Winnipeg's skyline is dominated by two unique structures. The first is the Esplanade Riel, a pedestrian bridge connecting Provencher to the Forks. The second is the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Both are located near the Forks in Downtown Winnipeg, and I captured them both during a recent walk downtown at sunset.


The Esplanade Riel (named in honour of Louis Riel) is a cable stayed pedestrian bridge with a unique feature at the centre -- a restaurant. The bridge has become a distinctive trademark of the Winnipeg Skyline.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is completed, though not open to the public yet. It's unique design was completed by Antoine Predock from New Mexico. The building is intended to resemble an epic journey through life. You can learn more about Predock's design inspiration here.

Photo Details:
Camera: Canon T2i
Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm at 30mm
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/50 sec
ISO 250

Photo Details:
Camera: Canon T2i
Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm at 18mm
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/40 sec
ISO 100

Shadows add complexity and depth to photos if they are used effectively. This week, the challenge was to explore the world of shadows. Of course, the weather did not cooperate in the least, and one of Canada's sunniest cities turned cloudy. I did get a brief shot of morning sun in the shot on the right.


While the clouds hid the sunlight, I grabbed some of my son's toys and played with light and shadow. The photo below was taken with a flashlight for illumination. 

Be sure to check out the new website of my fellow photographer Chris Koop as we challenge ourselves to improve our photography.

Photo Details:
Camera: Canon T2i
Lens: Canon EF 50mm 
Aperture: f/2
Shutter Speed: 1/60 sec
ISO 320

Symmetry is all around us. As is often the case, we only notice something when we actively search for it. The challenge this week was symmetry, and I was amazed at the symmetry I noticed in everyday objects and other sights I came across. I was downtown for a meeting and took my camera out for a short walk to capture some symmetrical views. 

The photo below was taken of the St. Boniface Cathedral and captures the beauty of symmetry. The Cathedral itself is symmetrical, but the beauty doesn't end there. The pathway, gates, and trees continue the theme and heighten the beauty of the entire park. 

Photo Details:
Camera: Canon T2i
Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm at 18mm
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/30 sec
ISO 400

This week's photo was intended to capture movement. I actually started looking through my existing portfolio for some inspiration. I came across several photos and decided to breathe some new life into them for this week's photo. 




The photo below was taken on a trip to Hawaii's North Shore. The Billabong Pipe Masters competition was on, with world class surfing on display at the Banzai Pipeline. It was an amazing event with some truly incredible waves. 

Photo Details:
Camera: Canon T2i
Lens: Canon EF-S 55-250mm at 187mm
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/400 sec
ISO 100

Light was the theme for the challenge this week. I took this as an opportunity to try some light painting. I went off at night under the full moon with camera and tripod in hand in search of some interesting subjects to paint with light. 




The playground near my house quickly came to mind as a perfect subject for this challenge. I set up my tripod and took some test shots to get the composition and exposure correct. Then, I grabbed my LED headlamp and ran through the scene, leaving a trail of light in my wake. I think the resulting photo turned out well and fits the theme perfectly.

Photo Details:
Camera: Canon T2i
Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm at 27mm
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 30 sec
ISO 400
Multiple exposures layered together