Precision crafted performance

Logo, living large
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

This is my friend and colleague Brad's car. Or, shall I say, was my friend and colleague Brad's car, because soon after I racked off a few beauty shots in the parking lot outside our studios, this lovely gold Acura TL blew its transmission and went to the great scrapyard in the sky.

I feel bad about that, as if brought it, and him, some kind of bad luck. Maybe I shouldn't take pictures of friends' cars anymore.

#ldnont #Acura #TL #logo #auto #car #automotive #photography #photooftheday #carporn #london #Ontario #Canada

Red and white in a perfectly blue sky

Showing off the paint job
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Capt. Matthew Kutryk puts the @rcaf_arc CF-18 Demonstration Team bird through its paces at @airshowlondon this past Saturday.

If you've ever wondered what best in the world looks like, look no further.

#ldnont #rcaf #mcdonnelldouglas #cf18 #hornet #air #force #airshow #airshowlondon #AirShow2017 #red #white #blue #sky #aircraft #airplanes #aviation #flight #art #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

In perfect diamond formation

Awestruck on the ground
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

What they do, with the equipment they have, is nothing short of miraculous.

#ldnont #snowbirds #rcaf #air #force #airshow #airshowlondon #AirShow2017 #red #white #blue #sky #aircraft #airplanes #aviation #flight #art #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

Canada"s finest paint the sky

Getting some air
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Disclosure: I kinda got a little nauseous watching them from the ground. I was awestruck at their skill, but goodness, did they push the envelope. Beyond impressive.

#ldnont #skyhawks #skydiver #rainbow #blue #sky #oh #Canada #Canadian #maple #leaf #flag #AirShowLondon #AirShow2017 #airplanes #aviation #photography #flight #art #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

Lightning, light, and vapor

Messing up the atmosphere
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

The F-35A Lightning II (aka the U.S. Air Force variant of the Joint Strike Fighter) has garnered more than its fair share of negative press as it's struggled through decades of development and teething issues. But when you're on the ground watching it do its thing, it's easy to let the politics ebb away and just enjoy the moment for what it is.

#ldnont #f35 #lightning #two #blue #sky #planform #silhouette #sun #light #Lockheed #Martin #AirShowLondon #AirShow2017 #stealth #fighter #aircraft #airplanes #aviation #flight #art #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

Shooting an Eagle

Pretty and deadly, all at the same time
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

There is nothing quite like standing on the ground while an F-15 screams past at full afterburner. You feel it as much as you hear it, and you're reminded why anyone who knows aviation speaks of the Eagle with near-divine reverence.

Man, I'd hate to be on the wrong end of one of these things.

#ldnont #f15 #eagle #mcdonnelldouglas #Boeing #us #air #force #AirShowLondon #AirShow2017 #USAF #airforce #fighter #aircraft #airplanes #aviation #blue #sky #low #level #flight #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

Past, meet future

Stay close, old friend
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

One of my favorite parts of any air show is the heritage flight, where an old plane does a flyby in formation with a new plane. They're usually connected in some way - i.e. they're both iconic fighters or they played key roles in historic events. Whatever the back story, there's so much more to it than just flying relatively close together. The logistics of getting a modern jet fighter close-up with an older piston-powered aircraft are almost too complex for most folks to appreciate.

I kinda liked this matchup, the WWII-era P-51 Mustang and the newest plane in the fleet, the F-35A Lightning II. Both so pretty and awe-inspiring in their own unique way.

If your heart doesn't skip a few beats as they dance through the sky, maybe air shows aren't your thing.

#ldnont #p51 #mustang #f35 #lightning #two #heritage #flight #Lockheed #Martin #North #American #AirShowLondon #AirShow2017 #USAF #airforce #aircraft #airplanes #aviation #blue #sky #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

1 MiG, dead ahead

Below treetop level
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Definition of lucky: Getting to see history come alive, at speed, a few feet above the tarmac.

#ldnont #MiG #mig17 #mikoyan #gurevich #AirShowLondon #AirShow2017 #aircraft #airplanes #aviation #low #level #flight #trees #treetops #blue #sky #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

When a Rhino makes its own vapor...

Roll to the left
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Officially it's the F/A-18F Super Hornet. When it's on a carrier, they call it the single-seat E models and dual-seat F models the Rhino to differentiate them from the older, smaller, so-called legacy F/A-18 C and D airframes. I just like rhinos, so the nickname always makes me smile.

Whatever they call them, they're scary-maneuverable at low level, and the thousands of Londoners who came to watch no doubt enjoyed the show.

#ldnont #f18 #acm #low #level #flight #mcdonnelldouglas #boeing #us #navy #AirShowLondon #AirShow2017 #aircraft #airplanes #aviation #blue #sky #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

Viper at rest

FOG of war
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Those curves get me every time, and every time I happen upon an F-16, my lens will almost naturally gravitate toward it.

#ldnont #f16 #fighting #falcon #aka #viper #general #dynamics #Lockheed #martin #AirShowLondon #AirShow2017 #USAF #airforce #aircraft #airplanes #aviation #flight #art #static #display #blue #sky #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

The Warthog bears its teeth

Thunderbolt, no lightning, still very, very frightening
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

If you ever wondered why the Soviets called this the Devil's Cross, this explains it nicely.

#ldnont #a10 #thunderbolt #warthog #badass #AirShowLondon #AirShow2017 #USAF #airforce #aircraft #airplanes #aviation #flight #planform #close #air #support #blue #sky #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

Airshow!

Traces in the sky
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

So I hung around some airplanes yesterday. Many fossilized dinosaurs were combusted. Countless photos were taken.

#ldnont #AirShow2017 @AirShowLondon #AirShowLondon #snowbirds #rcaf #air #force #aircraft #airplanes #aviation #flight #blue #sky #london #ontario #canada

Waves crashing against the pier

Moving water and light
Grand Bend, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Frozen in time and space, never to be repeated in this exact form.

#grand #bend #grandbend #beach #great #lake #Huron #nature #landscape #water #wave #waves #frozen #everyday #photography #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

Balconville on Adelaide Street

Life within the lines
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

I keep coming back to exterior shots of old buildings precisely because it's the kind of architecture that no one else bothers to shoot anymore.

Yet lives are still led here, and textures still present themselves to the street, ready to be seen by anybody who takes the time to look up.

On this morning walkabout, I looked up. Sure am glad I did.

#ldnont #urban #street #photography #life #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

The green before the fall

Not quite there yet, but soon
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Before autumn redraws the landscape, there's this.

#ldnont #green #leaves #autumn #fall #colors #branches #trees #sun #sunlight #mother #nature #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #everyday #ordinary #photography #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #bokeh #gameoftones #london #ontario #canada

Looking out the window while I work

Light from many sources
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

A Pixar-esque moment in a quiet studio.

#ldnont #radio #radiolife #media #medialife #journalism #prod4 #studio #window #green #lamp #stilllife #photooftheday #everyday #photography #takethetime #nofilter #nofilterneeded #london #ontario #canada

It's coming...

The relentless march of the seasons
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Autumn arrives not with a vengeance, but a gentle reminder under our feet.

#ldnont #autumn #fall #fallen #leaves #yellow #sidewalk #green #grass #texture #photooftheday #everyday #photography #nofilter #nofilterneeded #london #ontario #canada

The lifeless tree

Still compelling
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

I went looking for the first signs of autumn colors, and instead came across a tree that never even got started.

Sad and beautiful, all in the same frame. Weird how that works.

#ldnont #walkabout #tree #blue #sky #empty #life #cycle #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #ontario #canada

Crashing against the Lake Huron shore

Rolling in
Grand Bend, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

The sad irony of a wave's existence is that it is most spectacularly beautiful in the nanosecond before it ceases to exist.

Something tells me there's a broader lesson in this.

#grand #bend #grandbend #beach #great #lake #Huron #nature #landscape #water #wave #waves #everyday #photography #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #ontario #canada

A bird dances above the turbulent waters

Looking for her next target
Grand Bend, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

I went to the beach and chased birds with a lens. Again. It's something of a habit with me. Maybe even an obsession.

Sorry.

#grand #bend #grandbend #beach #great #lake #Huron #nature #landscape #bird #birds #gull #flight #fly #freedom #everyday #photography #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #ontario #canada

Brushed by time

Seven standing waves
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Long-exposure fun by the river. We really do live on an amazing planet.

#ldnont #Thames #river #photooftheday #nature #long #exposure #photography #photographylovers #instagram #instagood #nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #water #impressionism #texture #london #ontario #canada

Lake Huron peeks through the grass

Another way to view the beach
Grand Bend, ON
July 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

We've evolved a number of traditions in our little family over the years, and one of my favorites is the end-of-summer trip to the beach before we all head back to work and school.

We're lucky to have two Great Lakes within easy driving distance of our house: Port Stanley on Lake Erie about 50 km to the south, and Grand Bend on Lake Huron just over 60 km to the north. This time out, the kids chose Grand Bend, and even though there was a better-than-even chance for some stormy weather later in the day we happily loaded the car and headed off.

It isn't a day at the beach unless there's a photowalk or three, and this day was no exception. Our daughter and I walked from one end of the beach to the other, looking for things that triggered us. There was plenty, and this is among my faves from the day.

We're already counting the days till our next beach trip.

#grand #bend #grandbend #beach #grass #water #sky #great #lake #Huron #nature #landscape #everyday #photography #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #ontario #canada

A face in the clouds

Magic above us
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

I've been staring at clouds ever since I can remember. Being an adult means I can now record the experience when I see something that makes me go, "Wow!" Can you see what I see?

#ldnont #weather #wx #cloud #clouds #cloudy #sky #sun #sunset #silhouette #light #photooftheday #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #instant #photography #look #up #london #ontario #canada

She completes another journey around the sun

The best half
London, ON
April 2017

Please ignore the doofus on the right and instead focus on the lovely individual next to him. She's celebrating a rather important birthday today, and while it's not my place to share her age here (or anywhere), I'll let it slip that it's more significant than usual. If you'd like to wish her a happy without having to go through me, pop over to her Facebook page.

I've spent most of my life with her, the majority of that time wondering how she puts up with me, why she puts up with me, and how I came to deserve her in the first place. I can't remember what life was like before I met her, nor do I ever wish to. She makes every day memorable simply by being in it. I can sit in a room with her in utter silence for hours on end, yet still feel delightfully connected for every moment.

Whether we realize it or not, time is an incredibly precious, irreplaceable commodity. That she has chosen to spend the time she has with me is something I'll never take for granted, today, tomorrow, and however many other days I get beyond then. Because every day is worthy of celebration when you get to spend it with your best friend.

Happy birthday, sweets.

20 years of Peanut

Celebrating with her buddy
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Two decades ago today, the young lady on the right made her way into the world, a tiny, perfect, pink-bundled munchkin who instantly grabbed onto our hearts and hasn't let go since.

As anyone who's crossed her path in the interim already knows, she's grown into an accomplished, kind, creative and incredibly funny human being. She was my wife's early birthday gift, and since then they've been day-apart birthday buddies - though they hardly need a calendar to reinforce just how close they are.

I have no words to describe how proud she makes us, and how lucky we are that she's turned out as remarkably as she has. Every child is a blessing, of course, but this child is in a league of her own.

Happy 20th birthday, Peanut. We know you'll never stop making everything - and everyone - around you better through simply having crossed your path.

#ldnont #birthday #parenthood #lovethiskid

Green canopy

Life, multiplied
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Took a walkabout the other morning and found this. Just one leaf among countless leaves, yet something about it stopped me dead in my tracks.

That whole miracles-everywhere/even-under-our-nose thing applies here, too. Except it was 15 feet above my head.

#ldnont #green #leaf #leaves #tree #sun #sunlight #backlit #shadow #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #zoom #london #ontario #canada

A rainbow of potential

Such softness
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Life is filled with color and texture. It's everywhere, and all we need to do is take the time to look.

And drink it in.

#ldnont #wool #rainbow #color #texture #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #everyday #ordinary #photography #ontario #canada

4 months and counting

Our family grows...
Stratford, ON
May 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Zach holds Calli the day we met her - 2 weeks after she was born. Hard to believe that tiny guinea-pig-sized munchkin is 4 months-old today.

Time flies. Treasure the moments. All of them.

#Stratford #calli #CalliTheSchnauzer #mini #miniature #miniatureschnauzer #schnauzersofinstagram #dog #dogs #dogsofinstagram #pet #photography #ontario #canada

Posing

If I'm really good, maybe I'll get a treat
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the planet's chaotic spinning and churning, I find the nearest dog. Conveniently, Calli is one of us Levy folk now, so she's pretty much always nearby.

Wherever you are, dog or no dog, I hope you're near something or someone that/who can being you comfort, as well. Feel free to share suggestions in comments.

#ldnont #Calli #CalliTheSchnauzer #schnauzer #mini #minischnauzer #schnauzersofinstagram #dog #dogs #dogsofinstagram #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #london #ontario #canada

Waiting for the storm to arrive

Calm, for the moment
Delray Beach, FL
July 2016
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Hard to believe this perfectly pristine water is about to be churned by the most powerful storm ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin. I'll be holding my breath over here, hoping for better news on the other side.

#Delray #Beach #DelrayBeach #fl #Florida #throwback #vacation #photography #2016 #Atlantic #ocean #east #coast #water #waves #sun #reflection #photooftheday #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr

Flashback to reflections of autumn

A shot of many colors
London, ON
October 2016
This photo originally shared on Instagram

For the record, this will be here soon. Can't wait.

#ldnont #throwback #autumn #fall #leaves #color #colors #Thames #river #springbank #park #walkabout #photooftheday #nofilter #nofilterneeded #london #ontario #canada

After the game ends

Perfect emptiness
London, ON
August 2017
Photo originally shared on Instagram

I'm a big fan of the Kevin Costner movie, Field of Dreams. Despite my less-than-stellar Little League Baseball experiences - I became a better buttercup-picker in left field than anything else - baseball has remained one of my favorite things to watch or to simply be around.

Why? Maybe it reminds me of a simpler time. Maybe the rules of the game form a nice analog for how a life well-lived should be lived. Maybe we all just need a little time-out from the planet every once in a while, and a storied game played on a storied field could be just the ticket.

Whatever the reason, I found myself drawn to this field in south London. It was after the game was over, after the players had gathered up their equipment and cleared out of the dugouts, after the spectators - largely friends and family - had folded up their chairs and trudged off to the dirt paths on their way to the gravel-covered parking lot, trailing dust all the way.

The silence of the field on one side of me contrasted with the ebbing burble of the departing crowd on the other. A picture seemed in order.