Sometimes a photo just makes you smile....

Courtesy of Jonathan Scott's Facebook Fan Page

Sometimes you just happen upon a picture that totally makes you smile, and for me this was just one such photo.

I was looking for a picture I had seen of these gentlemen for different post, and stumbled upon this photo, and it just put a HUGE smile on my face. This image just has the right combination of elements to make it so... sort of like a perfect storm of elements.

After living in rainy BC for a couple of years, I became somewhat of a pluviophile. I'm not kidding; I actually love the rain, especially as pictured here. I know a lot of people dislike the rain, for various reasons, but I find a beauty in it. In spring, I love seeing the rain waking the world up from it's winter slumber; and in the fall, it has a sullen beauty, as it rids the world of the remnants of summer, as it prepares to hibernate. But the BEST kind of rain is when it's COMPLETELY sunny!  That is what we have in this picture. So, personally, this image speaks to me....

Even if you can't empathize with my love of rain, there is also the the juxtaposition of a sunny day and a rainy day that is completely harmonious in the image.  I love things that are a little unexpected -- it makes for a great story. Think about it, when you think sunny day, you probably don't think it was raining, and reverse is also true.

I have to admit, though, in the context of this photo, it's not the surprise element that works, but more the harmony. The subjects of this is image are the twins who (from what I can tell from social media) compliment each other very well, just as the rain and the sunshine in the image.

What perfects the image as a whole, is the softness of the image and the photographer's choice of black and white.  Because the image is not pin sharp (at least as it is pictured here), it has ethereal feel. I think this is further highlighted by the fact that the image is in black and white. This image is perfect in black and white. I don't know if the photographer shot it that way or did that in post; I love the choice. I feel that if the image was in colour, it would actually take away from the story.... the image would just not be the same.

So, yes, I know this is probably a publicity shot of some sort, but that doesn't mean it can't have a wonderful story.  What do you think? Does this image not put a smile on your face?

It's not important for the post, but these men are "The Property Brothers". From what I gather, they are total ergophiles (workaholics!), and do some really great work. If you want to know more about them, just do a search for them... they are easy to find!

Adventures of "The Legographer"

(c) Andrew Whyte

I can't remember how I got to this article, but I'm so glad that I found it!

This is a very clever way to keep yourself engaged with the world around you, and keep pushing yourself to see things from a different perspective with simple tools -- all important for a photographer to keep their skills sharp.

I love that this was a 365 project of a UK-based photographer, Andrew Whyte, who used his iPhone for the whole series.  He seems to have only used apps for lighting, which would let him separate focus from exposure, which makes sense. The effects are amazing.

I think it's funny that during that year, he never left home without out his pocket-sized companion, Legographer.

Andrew's work on this miniseries here: The Legographer.

Next time I take on a 365, I want to do something similar... not necessarily a Legographer, but something that will shift my perspective on the world... and keep me rethinking, re-engaging the normal everyday things.

Day 361 - Drag'un!

The title is an homage to a children's program from many, many years ago. The title character had a specific way of saying dragon... and after all these years, I still say it that way!

So, this is a metal figure I happened upon that was part of a display by a water drilling company's facility. There were a bunch of dinosaurs in the display.  I really liked that dragon looked like it was attacking the sign, so that is why I'm posting this image!

Day 355 - Lines

My camera seems to be cooperating again!  Yay! So, this is from today...

I'm still trying to figure out what I feel about this shot.  I was trying to capture the train tracks through the fence. A lot of different lines, with the leaves framing them... the jury is still out...

Day 344 - "Let me rest in peace..."

This was from Thursday.  It was a beautiful day out, and all the urban creatures were out doing whatever it is that they do.  As I was photographing this tree, I noticed this little guy sleeping.  I stood there for a minute to figure out how close I could get to photograph him.  As I stood there, he opened his eyes, just a crack, turned towards me, as if to say, "That's far enough." He then put his head down, and tried to continue sleeping.

Day 343 - Solitude

I saw this sole dandelion and had to take a picture. This was an area that was on the side of the road, and the rest of this patch was covered in dandelions.  This one stood alone, away from the rest, as though he was shunned or wandered away from the group.

Day 323 - Cityscape in construction

When I took this picture I didn't actually notice the cranes on the building.  When I as editing, I noticed them, and it really is not surprising.  The skyline is always under construction, sometimes I wonder if it will ever be done...

Day 322 - Swimming along

This looks more like it... though with the rain, I think maybe the gulls are avoiding the waters today too.

Day 318 - A lonely tree...

Today's photo is one I've entered in a contest on Viewbug. I call it the lonely tree because it looks like it is alone, and longing to be with the buildings on the other side of the lake.

When the voting opens on this contest, please do vote!

Day 317 - Mixing old and new

I have been on this corner a number of times and have never noticed how there is a combination of some old architecture with new/modern architecture.  I thought it looked really interesting. I took this quick photo as I was rushing off somewhere, and now I want to head back and take some more photos.

Day 287 - Comfort

I have lived here, or near here almost all of my life.  As I was staring out this window, I was amazed to see how much this place has changed over the years. Despite the changes, it still feels familiar and comfortable.

Day 284 - Building at night

I know there are a lot of people who don't like the night, for whatever reason, but I do.  It's a little hard to verbalize why it is I love the night, but I think it has to do with perspective. Not only does the world look different at night, but the quiet offers moments for reflection, if even just those few minutes as you drift off into a world of slumber.

When I saw this building lit up, I had to take a quick snapshot.  I hadn't really noticed it when I arrived at my destination, but seeing it lit up like this, it was like a piece of art.  I wish I could have really looked at it and taken some more photos, I just didn't have the time.

Day 270 - Pothole 1, Me 0

I love winter, but not the havoc it wreaks on the roads.  Sigh.  This is what happens when there are a million potholes on the road, and you zig-zagging trying to avoid them. CITY OF TORONTO... PLEASE FIX THE POTHOLES.

On the plus side, I made a new friend... Maxine!  A 10-week old puppy who accompanied the CAA tow truck who came to my rescue.  Maxine kept me company as her owner changed my tire.  She is such a good puppy!

Day 258 - A rainbow in the rough

This is another one taken from the inside of a car.  If you live in the city, chances are you know where this is.  I love this random rainbow painted on the concrete on the side of a major road way.  I wonder if people actually notice it, especially when they are stuck in traffic.  It always makes me smile.

Day 254 - Unusual building

Mostly when I pass this building, I am driving, but not on this day. I have no idea what the building is, but I always thought it was neat.  It is hard to take a picture of it, unobstructed.

Day 252 - Up the Roadway

Feeling a little uninspired today.  So, found a picture I took for this project months ago.  I love the curve of this road, not when I'm driving, but to take pictures. I have to try to take a better picture of this road from a above. On the To Do list.

Day 241 - Winter escape

I've been dying to go skating, and well, really do anything that is outside, but people just don't have a love for this weather as I do!  A friend did come to my rescue, and we decided to go on a winter hike, which really turned into a winter walk.  We "hiked" through an urban escape in the city.  This trail runs through a cemetery.  It was a nice walk to reflect on life, but also to appreciate the history of various families in Toronto.  Unfortunately, the snow was so deep we didn't venture too close to the graves, and couldn't read many of them very well.

Loved the carvings on this one.

Day 239 - Snow-scape

It's been snowing quite a bit here, so many of the next set of photos I'm sure will be of the winter-y landscape around me.

This is during the biggest snowfall of the season thus far...Wednesday that just past.  I was out shovelling the driveway, and by the time I was done there was a fresh layer of snow accumulating.  It was a no-win situation, so I took my camera and decided to take a few pictures.

Day 238 - Whoville Tree?

So, during the ice storms here in Toronto, so many of the trees bent over under the weight of the ice.  Now as you walk down the street it looks like a scene from the "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".

Day 236 - China Town

A little late, but I was inspired by Chinese New Year.... This is one of the ornate structures at the entranceway to China Town.  I love how each China Town I've ever seen has a very ornate entrance!