After the leaves are gone

Temporarily empty
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

You can view it either as a stripped-down relic of what once was, or a temporarily bare tree just waiting for life to return. Your choice.

#ldnont #naturephoto #tree #trees #trunk #bark #forest #texture #autumn #nature #landscape #walk #monochrome #black #white #grey #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #photography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #instagood #london #ontario #canada

Duck, duck...

Do not pet me
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Wet duck needs a name. Suggestions?

#ldnont #duck #ducksunlimited #bird #yellow #nature_brilliance #EarthVisuals #artofvisuals #welivetoexplore #natureaddict #naturediversity #ourplanetdaily #unlimitedplanet #birdsofinstagram #animalsmood #birdwatching #bestbirdshots #birdstagram #animalsaddict #birding #instabirds #Nikon #dslr #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #nikkor #london #ontario #canada

Lost chocolate

I got stared at shooting this one
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Green M&M on an airport concourse floor. Because we all need moments of random observation of the truly mundane. Because the mundane is still worthy of our time and attention.

#ldnont #green #chocolate #candy #M&M #not #smarties #dessert #sugar #international #airport #bokeh #nikon #nikon_photography #nikonphotography #dslr #photography #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #instagood #london #ontario #canada

Barking up the right tree

When a tree awakens childhood memories
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

The house where I grew up had a birch tree on the front lawn, and over the years it became an iconic touchstone of our family's history.

Eventually, inevitably, the house was sold, and the new owners got rid of our beloved tree. To this day, the sight of a birch can easily stop me in my tracks as I'm instantly taken back to that unassuming patch of shady lawn.

On this afternoon, walking through the #Sifton Bog on a photo shoot with our daughter, I got to share what it felt like with the next generation, if only for a fleeting moment.

#ldnont #naturephoto #tree #trees #trunk #bark #forest #texture #autumn #nature #landscape #walk #bokeh #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #photography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #instagood #london #ontario #canada

Them's fighting birds

Angry birds
London, ON
October 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

What day isn't made better by a feeding frenzy of ducks?

#ldnont #ducks #unlimited #duck #not #goose #bird #birds #very #angry #nature #walk #naturephotography #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #photography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #instagood #springbank #park #london #ontario #canada

Two trees stand in a forest...

Barked up
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

These are merely two trees in the middle of countless other trees in the middle of an environmentally protected area in the middle of town. Why did I choose to shoot this particular scene instead of something else? I'll probably never know.

But as our daughter and I quietly walked this magical place and took photos, I realized not everything needs a reason. Sometimes it's enough to just be out there, spending time with the folks who matter most. Our not-so-little girl easily qualifies.

#ldnont #naturephoto #tree #trees #trunk #bark #forest #texture #autumn #nature #landscape #siftonbog #sun #sunlight #bikes #mother #nature #perspective #naturephotography #photography #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #instagood #london #ontario #canada

Leafy inspiration for a Monday...

One defiant leaf
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

I can't help but think that this should have some kind of meaning to us as the new workweek dawns.

#ldnont #naturephoto #tree #trees #leaf #branch #forest #siftonbog #sun #sunlight #bokeh #mother #nature #perspective #naturephotography #photography #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #instagood #london #ontario #canada

Cathedral of trees

You can almost touch the sky
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

There's power in collaboration. The trees in Sifton Bog taught me this. Nature is always right.

#ldnont #tree #trees #sky #blue #mother #nature #perspective #naturephotography #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #photography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #instagood #london #ontario #canada

At least I didn't toss 'em

Natural perfection
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Have eggs instead. Or at the very least, shoot them in the middle of a busy grocery store.

#ldnont #eggs #oeuf #spontaneous #random #public #stilllife #photo #shoot #photography #take #the #time #life #is #short #london #ontario #canada

One dog. Lots of fur.

Do I look relaxed?
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Calli at rest. Doesn't happen often.

#ldnont #calli #callitheschnauzer #littlemisscalli #mini #miniature #schnauzer #miniatureschnauzer #schnauzersofinstagram #dog #dogs #dogsofinstagram #puppy #puppiesofinstagram #pet #photography #london #ontario #canada

Waiting for her humans

Sleepy puppy
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

She needs a haircut, and we're still working on her listens-when-she-feels-like-it thing. But she's still a welcome sight when you come in out of the cold at the end of a seemingly endless day.

#ldnont #calli #callitheschnauzer #littlemisscalli #mini #schnauzer #schnauzersofinstagram #instagramdogs #petstagram #dogs_of_instagram #dogsofinstagram #actofdog #puppy #dog #dogs #puppiesofinstagram #london #ontario #canada

Sunset on Sunningdale Drive

Fight the fading of the light for as long as you can.
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Snagged this post-sunset scene with our daughter as we were driving back into town. The sky was putting on a show, and we eventually decided a spontaneous roadside shoot was called for.

Funny, but I'll remember the roadside conversation far longer than I'll remember the picture. Because photography is nothing if not a reminder of moments we'd otherwise forget.

#ldnont #landscape #sunset #blue #orange #red #light #day #night #twilight #sky #skies #fire #weather #wx #clouds #nikonphotography #nikontop #nikon_photography #london #ontario #canada

Dance in the heavens with me

Mirrored
London, ON
September 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

I came back from this year's London International Airshow with a lot of photos and even more memories stuck between my ears. To say it was an epic day would be a disservice to the word, "Epic".

If I could live at an airport, taking pictures of aircraft 24/7/365, I would. But since I can't, snippets from a day I won't soon forget will have to do.

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

After the rain, there's this

Drips and drops
Delray Beach, FL
July 2016
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Something to ponder when we convince ourselves that rain is universally depressing. Indeed, it isn't.

#delraybeach #beach #Florida #Atlantic #ocean #rain #water #wet #weather #wx ##nature #naturephotography #photography #Nikon #Nikonphotography #nikon_photography #dslr #stilllife #nofilter #nofilterneeded #everyday #monochrome #reflective #sky

Walk with me

Mall walkers
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

There's a smallish mall not too far from our house. It's called the Cherryhill Village Mall, and since it was built in the middle of a large block of towers dedicated to the city's senior community, it's quite the hangout for the geriatric set.

We don't get there often, but when we do, we're reminded of why local retail was once to special, and why, in some places, it still is.

#ldnont #urban #street #photography #random #strangers #twilight #life #london #ontario #canada

Pondering the impermanence of beach sand

Everything is temporary, some more so than others
Delray Beach, FL
July 2016
This photo originally shared on Instagram

This textured stretch of beach sand was like this, in this form, for, perhaps, a few seconds - after the wave that shaped it had receded into the Atlantic, and before the next one rolled in to erase it from memory.

This remains my favourite memory of a favourite day at the beach with my family, yet I often think about all the other temporary scenes and temporary moments that we fail to notice, either because we're not there in the first place, or more likely because we are, but we neglect to take the time to look more closely.

If I do one thing today, it'll involve taking the time. Because you never know when that next wave will roll in and take it all away.

#takethetime #delraybeach #Florida #beach #Atlantic #ocean #sunset #water #waves #sand #vacation #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #instagood

Post-crash wave

Take water, add motion, light, and silica
Delray Beach, FL
July 2016
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Waves are at their loveliest in the fleeting moments before they cease to exist. Weird how that works.

#takethetime #delraybeach #Florida #beach #Atlantic #ocean #sunset #water #waves #vacation #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #instagood

Raise your glass(es).

Rows and rows and...
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Pictures like this will never get old for me. I'm hoping you agree.

#ldnont #glass #glasses #empty #drink #drinks #very #necessary #monochrome #sepia #stilllife #light #reflected #pattern #nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #photography #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #london #ontario #canada

The turbulence at my feet

Textured
Delray Beach, FL
July 2016
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Chaos and beauty, all mixed together. Is there a larger message here? #delraybeach #beach #Atlantic #ocean #wave #water #sun #sunset #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #instagood #vacation #Florida

Neon dreams, King and Talbot.

Hungry?
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Our downtown core is filled with lots of delightful little spots. This is one of my favorites. The neon is a lovely bonus.

#ldnont #neon #restaurant #light #night #urban #street #photography #downtown #architecture #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #london #ontario #canada

Linear architecture

RBC Building, angled
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Days like these call for order and predictability. This '70s-era example of straight lines and little else should suffice.

#ldnont #building #architecture #straight #lines #angles #glass #linear #architectureporn #nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #london #ontario #canada

Pink morning sky redux

Front porch photography
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Friday, 7:51 a.m.: Last week I shared a photo similar to this one. I captured both of them from my front porch, as I stepped out the door and headed to work. This one's a little wider, with a slightly different color balance due to the fact that I took it a minute later.

So why the heck am I posting such similar pictures? I guess I'm a fan of variations on common themes. And whatever the color or composition, they all serve as a timely reminder to take the time, because the universe doesn't wait, and neither should we. So if the sky puts on another show tomorrow morning, my camera will be ready. I hope yours will be, too.

#ldnont #red #sky #skies #fire #sunrise #tree #trees #silhouette #cloud #clouds #weather #wx #nature #naturephotography #photography #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #london #ontario #canada

My beautiful launderette

She's my favorite, anytime, anywhere
London, ON
December 2016
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Our washing machine died last year. Which was kinda surprising given the fact that it was barely 7 years-old. Adding insult to injury is the fact that it was a Samsung, and apparently the simple part that broke on it was part of a much larger, much more expensive assembly. Of course, they wouldn't simply sell us the little part we needed.

So with the prospect of a four-figure repair job, we were stuck trashing our barely-broken-in washing machine because it was basically built like crap.

Thanks for nothing, Samsung.

While we waited for the replacement washing machine - a Maytag - to be delivered, we found ourselves back in the laundromat to ensure our kids didn't go to school in strings. We had been here before*. This time, just like last time, it felt strangely like home.

#ldnont #laundry #laundromat #throwback #lens #urban #street #public #photography #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #laundry #laundromat #clean #london #ontario #canada

--

* Related entries:

Thematic Photographic 60 - Laundry, July 2009

Where clean begins, July 2009

Vignette - hung out to dry, July 2009

My little lady, August 2009

Caption This 131, August 2009

Voices of Fire - in a parking lot

Striped memory
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Remember the huge controversy over the painting of a couple of stripes that our national gallery bought for kabillions of dollars? [Voice of Fire by Barnett Newman] Ever since then, I've wondered how I, too, can sell a simple, stripe-themed piece of art for kabillions of dollars.

Every time I shoot a scene like this one, I cry a little. But I'll keep shooting, because even if the feds aren't writing me a massive check for a mere stripe, it felt good to steal a fleeting moment in the office parking lot before I headed home for the day.

Different day, different kind of reward.

#ldnont #yellow #paint #stripe #parking #lot #asphalt #pavement #car #automotive #culture #art #eye #beholder #stilllife #london #ontario #canada

Toast: It's what's for breakfast

Pre-butter
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Now that you know what I'm eating, it's my turn to ask you: What's on your plate?

#ldnont #breakfast #bread #comfort #food #foodporn #texture #sun #sunrise #shadow #london #ontario #canada

Saying goodbye to my favorite plane

End of the long haul
Detroit, MI
December 2011
This photo originally shared on Instagram

More than a mere plane. She was the Queen of the Skies, and she'll be missed.

#Detroit #delta #Airlines #Boeing #747 #series #400 #jumbo #jet #aircraft #airplane #plane #aviation #legend #metro #international #airport #michigan #flight #everything #ends

Save me

Relic of a bygone era
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

The city is gradually replacing its old fire hydrants with new, presumably better ones. This is a good thing, as it'll probably mean a safer city. But I'll miss the industrial-age aesthetics of the old ones.

#ldnont #yellow #fire #hydrant #darling #old #frozen #time #springbank #park #texture #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #photography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

Get your winter tires on

Tread lightly
London, ON
October 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

It's a good day for some tread. Be careful out there.

#ldnont #snow #tire #rubber #hits #road #Jeep #Canada #Canadian #winter #storm #onstorm #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #london #ontario #canada

She turns 6 (months)

Yes, I'm smiling
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Six months-old today. She's probably certifiably insane, but we love her zany little soul, and what she brings to our equally zany family.

#ldnont #calli #callitheschnauzer #mini #schnauzer #schnauzersofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #instagramdogs #petstagram #dogs_of_instagram #puppy #puppiesofinstagram #dogoftheday #dogsofig #time #flies #london #ontario #canada

Autumn on the Thames

Reflective and temporary
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

I ride past this spot all the time on my way home from work, as the Thames Valley Parkway, London's multipurpose cycling/pedestrian/whatever path network, follows the river through much of the centre of town. But as often as I'm nearby, rarely do I venture down to the river's edge with a camera.

That needs to change, because, from the looks of it on this Sunday afternoon, it's a pretty neat place to spend some quiet time.

#ldnont #leaf #leaves #autumn #fall #nature #walk #colors #green #Thames #river #springbank #park #forest #trees #water #reflections #Nikon #photography #nikonphotography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #london #ontario #canada

Trees stand sentinel

Aligned
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Once again, I find myself looking for comfort through my lens. Sure, it's a wimpy thing to do, but it makes me feel better amid the general chaos that seems to define 2017 life.

Today's photographic equivalent of comfort food is this, where trees stand silent sentinel to all those who pass through and past them.

Although the path is empty, it's a reminder that everyone's on a journey, and everyone's individual journey is unique - even if we can't see where they may be headed.

#ldnont #nature #green #trees #forest #springbank #park #landscape #photography #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #instagood #photooftheday #london #ontario #canada

Avian teamwork

Destination unknown
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

You hear them long before you see them. They fly anytime, day or night, in any weather conditions, working together to stay safe and minimize their energy use. I stop whatever I'm doing anytime they fly over, as I did this time on the riverbank in Springbank Park. Because this never gets old.

#ldnont #Canada #geese #bird #birds #birdsofinstagram #nature #flight #weather #wx #sunset #sun #london #ontario

Let them eat grapes

Nature's candy
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Part of this morning's breakfast. What's on your menu?

#ldnont #grapes #sunrise #sun #light #food #foodporn #Nikon #nikonphotography #nikon_photography #dslr #stilllife #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #london #ontario #canada

Inadvertent monochrome photoshoot

Life hangs in the balance
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

I went looking for fall colors, and instead came home with this. #ldnont #best #laid #plans #monochrome #black #white #grey #tone #autumn #fall #nature #landscape #naturephotography #london #ontario #canada

Watching the sky come alive

The day I took the time
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Friday, 7:50 a.m.: This scene greeted me as I stepped out the door on the way to work.

I didn't really have time to spare, but I went back inside to fetch my camera.

Whatever inspires you at an unexpected moment, I hope you, too, will take the time to remember what it felt like.

#ldnont #red #sky #skies #fire #sunrise #tree #trees #silhouette #cloud #clouds #weather #wx #nature #naturephotography #photography #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #london #ontario #canada

Decomposing vegetative matter still matters

Still vital
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

There's a swamp alongside the bike path not far from our house, and most days I fly past it without giving it a second thought. I figure I don't have to bother, because old, wet, dead things don't offer up much for the soul.

After taking the time to shoot the scene a few weeks back, I'm thinking I may need a different perspective.

(Hint: there's color here. Look closely.)

#ldnont #nature_brilliance #EarthVisuals #artofvisuals #monochrome #bnw_globe #blackandwhitephoto #rsa_bnw #blackandwhitephotography #blacknwhite_perfection #bnw_captures #bnw_city #bnw_life #nikonphotography #nikon_photography_ #nikon_photography #nikkor #london #ontario #canada

Deep into the concrete jungle

Touch this. Maybe not.
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Moonscape. But where?

#ldnont #monochrome #black #white #grey #texture #tone #abstract #agameoftones #light #dark #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #london #ontario #canada

Ouch

The fickle finger of fate
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Sad clown today. His finger ended up occupying the same three-dimensional coordinates as a gym class opponent's shoe. The perils of teenagerhood.

On the plus side, I get to spend some unplanned time with the little man.

#OnlyInHealth #GrandAdventure #Life

Barbie's Broken Dream House

Garbage Night
London, ON
November 2017This photo originally shared on Instagram

It's the toy our daughter never got, and to this day she reminds us - with a great big smile - of that fact.

So when I came across this rather forlorn, forgotten example awaiting its fate the next morning with the garbage collector, I couldn't not steal a quick pic.

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

Craggy bark deep in the woods

The things we see on a walkabout
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

Makes me want to become a rock climber. Except...

#ldnont #tree #trunk #bark #forest #texture #autumn #fall #nature #walk #colors #green #shadow #shadows #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #photography #nofilter #nofilterneeded #photooftheday #london #ontario #canada

Spiderman's lair

Nature's engineering
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

When you park the car under a spider's home, the universe dictates you stop for a moment and appreciate the magic playing out above you.

#ldnont #spider #spiderman #web #park #parking #monochrome #black #white #shadows #light #night #urban #photography #Nikon #nikonphotography #dslr #london #ontario #canada

Let them eat cake

Sugary goodness
London, ON
November 2017
This photo originally shared on Instagram

If you are able, consider adding some sweetness to the world around you. It can come in the form of a cake. Or not. Because sweetness takes on many forms, and it's pretty easy to share.

#ldnont #cake #dessert #desserts #sweet #sweets #sugar #celebrate #birthday #london #ontario #canada