Dave

Dave
Originally uploaded by Phototrain

Here I am with Dave in East Hamilton, near Gage Park. So is that "south" Hamilton or "east" Hamilton? I really don't know ... I live half way between Toronto & Detroit.

OK, it's settled. A Flickr contact, franky2step, filled me in. He grew up spending a lot of time in the H, and he let me know that noone ever says 'south' Hamilton. I guess it's the same as in the Journey song "Don't Stop Believing", where Steve Perry sings "... born and raised in south Detroit ...". Directly south of downtown Detroit is Windsor, Canada. Now there was a Southwest Detroit Hospital, not to far from Mexicantown, but that's there, not here.

Anyway, I had just come out of a Tim Horton's and saw Dave changing the fuel filter on his car. He is covered in tattoo's. I like the Canada flag on his neck. So to get to the point, I asked if I could get some shots of him and his tat's so I got 6 of 'em. Being a Canuck an all I liked the flag, eh?

Five Alarm Funk Plays Sunfest 2009!

Five Alarm Funk Plays Sunfest 2009!
Originally uploaded by Phototrain

Here they are letting a pretty young lady get her photo taken with this Vancouver music mash-up!

Gee guys ... thanks for making the lady's day. You really are helping make the world a better place.

Actually, I just took the photo 'cause she's hot! Kidding ... really, her being hot had nothing to do with me wanting to take this photo!

Really, honest, I mean it ... just believe it, ok?

In Yer Face

Firing away after the Sunfest photoshoot.

A Model Attitude

Andrea is a pleasure to work with. Her look was superb, as usual. The lady is so intuitive in front of the camera. Easy to get along with, happy and creative. The thing that makes the difference is the passion, the enjoyment and interest that flows from her, when she's working the 'lens'.

And I really like those green eyes!
This is one of the shots from last weeks shoot.

Bacardi

For the photophiles:

SB-800 CL, SB-600, both @1/8, SU-800 on D200. Shoot-thru umbrellas approx 24" from subject. Via CLS, Shutter 1/250, ISO 100, f/5.6, Exp. Comp. -5, Manual.

Chicago Hope

Another beauty from the rose garden in Hamilton, Ontario's, Gage Park.
Remember to click on the image to see the large version!

Yellow Inspiration

Here's a photo of a rose from the rose garden in Gage Park, Hamilton, Ontario.
If you find yourself near Hamilton, you should go the park and take in the beauty ... and the wonderful aroma that the roses give off.

Enjoy ... remember to see the large version, click on the image!

Drifting

Drifting
Originally uploaded by Phototrain

So quiet, slow and peaceful ...

Who Are You?

Originally uploaded by Phototrain

I like it!

In The Shadows

In The Shadows
Originally uploaded by Phototrain

Rachel and Jack. Downtown London, On., on Sunday night about 11 pm.

Eyes

Eyes
Originally uploaded by Phototrain

My New Disguise

My New Disguise
Originally uploaded by Phototrain

Barbara & Lauren

Barbara & Lauren
Originally uploaded by Phototrain

Barbara

Barbara, from France is also studying in London. Barbara and Lauren were taking in the London International Food Festival at Victoria Park this last weekend.

Lauren

Pretty Lauren is a pleasnat, bubbly young lady from France doing a year of study in Political Science @UWO.

Sweet Caroline

Caroline was in London this past weekend. Caroline is a promotions manager for a Toronto area model/acting agency.

Brad From UFC Fightclub

Brad is working out in preparation for a UFC bout in Las Vegas next month.

Dream

Boo

Mellow Yellow

Toronto Guitar Dudes

For the photophiles that may have landed at Phototrain, here is some shutter chatter: Diffused SB-800 handheld upper CL approx. 4 feet away at 1/128, SU-800 on D200, shutter 1/125, ISO 100. I am satisfied with this image. The subjects' faces are visible, and the 'fall off' effect of the flash, doesn't light the acoustic guitars that are strapped 'back pack' style to the subject's backs.

These gentlemen were on their way to a friends house to practice their guitar playing. They mentioned they play at an open jam on Wenesday nights @ 460 Spadina Ave. They were kind enough to invite me out for the jam. Thanks guys!

This photo was taken last Sunday night around 11 pm, in Koreatown, that wonderful stretch of Bloor St. between Bathurst & Christie Sts. I was in the area practicing some off camera flash photos and these guys were nice enough to oblige. Thanks again dudes!

I had originally made the trip to Toronto to go to the Luminato Festival closing ceremonies at Harbourfront Centre. Anyway it was a last minute trip and I missed Cirque de Soleil who were dishing their magical fantasy, along a kilometer of Toronto's waterfront.

Oh well, I'll be in plenty of time for next years art's festival.

The trip was still worthwhile, I got to enjoy a delicious lamb gyros in Greektown on the Danforth, and do my bit of camera experimentation in Koreatown.

Right Or Wrong?

What matters most? Recently, I made the comment that I believe it is better to be kind, than to be right. The friend I made that comment to, did not agree. My friend thought it was more important to be right, than to be kind.

Here is the weakness in the "Better to be right than kind" discussion. Quite often, people mistakenly assume, think or believe that they are right ... when in fact, they may be wrong.
So the question now becomes, "Is it better to be kind, than to be wrong?".

Regardless of how right, empowered or entitled we may feel or be, I think it is a very valuable trait to get along with each other, to behave in a mature and respectful manner. In other words to be kind. Even on the internet, especially on social networking websites, like Facebook, Twitter, Flickr or Plenty of Fish. These sort of sites seem to have a number of people, who think it is acceptable to be rude, insulting or downright rude and/or aggresive.

We can all be kind and right. We can all be kind and wrong. Right or wrong, it doesn't really matter in a casual discussion, does it? Call it what you like-kindness, respect or good manners. It creates so much good, from so little effort.

Just a positive thought ... have a nice day! Lol!

Pretty Portrait

Vanilla Heart

What a pleasant surprise! White Bleeding Hearts! Pretty, pretty, pretty!

Click on it for the big'un!

People Working, People Helping Part 2

Here is C-FSBH lifting off from the pad at London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital in London, Ontario, Canada.

Click on the image to see the large size.

Japanese Maple

Boy Watching Geese

Springbank Park, London, Ontario.

Steel Tree

Click on the image to see the large version.

Coming In For Landing ... or should I say watering?

Harris Park, Forks of the Thames, London, Canada.

Remember! Click on the image to see the large version.

A Room With A View

The Mddlesex County Jail (now a museum, is that correct?).

At the Forks of the Thames, London, Ontario. Before Governor John Graves Simcoe changed the name to the Thames River in honour of the other London, (in England, I think! Lol!), it was called the Antler River by the people who had taken care of this area for thousands of years.

Akunesippi, Deshkanzeebee ...

Boxer Pup

Here's one that it's ok to say: "Awwwww"!

The Tall Grass

This band plays at the London Music Club open jams. That got them an invite to one of the summer festivals this June in Victoria Park, here in London, Ontario.

The giant Gorgeous George is having some 'down' time! Lol!

I Forget Her Name ...

... I think it is Tammy.

I'm going to have to start writing names down. On a recent walk to get experience shooting people.

Dundas Street, London, Ontario.

Out For A Walk

This was taken near the forks of the Thames in London, Ontario. They were out enjoying their walk, and my camera and I were enjoying ours!

Downtown Dude

Taken on a recent downtown walk for portraits.

On The Lake

Nice smile.

Click on the image to see the large version.

Good Sunday Morning Alicia!

Thanks for the smile!

Wellandport, Ontario

Pastoral, pretty and peaceful. This is a really relaxing small-town, rural area of the Niagara Region.

She's So Fabulous!

Cirque de Soleil was at the John Labatt Centre.

This is on the side of one of the tractor-trailers!

Click on the image ... no really, trust me on this one ... just click on the image to see the huge size!

Ready To Eat!

Yum yum!

Next time use a red dish ...

As always click on the image to see the huge size!

Shrimp, Shallots & Portabello's

Here's supper grilling away!

D200, on board flash.

Andrea

Sun Tat

Vicky In Victoria Park

Vicky is a Medical Science student at The University of Western Ontario. Vicky is studying to become a doctor.

Gnarly Tree

Tree in Gibbons Park.

Grace Is Her Name

Grace has been studying the violin for seven years.
Here, Grace is playing at the London Covent Garden market.
Grace plans on continuing her music studies at the University of Toronto once she completes secondary school.

Gord & Kate

Gord and Kate at the forks of the Thames, London, Ontario.

Kate is a service dog with terminally ill children at London area hospitals.

The Mirrored Photographer

The Mirrored Photographer
Originally uploaded by Phototrain

Taken in the mirror on the handle of a parked bicycle. Market area in London, Canada.

May Tulip

Sunset Santa Fe