I can’t recall if I have photographed Square Victoria at night before, so since I was in the vicinity, I stopped by and took a few shots around the square. Of course the fountains are no longer working and the trees lining the square are now pretty bare, so not the best time of year to shoot.
I got there just after sunset, so there was still quite a bit of natural light.
Square Victoria at night
ISO 200 – 10mm – f4.5 – 1/15 sec (-2ev/0/+2ev)
I’ve photographed the ornate Art Nouveau portico Parisian metro entrance by Hector Guimard a few times in the past and is a central focal point of the square, but it really becomes the jewel of the square at night when the orange lamps are on.
Speaking of the Metro, if you are interested in discovering more on Montreal’s metro system, you should check out Metro de Montreal a great site showcasing each station. It’s a mine of information, including this interesting fact:
“Montreal is the only city in the world besides Paris with an original Guimard on one of its metro stations. However, as part of its cultural exchange program, the RATP has given reproductions of Guimard entrances, produced from the original moulds, to three cities’ transit systems:
Lisbon: Picoas station
Mexico City: Bellas Artes station (2000)
Chicago: Van Buren Street commuter train (Metra) station (2002)”
Square Victoria at night
ISO 200 – 10mm – f13 – 0.6 sec (-2ev/0/+2ev)
With there being quite a strong wind and a few clouds, I reduced the aperture to get an 8 second exposure so that the clouds would blur. Stopping down the aperture had the added benefit of giving some nice star lights.
Hector Guimard Sq. Victoria metro entrance
ISO 200 – 10mm – f22- 8 sec
The new Altoria condo tower at the north end of Square Victoria continues to rise.
Hector Guimard Sq. Victoria metro entrance
ISO 200 – 10mm – f22 – 8 sec
After shooting the Guimard entrance, I turned my attention to the Queen Victoria monument.
Queen Victoria Monument at Square Victoria
ISO 200 – 10mm – f5 – 0.5 sec (-2ev/0/+2ev)
The tallest building in the square is Montreal’s Stock Exchange tower (La Tour de la Bourse). When completed in 1964, the tower was the tallest building in Canada. The tower at 190 meters is currently the third tallest, superceded by; 1000 de la Gauchetière (205m) and 1250 René-Lévesque Boulevard West (195m).
Queen Victoria Monument at Square Victoria
ISO 200 – 10mm – f16 – 5 sec
Square Victoria Metro Entrance
ISO 200 – 10mm – f5.6 – 1/5 sec (-2ev/0/+2ev)
Thanks for stopping by. Until next time.
– Martin
Montréal in Pictures
Your virtual guide in and around Montréal
Related Images:
