Montreal In Pictures

March 12 2012

With it being another spring-like day and the temperature a blistering +12 degrees, I had imagined this morning that there would be torrents of water pouring down the sides of Mount Royal. My plan to capture the start of spring by photographing some cascading waterfalls were dashed however when I approached what I had hoped would be the location for my shot of the day. There was literally a trickle of water that didn’t really portray a big thaw in progress.

Despite not finding a mini Niagara falls, I continued onward to Lac aux Castors. Last time I was here a few weeks back the lake was packed with ice skaters, today they would be better off wearing waders.

The following couple of images were each processed from merging 3 exposures using Photomatix and some additional tweaking with Topaz Adjust to give them a painted look. It’s been suggested they look similar to the 19th century Canadian painter Cornelius David Krieghoff which is flattering. Krieghoff was best known for his Canadian landscapes and portraying outdoor Canadian life.

Lac aux Castors on Mount Royal

While I was setting up my tripod for the above pictures a crow swooped down for a quick drink from the lake. I wished I had my longer zoom lens on at the time, but was fairly happy I at least managed to grab a couple of shots before he flew off.

A crow on a lake

Flight of the crow

I passed these 4 kids sitting on a bench, each of them busy tapping away on their mobiles. I found the context of them being in the woods worthy to take a shot – again wishing I had my longer lens, since I was worried that getting closer they would see me and the moment would have been lost…maybe I need 2 camera bodies!

Technology in the woods

A major sculpture show was held in 1964 on the long gentle slope above Beaver Lake featuring works by 12 artists from various countries. Some of the pieces are still in place. I plan to photograph each one once the snow has gone, but couldn’t resist taking at least one of them while passing by. This piece is called L’Ange de pierre by Hungarian artist Pierre Szekely (1923-2001).