Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Landmarks In The Night

On Canada Day evening, I headed in the direction of Major's Hill Park to take in the fireworks. Music was being performed on Parliament Hill; this is the closest I got to the Hill all day, a block south along the Sparks Street pedestrian mall. In my experience it's just too crowded on the Hill on Canada Day, so I go elsewhere.


A short walk away, I paused to photograph the glass lantern of the National Arts Centre, lit up for the occasion.


I then headed up the street. This looks west along Wellington Street towards the Hill. Lots of police and paramedics were stationed in this area throughout the day and night responding as needed, which is typical on Canada Day.


The rest of these shots were taken after the fireworks, which I'll show tomorrow. Waiting on people to clear out of the park, I decided to take the chance to photograph Parliament Hill from Major's Hill Park. I often do so in daytime, but rarely at night, and the Peace Tower and the Library of Parliament loom like ghosts over the dark Ottawa River and Gatineau shoreline on the far side. I'll be using a second take of this for the Black theme day coming up in August.


The park was one of the settings for Canada Day concerts, and the music was still going on as I was heading away. Beach balls can be seen in the light here.


I decided to go in a bit of a roundabout route, coming to the National Gallery to photograph its lit glass tower. Hiding in the dark of the foreground is the sculpture Maman by Louise Bourgeois. I usually photograph the spider in daytime.


Some of Maman becomes more visible when photographed from the other side, silhouetted against Notre Dame Basilica across the street.


I headed over to catch the Basilica in evening conditions.


My last shot taken on Canada Day looks up Elgin Street towards the Peace Tower, with the Chambers on the left and the grounds of the War Memorial on the right. The downtown core was emptying out at this point, with many people taking to the waiting buses nearby.

49 comments:

  1. I liked the National Arts Centre best, beautifully done!

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  2. What a blast of light and color ... Beautiful!
    I was glad as a child of your photos!

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  3. Muito boas estas fotos nocturnas, aproveito para desejar a continuação de uma boa semana.

    Andarilhar
    Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
    O prazer dos livros

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  4. ...looks likes like OTTAWOW doesn't sleep!

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  5. Your night photos make everything look magical.

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  6. very cool, all lit up ... way awesome!! love the glow. ( ;

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  7. I'd forgotten about Mama!
    Wonderful photos, we just don't get out in the dark. I have cataracts, and hoping for relief soon.

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  8. I really must get out and take some nighttime shots some time, though I doubt the results will be as stunning as yours.

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  9. @Iris: the NAC at night is delightful.

    @Ella: thank you!

    @Francisco: thanks!

    @Tom: there are times like this that it doesn't!

    @Maywyn: it certainly feels like that.

    @Beth: so do I.

    @Jennifer: I like the spider.

    @John: I don't photograph often at night.

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  10. Very crowded on Canada Day, even late in the evening, it seems. Thanks for showing me what it looks like at night. :-)

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  11. Love the city in the night shots.

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  12. Loved the bright "lantern" and the exlposion of green from the stage where it just mimics the music coming out! Great night shots...which leaves me wanting more!

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  13. The National Art Centre building looks very pretty all lit up.

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  14. Ottawa gets dressed up for Canada day and makes for a good celebration.

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  15. @DJan: you're welcome.

    @Marie: so do I.

    @Barbara: thanks!

    @Sami: it does indeed.

    @RedPat: thank you!

    @Nancy: it was.

    @Red: it really does!

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  16. Your city was certainly alive with things to do and see that night.

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  17. Wonderful lights on the buildings! It looks like a lot of fun!

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  18. That glass lantern is cool! I always like the Canada Day festivities. This year we were in a different city which was fun.

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  19. Very pretty to see the buildings all lit up.

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  20. Seems the City went all out to put on a wonderful celebration. Your night photos are outstanding , and the lighted buildings. Great to know there are city buses waiting to take the celebrants home.

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  21. quite mystical ~ ^_^

    Happy Day to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  22. Wow ! that looks great with all these colored lights !

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  23. Loved the colored lights! Tweeted.

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  24. Beautiful lights on the art centre.

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  25. @Sharon: yes it was.

    @Jeanie: it was indeed.

    @Jenn: I enjoy being here on Canada Day.

    @Bill: that it is.

    @Sallie: yes, both cities on either side of the river have things organized for bus shuttles out of the core on Canada Day. And it's free, which is nice.

    @Carol: that I can see.

    @Gattina: it did!

    @Mari: thanks!

    @Marleen: I agree.

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  26. Certainly where the action is for Canada day and night! Amazing photos! Beautiful colours! The lighting is just breathtaking.

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  27. What a fabulous series of night photographs these are :)

    All the best Jan

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  28. I have gotten to The Hill once on Canada Day. It was 1998, and we didn't even live here yet, but my daughters did.

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  29. William - so wonderful to see your city by night - another perspective entirely! I am sure the vibe is amazing, what with all the people and the various festivities!

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  30. What a wonderful celebration, the lights are spectacular:)

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  31. I don't remember the city by night! Just beautiful.

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  32. I love night pictures in big cities.

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