SEEING THROUGH MY EYES

Summer Days

2011-12-07T21:27:00.001-05:00

Those were the days. Sunny days and warm weather day after day. Fun things to do like this. Ahhhh!

2011-11-27T09:51:00.001-05:00

On a quiet day what better time to experiment.

Todays Weather

2011-11-23T11:04:00.001-05:00

Well we knew it had to come to this. Every year we think that it's not going to happen (wishful thinking) and every year it happens ... snow. Once it's here though it's not so bad. Compared to earthquakes, mudslides and other natural phenomenon snow is easy to deal with ... you just have to go South. Just kidding. I don't go South as I hate hot sticky weather. I love more moderate weather like San Francisco weather around 75 degrees and relatively dry is fine for me. How do you like winter?

Wrap Around

2011-11-20T22:22:00.001-05:00

I was walking along Church street in Burlington and saw this building with these vines wrapping around it's corner. I liked the colors palette, the green,red and blue of the sky. I also liked the shapes.

Gilles

2011-11-16T21:11:00.001-05:00

Gilles

My buddy Gilles and I went out to Valleyfield to other day. The purpose was photography. When I go out with some friends I like to take candid shots of them. I think it's kind of fun to share. Here's a picture I took that Gilles suggested and the other was a candid. Can you guess which is which?

People

2011-11-16T11:19:00.001-05:00

People have so much in common and yet we discriminate. We all breath the same air. We all sleep at some point. We all age. And we all eat.

Colorful Balloons

2011-11-14T10:15:00.000-05:00

During our cruise there were several activities put on by the crew. On one of those festive evenings they raised balloons to the ceiling in the main lobby. I enhanced the scene a little.

Bryan Adams and Michael J. Fox

2011-11-12T21:30:00.000-05:00

It's a wonderful thing to be talented in one thing but some people are talented in more than one thing. Take Bryan Adams for exampled. Successful musician, song writer and performer. Add to this ... photographer. I found this picture on the net today and I just love it. Bryan has many other wonderful images to his credit but I love this shot. Take a look.

Expression

2011-11-12T11:03:00.000-05:00

I don't know what actually happened here to make this woman make this expression but I thought it was a good one. Maybe she didn't like the price.

Good Night

2011-11-11T19:37:00.000-05:00

"Now it's time to say good night
Good night Sleep tight
Now the sun turns out his light
Good night Sleep tight
Dream sweet dreams for me
Dream sweet dreams for you.

Close your eyes and I'll close mine
Good night Sleep tight
Now the moon begins to shine
Good night Sleep tight
Dream sweet dreams for me
Dream sweet dreams for you.

Close your eyes and I'll close mine
Good night Sleep tight
Now the sun turns out his light
Good night Sleep tight
Dream sweet dreams for me
Dream sweet dreams for you.

Good night Good night Everybody
Everybody everywhere
Good night."

The Beatles

Road to nowhere

2011-11-10T19:37:00.001-05:00

"How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
Yes, ’n’ how many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, ’n’ how many times must the cannonballs fly
Before they’re forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind"

Bob Dylan

Highway 30

2011-11-10T08:34:00.000-05:00

Highway 30 has been a subject of discussions for years. Finally, it is passed that and being built as we speak. It is intended to help traffic congestion in Montreal by providing an alternate to traffic that is not intended for Montreal. It is a huge project!

Red Wood

2011-11-08T21:55:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty far from the Red Wood forest so I decided to create my own.

Occupy Montreal 2011

2011-11-05T22:12:00.001-04:00

There's something wrong in the world when people are starving and other people have more money than they can do with in several lifetimes.

Masterpiece or dud?

2011-11-02T08:34:00.001-04:00

Here is an image that if presented at my Photo Club competitions would do poorly in my opinion. You be the judge. How would you score this image on a scale of 10?

Fudge

2011-11-01T22:47:00.003-04:00

Burlington Vermont, a place of varying sights, smells and tastes. Here we make chocolate toffee. Sight, smells and taste Mmmmm good.

2011-11-01T21:40:00.000-04:00

I belong to a camera club. I've been a member for about 6 years. During those years I have learned what a good picture should be. I've learned about the rule of thirds. I've learned that an image has to be sharp. I've learned that an image has to be well exposed. Above all, I've learned that a picture should tell a story.

Please view these ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl4f-QFCUek&noredirect=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=-Zk1nkZ3-kE

He says some pretty herical comments in the interview. What do you think?

Let me know

2011-10-31T09:47:00.000-04:00

For those of you receiving alerts to me posts. If you no longer want to receive these alerts, please let me know.

Lousy Blogger

2011-10-31T09:00:00.000-04:00

Yes, I'm a lousy Blogger. A blog from what I've read is supposed to be like a diary. You're supposed to post something every day or something close to that. I can't believe that the last time I posted to my Blog was back in March. Whew! Well I'm back and I'm posting today.
Recently, my wife and I were in Vermont, Burlington to be exact. Burlington is a college town. You have University of Vermont, St. Michaels college and Burlington College just to name a few. I took this picture while walking along Church street. It's a pedestrian walkway with your little shops on both sides. Students hang there. Some go there to meet their friends others go there to be seen and others just go there to sit and read.

Jagged Rock

2011-03-30T20:48:00.004-04:00

Jagged Rock, a photo by raymondpfg on Flickr.

Nature presents us with unending images. How can a common rock look so intriquing?

Deer

2011-02-28T14:10:00.001-05:00

Deer
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

In photography you hear talk about the right moment. I think this was one of them.

Forest And Stream Club

2011-02-23T22:40:00.001-05:00

Forest And Stream Club
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

On an outing organized by two friends I was allowed along with 6 photographers to photograph the interiors of the prestigous Forest And Stream Club in Dorval. Here you see one of the dining areas.

WAPITI

2011-02-23T22:37:00.001-05:00

WAPITI
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

On a recent visit to Omega Park I witnessed these 2 young bucks practicing their skills for later on in the season. When all this practice will allow one of them to mate with one of the females.

An Old Neighborhood

2011-02-15T23:08:00.001-05:00

An Old Neighborhood
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

An old neighborhood in Lachine. Soon these houses will be gone forever. I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing but it is inevitable in North America. If it's old, tear it down and put something new. In Europe I noticed that the philosophy is quite different. Maybe their idea works because we North Americans are always trying to get to Europe to see all their old buildings. Ummm, what's wrong with that picture?

Ice Formations

2011-01-13T13:24:00.002-05:00

Ice Formations
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

Man may make beautiful jewelry and sculptures but they all stem from Mother Nature who is an original.

The Convent

2011-01-08T16:38:00.001-05:00

The Convent
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

When the snow is falling as in this scene Lake St. Louis takes on a magical look. Ordinary plants and building becomes art forms.

St. Ursule Quebec Canada

2011-01-04T21:24:00.001-05:00

St. Ursule Quebec Canada
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

I live in Canada and Canada is winter. Although the cold and snowy weather can get you down at times, nature has a way to bring your affection for winter back by providing some wonderful artistry.

Cardinal

2010-12-18T17:40:00.001-05:00

Cardinal
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

This is our neighborhood Cardinal. He resides in our neighborhood with his mate. Definitely a handsome bird and couple.

Paris Fountain

2010-11-30T19:10:00.001-05:00

Paris Fountain
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

I took this picture when I was in Paris this year. Although the original image was what I was looking for, I wanted to added a little something extra to it. Have I succeeded?

Corey

2010-11-21T21:52:00.001-05:00

Corey
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

Recently I attended a Studio field trip and had the occasion to shoot some fine young aspiring people. Corey is an actor, dancer and singer. He's recently started learning acrobatics. He was a great and enthusiastic model. Here's one shot I took of him.

Stormy Skies

2010-11-10T17:21:00.001-05:00

Stormy Skies
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

Several weeks ago my wife and I decided to head to the country lanes. This was one of the fields we were strolling through. With the oncoming storm and the dramatic clouds I could not help but snap a few shots. This is one of them.

Tree In The Window

2010-11-02T20:25:00.001-04:00

Tree In The Window
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

Some more wonderful light providing a reflection in a window.

Pharmaprix

2010-11-02T19:39:00.001-04:00

Pharmaprix
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

Not only was the light amazing but there was a rainbow to boot. How lucky is that!

Street Light

2010-11-02T19:37:00.001-04:00

Street Light
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

I was out running an errand yesterday. As I was driving the sky became very dark. It was as if it was the end of the world. Even though the sky was so dark and foreboding there was some very bright sunlight cutting through openings in the sky. That light was so intense. It looked like light from heaven. Now this was light a photographer dies for. I had my camera with me so I scurried about taking shots while the light lasted. I guessed that I had about 30 mins at the most. Here's one of those shots.

Lighthouse in Sorel

2010-10-21T22:57:00.001-04:00

Lighthouse in Sorel
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

Got a call from my buddy Gilles. He had a day off and an itchy trigger finger. We pointed the car in a direction and let it take us where it would. That led us to Sorel. They don't call Quebec 'La Belle Province' for nothing. We could have spent many many hours there photographing the natural beauty around us. But alas we had to head home. This was an image I managed to capture while we were there.

Mystery Door

2010-10-20T23:15:00.001-04:00

Mystery Door
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

I travelled to our neighbours south of Montreal, namely Vermont. I visited the Shelburne Farms.

"Shelburne Farms is a membership-supported, nonprofit environmental education center, 1,400-acre working farm, and National Historic Landmark on the shores of Lake Champlain in Shelburne, Vermont. Our mission is to cultivate a conservation ethic in students, educators and families who come here to learn. Casual visitors may enjoy the walking trails, children’s farmyard, inn, restaurant, property tours and special events. To pursue our mission, we practice rural land uses that are environmentally, economically and culturally sustainable.

Shelburne Farms was created as a model agricultural estate in 1886 by William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb. In 1972, it became an educational nonprofit. Our nearly 400 acres of woodlands are Green Certified from the American Tree Farm System. Our grass-based dairy has 125 purebred, registered Brown Swiss cows. Their milk is transformed into our award-winning farmhouse cheddar cheese here on the property."

I photographed this door from inside one of the barns there. I love farms and particularly barns. You can find all kinds of neats stuff there. In this case this door was partly opened and beckoned me to enter. I did and discovered what behind it. If you want to know you'll have to visit for yourself. This is my way of plugging the Shelburn Farms. Go there and support this wonderful farm.

The Meeting

2010-10-20T23:03:00.001-04:00

The Meeting
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

I have lived in Montreal all my life so to me it is difficult to find things to shoot that I find interesting. It's kind of been there done that type of feeling. I forced myself out this day and headed to an area of Montreal I thought would bring results. I was not disappointed. This was taken at the rear of an old sweatshop building. It is now a place where artists work. Painters, sculptors, designers and so on all create in this building. As I was walking around photographing textured doors and windows I looked up and saw this. My first reaction was it was a meeting. Someone unseen was speaking to these individuals who appeared to be lined up against the window. Looking more closely however you will notice that these are dummies and not real people.

The Various Lines

2010-10-20T22:57:00.001-04:00

The Various Lines
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

I went out the other day to shoot something. I had not gone out for quite a while because of the weather and time constraints. I didn't have a lot of time so I decided to head out a park nearby. As I walked around and snapped several shots, none particularly uplifting I noticed a soccer field. It belonged to a nearby high school. What I found really interesting is that it had astroturf. It must be recently installed I thought because the colours were very bright. I decided to take some shots of this field. I had to contend with a fence which separated me from the field. I managed to squeeze my lense through a small gap in the fence and got this shot off. I just wanted to play with the colourful lines. This is the result.

Lighthouse

2010-10-20T22:51:00.001-04:00

Lighthouse
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

I often travel the lakeshore road. It is a wonderful drive. I used to drive particularly after a hectic day but now I drive it just for fun. If you drive the whole of its length you will find many photo opportunities. Some are easy to find like this lighthouse, others you have to find.

Sunflowers

2010-08-09T07:35:00.000-04:00

Sunflowers are an impressive flower. They come is all kinds of sizes. Some tower over any man or woman and others are a little more down to earth, like these.

Covered Bridge

2010-05-25T21:20:00.000-04:00

While traveling the back roads of the south shore I came upon this covered bridge. It was built in the 1827 and is in perferct condition.

Rawdon Waters

2010-05-11T20:28:00.001-04:00

My buddy Gilles invited me out to Rawdon and we had a great day of shooting. After climbing 95 steps 4 times with our pack sacks on our backs, I'm sure he slept well that night.

Cool Lady

2010-05-09T11:12:00.000-04:00

While visiting the nursery I saw this cool looking lady. I really like the way she had her hat on.

The Couch

2010-05-02T10:28:00.001-04:00

I like to experiment. I have fun looking around at everyday places and things to see if I can look at them a different way. Here I was sitting in the living room and the sun was pouring through the window behind. I saw rectangles and symmetry. I used the cushion to add a little colour and I offset it to balance the window frame slightly to right of middle. Does it work?

Lost Page

2010-04-15T19:25:00.005-04:00

Found this in a stream near the eco museum. Paper is recyclable isn't it?

Still Life

2010-04-14T19:00:00.000-04:00

Recently, I attended a workshop at a friend, Hera Bells Studio. She taught us how to do natural light photography. It was a fun time. This was a shot that I as well as my fellow students took. I wanted mine to be different from the others.

The Chair

2010-04-14T17:57:00.001-04:00

The Chair
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

Went on location and found this chair. Decided to mess with it a bit. This location was actually built by some youths so that they could ride their BMX bikes.

The Lighthouse

2010-03-28T10:48:00.000-04:00

I photographed this lighthouse several times and it amazes me how many different looks it gives me. Here's a new look.

Triptych

2010-03-08T16:57:00.002-05:00

Triptych
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

I've never done a Triptych before and I've been impressed with other peoples', I decided to try my hand at one. Here it is.

Wiper

2010-03-08T16:54:00.002-05:00

Wiper
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

Went back to the Fargo site and tried to force myself to come up with something different. I've seen a lot of images of this site and I wanted to come up with something that no one had done. I think this is it.

Staircase

2010-03-07T21:34:00.002-05:00

Staircase
Originally uploaded by raymondpfg

In life you make your own luck. In this case I had a little help from my buddy Gilles. He brought me to Varenne Quebec into the St. Joachim church. The rest is history as they say. This was captured there.

Sunset

2010-01-16T18:02:00.000-05:00

Another sunset to marvel at.

Corn Field

2010-01-11T16:08:00.000-05:00

Just to think that in just a few months we'll be seeing green corn fields again.

Another Wintery Scene

2010-01-10T10:51:00.000-05:00

Although the weather is cold, the scenery makes it all worthwhile.

Natural Beauty

2010-01-05T21:05:00.000-05:00

The other day I strapped on my snow shoes and went out in the fields near home. It was magical. The snow was so pristine. No footprints,no slush,no dog poop,no nothing. Just pure white and unsoiled. Everything stood out so remarkably well. Just like this weed. Even weeds have charm sometimes.

Dry Docked

2010-01-02T21:36:00.001-05:00

I haven't been out since the holidays started. So the only image I can offer is this one. The Daniel McAllister is dry docked. Looks pretty sharp with that fresh coat of paint. I wonder if I didn't prefer it the way it was. It seemed to have more character with all the rust and peeling paint. In the background you see the Old Port Of Montreal.

Gone Fishing

2009-12-23T21:49:00.000-05:00

In Quebec we fish year round.

Turkeys Run Free

2009-12-22T19:38:00.000-05:00

A couple of years ago I was walking to my meeting point for a lift. The rain had started to fall just slightly when I came to a turn in the road. There in front of me were about a dozen turkeys roaming free. Being a city boy, this was quite a sight.

Montreals Old Port

2009-12-20T22:07:00.003-05:00

The Old Port of Montreal has many old turn of the century buildings... lots of texture and character like this one.

A Long Time Ago

2009-12-16T21:49:00.000-05:00

Well it may not be that long ago but it sure feels that way. Winter has really settled in and we shouldn't see a scene like this for quite awhile unless ...

Havin A Smoke

2009-12-11T23:22:00.000-05:00

I shot this while walking passed this young lady.

Another Zen Moment

2009-12-10T21:42:00.001-05:00

I had gone out to see what I could get photography wise. It wasn't a good day and I was on my way back home. I was quite disappointed that I had not seen anything to photograph. I don't have that much time to practice my hobby, so being successful at finding interesting things to photograph quickly is important to me. Then as if someone heard me, the fog came in and there were some people trying their new kayak. I went to meet with them. The kayak was handmade by Mr. Maric. He's spent a good portion of time building it. This was its inauguration. I had a smile on my face when I left them because this is what they gave me. Thank you Mr.,Mrs. and Maric junior for this.

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year

2009-12-08T16:53:00.000-05:00

The more things change the more they remain the same. Isn't that a fact.

Lady of the Fountain

2009-12-05T17:40:00.000-05:00

When walking downtown Montreal there are always things to see. Sometimes something that you've overlooked in the past or something totally new. I found both at this location.

Electrifying

2009-11-27T21:51:00.000-05:00

This could have been dangerous had I been there.

In The Fields

2009-11-26T21:00:00.002-05:00

I recently submitted this image to the pictorial competition in our Photo Club. It got killed. I have to admit that I don't understand why. I think it's very different than your usual photograph. I shot this moving at high speed and you can see that the image is not tack sharp. I thought that it gave the image a painterly look. I also like the light coming from the tractor and the light it is casting on the field. I also like the way the cloud in the background is just visible. The colours are warm and glowing. I just love this image. It's too bad others didn't feel that way. Oh well.

Another Day In School

2009-11-26T20:51:00.000-05:00

One more step to adulthood.

Old and Weathered is beautiful

2009-11-24T20:01:00.000-05:00

Found this old building in someones backyard. The place looked abandoned. I found the colours and the weathered look very interesting.

It the fields again

2009-11-22T18:44:00.000-05:00

I was travelling the backroads of Rigaud looking for interesting things to photograph. I have a leaning towards country things like barns for example. I didn't want to take a photograph of a barn only because others have done so. I wanted it to be different. I was trying different positions and found this one. The sun was very bright and at my back. At first I tried to get out of the way when it occured to me that the image look pretty good with me in it. What do you think?

Mr. Choquette

2009-11-07T21:42:00.000-05:00

Mr. Choquette is on his way home after working the fields all day...

The Freeman Influence

2009-10-31T16:54:00.000-04:00

Freeman Patterson was in town this week and he definitely left his mark on me. What an artist and what a genuine person. Safe home Freeman.

Nice Pussy Cat

2009-10-20T21:19:00.000-04:00

White tigers are not albinos. Compared to orange tigers without the white gene, white tigers tend to be larger both at birth and at full adult size

Airplane

2009-10-18T19:34:00.000-04:00

We fly in them to get to all parts of the world. It's almost like taking the bus or the subway. We take flying for granted. I sometimes stop and look at these metal machines in the sky and wonder how was this possible. Do you know how much a plane weighs and yet it is able to soar like a bird. Incredible!

The Races

2009-10-16T20:37:00.000-04:00

Never been to races before. I had a chance to go this year. Nascar.

Corn

2009-10-15T22:11:00.001-04:00

Do you love corn? I do! Not only do I like to eat corn, I also like to see it up close. I love looking at the colours of the leaves and the cobs. I like to see it at a distance too. I love seeing those wonderful lines created by the rows.

Gods Nature

2009-10-12T21:57:00.000-04:00

I guess God has a way of making everything glow.

The Montreal Botanical Garden

2009-10-11T19:57:00.000-04:00

As the seasons change and we make our way to winter there is always a place we can escape to. This place will immediately transport you to a rain forest or a desert or some other exotic place. This place is called the Montreal Botanical Gardens.

Freeman Patterson

2009-10-09T16:38:00.001-04:00

The Master will be in Montreal. You owe it to yourself to make arrangements to join us as we spend time with this world re-nown photographer as he shares his knowledge and experiences.

Prescott Park

2009-10-09T15:19:00.001-04:00

What can I say, it's a beautiful place. Minutes from downtown Portsmouth New Hampshire you will find this oasis.

Agamenticus

2009-10-08T15:29:00.000-04:00

This was taken on the way down Mount Agamenticus in the state of Maine. Climbing down and back up with a 25 lbs. pack on your back is not recommended to the faint of heart. The scenery however, was worth the trek.

Ponte a Santa Trinita.

2009-10-07T13:08:00.001-04:00

Last year I was fortunate enough to be visiting some parts of the world that I had never seen before. One of those places was Florence Italy. A beautiful enchanting place to say the least. Here is a photo of the Ponte a Santa Trinita.

Pretty Girl

2009-10-06T21:31:00.000-04:00

When you go to the races, I've discovered that it's not just about the cars.

Sara

2009-10-04T18:18:00.000-04:00

I rarely photograph paid for models but today I was invited by some buddies to do just that.

The Wedding Cake House

2009-10-03T22:22:00.000-04:00

While on vacation in Maine we drove in front of this interesting home. It is actually privately owned and very well maintained as you can see.

We're Back

2009-10-02T22:54:00.001-04:00

While walking through the Arboretum today I came upon a wonderful cluster of Mushrooms. A Hobbits favorite snack.