Nearby opportunities on the coldest days
Eager to begin shooting with recently arrived wide angle lens.
I left work and went for an open ended walk in central Hamilton Ontario. With the sun shining I was confident of finding some dramatic shadows.
Within just a few steps outside I came across a garbage bin.
Interesting subject but always challenging to get a composition Im happy with. From a low angle on one side I was able to catch the two historic churches in the frame. Could this be an advantage of using wide angle? Perhaps something so flat bulky as the bin cannot be satisfactorily captured with a ‘normal’ focal length.
A few blocks to the north lies a large derelict housing project. Dozens of townhouses have been partially demolished and fenced off for several years. Visible security has kept me from entering until now, however others have been accessing the site as evidenced by tracks in the snow leading through openings in the fence. It would be great to finally get inside and investigate.
The haunting remnants of former homes were full of potential photos. I was attracted to the Minecraft-like facade of the townhouse blocks, though more details and views could be found inside the units. Upon reaching the centre of the property, the security guard’s car could be seen idling, so I decided to go no further inside on this day.
Another several blocks further north is Hamilton harbour. Extreme cold for weeks has frozen a large amount of the surface. Neat snow patterns had formed on the basin that separates a newly converted public promenade from the industrial and port sections. Again the wide angle lens helped to capture the scene’s broad dimensions including the barges and structures on the far side.
A heavy snowfall came a few days later. I made my way along York Boulevard towards the channel that connects Hamilton harbour with Coote’s Paradise. Several rail and road bridges cross the narrow channel, which is a popular fishing spot for people and waterfowl. I had a pleasant exchange with one fellow whose well behaved dog was keeping him company.
Despite the snow that had accumulated on the trees, bridges, and paths, I was unable to find any decent shots. Neither wide or normal angle lens could work their magic for me today. Only on the way home, passing through the sprawling Hamilton Cemetery did I come across the elements I needed to make a photograph. Dramatic clouds, snow laden evergreens, and gently leaning gravestones rising from a thick white blanket, all came together to save me from returning home empty handed.