my little adventure to Upper Canada Village.

Upper Canada Village 2010. The house on the corner of Church Street.

A simple picture but I love it.

A shot overlooking the pond.

Love this picture with the snow covered lights

Candles in the small church window.

Ottawa At Night

2010-12-07T20:07:00.000-05:00

I often forget how beautiful my City of Ottawa is especially at night. Since I got my Nikon D3000 for Christmas I've been wanting to make it downtown to photograph the city. After doing some night photography on my vacation to Munich, Prague, Vienna and Budapest this fall I realized I was in desperate need of some assistance with taking pictures as night.

Thanks to a workshop with Ottawa Photo Safari and instructor Ray Pilon my night photography skills have gotten better over night. I've got a long way to go, but it was a huge step forward for me.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with the lights a glow in the background.

We are so lucky to be able to get up on the hill and take photos of this great building. It looks so amazing all done up in lights.


Now I know where the secret photo spot is at Parliament Hill

Our War Memorial at Night. I love the shadows.

One of my favorite shots. You can see the amazing light show happening all over the building and the flame.

Back To Nature...or Close To It

2010-11-16T19:53:00.001-05:00

I spent a great weekend away with my girlfriends in Cambridge and the weather was so gorgeous I was able to get out and take a few photos in the local park then went to Wings of Paradise a Butterfly Conservatory to take some pictures of butterflies and birds. I did the same thing here in Ottawa back in October but Wings of Paradise had a lot more….not so crowded. I was having some issues with my camera as it wouldn’t work at times. I think it might have been because of the humidity in the conservatory so I didn’t get many photographs but I do love the ones I took.

Since I was having problems taking photos in the conservatory, for some reason this picture was very blue so I turned this little fella into a black and white photo. He looks much better black and white than blue.

This guy was very focused on his dinner and snapped at some of the other birds who got too close.

We were in a local park and this black squirrel was chasing a grey squirrel up the tree. They were so funny to watch.

And last but not least...a butterfly. They would come and land on you while you walked around. Some of them were so beautiful.

Welcome To Barbara McKenzie Photography

2010-11-15T18:15:00.001-05:00

This is my first posting to my blog and it's going to take me a bit to get into the swing of how thing works so please keep with me while I work out all the kinks.

I've decided to start this blog so I can start to showcase some of my photography as I begin my Professional Photography training later this year with Harry Nowell. I've got a Photography at Night workshop scheduled on December 6th with Ottawa Photo Safari (Ray Pilon) and a live action workshop scheduled in February with Harry where we photograph our local hockey team the Ottawa 67's. Looking forward to both workshops as I've never had alot of exposure to either technique.

Right now, I'm practicing as much as I can with my camera. I've got a couple of friends that do photography as well and both are inspirations to me because of the amazing talent they have. When I grow up, I want to take pictures like them!!

I hope you enjoy my blog. Comments and suggestions are always welcome. This picture was one of the very first I took with my new DSLR Nikon D3000. I think I've come a long way in a year. Below is a picture I recently took in the fall here in Ottawa at Beechwood Cemetary.