PhotoMark Online

Lamont Grain Elevator

2009-09-15T09:16:00.001-06:00

Lamont Grain Elevator, originally uploaded by photoMarkOnline.

I remember doing a summer photo series on Prairie Giants aka Grain Elevators in and around Alberta. Course that was back when I was younger and all the elevators where wooden towers. Nowadays these are the new clean elevators of the future. Not as many, bigger but do they have the character of the older Giants of the Prairies?

Rust

2009-09-08T13:10:00.001-06:00

101rust, originally uploaded by photoMarkOnline.

There was a small VW auto show at Churchill Square last weekend. While there was lots of colour and shine this little rusty baby blue 1961 VW caught my eye.

Work of Art

2009-08-26T15:08:00.001-06:00

101workofart, originally uploaded by photoMarkOnline.

Part of the DREAM facade in front of the new extension to the Shaw Conference Centre. Not sure if I would call it a work of art or not but its an interesting picture.

2009 Dragon Boat Races

2009-08-23T13:05:00.001-06:00

dragon6, originally uploaded by photoMarkOnline.

Went down to the dragon boat races Saturday and saw some great action. Lots of color and great food too. Finals go on Sunday.

Capital Ex

2009-08-19T15:58:00.001-06:00

summerfair, originally uploaded by photoMarkOnline.

Todays picture is from the archives, this one was taken at Capital Ex at sunset. I don't go on the rides but it looked like a great night for a spin... er swing.

Rigger

2009-08-17T09:59:00.001-06:00

Rigger, originally uploaded by photoMarkOnline.

Rigger is one of the new trainees in the Edmonton Dogs With Wings program that provides assistance dogs to disabled people. I was lucky enough to go along for a walk with 8 of the dogs and two very busy trainers. This picture was taken after their training day was done and they were cleaned up and settled down.

tigerezoo

2009-08-13T17:53:00.001-06:00

tigerezoo, originally uploaded by photoMarkOnline.

Had a chance to stop by the Valley Zoo in Edmonton today and one of the twin tigers was out in the sun watching some crazy guy race around outside his cage. At least it got his attention and I got a great picture.

48 Tallest Building

2009-08-12T15:10:00.001-06:00

48 Tallest Building, originally uploaded by photoMarkOnline.

Another picture from the flickr.com 101 scavenger hunt. This is number 48 - The tallest building in your home town. For Edmonton, it is the 35 (or so) story high Manulife Building. Part of a major shopping/office complex it is a unique shaped glass mega tower.

Heritage Days - Scandinavian

2009-08-10T09:04:00.001-06:00

1 Boat No Motor, originally uploaded by photoMarkOnline.

Servus Heritage Festival 2009 marks the 34th annual of this premier three-day showcase of Canada’s vibrant multicultural heritage. We will feature 62 pavilions representing over eighty cultures from all over the world. Sample culinary delicacies, see creative performances, shop for crafts, artwork, and clothing, or chat with people eager to tell you a little about their cultural roots and their present-day communities in Canada.

This was shot in front of the Scandinavian pavilion.

Snowbirds over Camrose

2009-07-30T15:18:00.003-06:00

Sorry I haven't posted for awhile. Yesterday I left work a little early and headed down to Camrose for a free airshow. The Snowbirds were in town for a 100th Anniversary of Flight demonstration along with Hawk 1. Hawk 1 is a Sabre jet that started Canada's flight demonstration teams from 50 years ago. It was an amazing show and a great start to Big Valley Jamboree. Here are a couple of photos from my day in Camrose.

Canada Day - Canada Place

2009-07-01T17:30:00.002-06:00

Construction on this postmodern building began in 1984, after several land mark buildings were taken down to make room for this then Federally owned building. The most notable being the Historic Alberta Hotel. Canada Place opened for business in 1986.

Canada Place is 16 stories (74 metres) tall with an atrium that runs the entire length of the structure. When it was built, the building, which has won several architectural awards, boasted the largest amount of office space of any other structure in Edmonton.

Women In Black

2009-06-22T12:51:00.002-06:00

We stand in silence for a world without violence. Wearing black we remember those who have died, are dying, and will die at the hands of violence throughout our world. Women in Black Edmonton was formed November 2001 and is part of an international peace network. All are welcome to stand with us, for all or part of the vigil.

Civic Roadeo

2009-06-11T11:53:00.002-06:00

Today was a chance for civic employees and their vehicles to be put to the test. From what I was told you had to be accident free for the year and be under a minimum number of sick days to be eligible. After that it was up to your driving ability running through a tricky obstacle course. Not sure who won but everyone looked like they enjoyed the day off!

Berry Blossoms

2009-06-04T09:15:00.002-06:00

The last of the blossoms for this spring are finishing and I had to get these gorgeous pink ones up.

Redtail Hawk

2009-06-03T12:57:00.004-06:00

Here's another picture of my lunch companion. He was sitting on the hill overlooking the Whitemud Freeway and when he took off, I got lucky with a few shots.

Summer Begins

2009-05-29T23:03:00.004-06:00

Everything has turned green in town this week. The sun has come out and the weather has warmed. This is Summer, I hope.

Subway Edmonton Triathlon 2009

2009-05-25T11:35:00.004-06:00

This weekend saw hundreds of Ironman wannabes converge on Cornation Pool and west Edmonton to compete in a fun mini triathlon. The race consists of

1 km swim in Peter Hemingway Pool
26 km cycle on Groat Road
8 km run along Groat Road and Mackinnon Ravine

* see my flickr page for more photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/photomarkonline/sets/72157618750211090/

Alberta Railway Museum

2009-05-19T16:34:00.002-06:00

Had a chance to get out to the Alberta Railway Museum for its opening weekend of the season. Only downside was it was just starting to snow! In May! Had a lot of fun poking around and doing some pictures. Some great old trains and some great people to meet.

Good Golly

2009-05-14T09:52:00.005-06:00

Here is a shot I took last fall. I just signed up for a demo of a program called Nikon Capture NX2. It is used for touching up pictures. Man does this work great. Take a look at the original below and see what a difference it makes.

Coronation Pool

2009-05-11T20:11:00.003-06:00

The Peter Hemingway Fitness and Leisure Centre (formerly the Coronation Pool) in Coronation Park

Getting Warmer

2009-05-05T11:43:00.002-06:00

Driving back to work from lunch, I noticed some smoke coming out the U-Haul lot on the southside. Since I always carry my camera around, I decided to investigate. Workers next door said U-Haul were cutting the trucks apart and ignited their second fire in two weeks. The fire department squeezed a truck down the aisle and quickly put the fire out. Lots of smoke and some flames. My first 'news' shot with my digital camera.

JLS

2009-04-22T16:37:00.002-06:00

Jonathan Livingston Seagull was a book about a young seagull's efforts to rise above the ordinary. In a flock where individuality is frowned upon, Jonathan finds himself a loner and an outcast.
After performing feats of tremendous courage and skill, Jonathan is expelled from the flock. This gives him the freedom to develop.

Is that the same with photography. I need to learn, but I would rather be with others.

Blue Wood

2009-04-21T16:42:00.002-06:00

Since when did they start making the ends of all the wood blue?
As warm as it is today we don't have a blue sky, but who's complaining!

Griesbach Parade

2009-04-16T13:21:00.002-06:00

In memory of Major General William Antrobus Griesbach CB CMG DSO (3 January 1878 - 21 January 1945) was a Canadian politician, decorated soldier, mayor of Edmonton, and member of the Canadian House of Commons and Senate of Canada.

In 1906, Griesbach was commissioned as a lieutenant in the 19th Alberta Dragoons. He was promoted to Captain in 1907

When World War I broke out, the Dragoons volunteered as a unit. In December of that year, Griesbach was promoted to Major assigned to command the 49th Battalion. He was able to recruit one thousand men in eight days in January, 1915. The unit served in various engagements, including the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the Battle of Arras, the Battle of Passchendaele, and the liberation of Mons. In 1917, Griesbach was promoted to Brigadier-General and assigned command of the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade of the 1st Canadian Division.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order twice and the Victorian Decoration for long service. He was also made a companion of the Order of Bath and a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. After the war, he was made Inspector General of the Canadian Army for Western Canada, and was promoted to Major-General.

Winters Last Punch

2009-04-15T09:16:00.001-06:00

Edmonton woke up to a left over winter storm yesterday. A wet white blanket covered the city but a day later the sun was back and winter is hopefully gone.

LRT Drag Race

2009-04-09T13:23:00.001-06:00

The Bay station has a futuristic chromed decor and 3 bright colorful seats. It looks like these two trains are on a drag race out of the station. Also notice the train on the left is made up of the old Siemens-Düwag U2 cars and the train on the right is the new Siemens SD-160 train.

The Mammoth Metal Monster

2009-04-08T15:11:00.000-06:00

Scheduled to open in early 2010, the new AGA will be an 85,000 square foot innovative gallery that will allow us to present national and international exhibitions. It will be a premier presentation venue for international, Canadian and Aboriginal art, education and scholarship. The gallery in itself will be a work of art that will complement and complete the cultural precinct surrounding Churchill Square. The AGA was designed by Randall Stout Architects, Inc.

LRT Clareview

2009-04-06T15:38:00.001-06:00

Edmonton was the first city in North America with a population of less than one million to build a modern light rail system. The route first started construction in 1974, and opened its first segment on April 22, 1978, in time for the 1978 Commonwealth Games. The 12.9-kilometre route starts in Edmonton's northeast suburbs and currently ends near the University of Alberta Hospital on the south side. Construction on the southern extension is under way. This is one of the older Siemens-Duewag U2 cars.

Taiga or Amba???

2009-04-03T10:24:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a great day for a spring stroll through the Valley Zoo. All the animals were out enjoying the sun, especially the Siberian Tigers. Well at least one of the twin cubs the zoo obtained last December. Not sure if this is Taiga or Amba but it sure enjoyed being outside playing with its toy.

Spring Excitement at the Zoo

2009-04-02T16:47:00.000-06:00

It was a beautiful sunny day (just before another snow storm moved in) and all the animals were out getting some rays. It was even the first time I saw the Snow Leopards out (both!!) Here is the first of a few nice pictures I got today. A Peregrine Falcon shaken some sleepy winter blahs out of his wings. Great color on these beautiful birds.

Earth Hour 2009 Edmonton

2009-03-30T13:49:00.000-06:00

"One hour's darkness illuminates our minds"

Although it was only an hour of darkness, it seemed like a beacon lighting our way forward. We have realized that all of us should do something to save the Earth."

I don't think Earth Hour was a huge success, but it planted the seeds of crisis in the minds of Edmontonians. We realize that if we don't take good care of the Earth, then human beings will have to live in harsh conditions beyond our imagination.

2009-03-19T09:52:00.000-06:00

Emily Murphy (March 14, 1868 - October 17, 1933) was a Canadian women's rights activist, jurist, and author. In 1916, she became the first woman magistrate in Canada, and in the British Empire. She is best known for her contributions to Canadian feminism, specifically to the question of whether women were "persons" under Canadian law.

In 1927, Murphy and four other women: Henrietta Muir Edwards, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney and Irene Parlby, who together came to be known as "The Famous Five" (also called "The Valiant Five"), launched the "Persons Case," contending that women could be "qualified persons" eligible to sit in the Senate. The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that they were not. However, upon appeal to the Judicial Committee of the British Privy Council — the court of last resort for Canada at that time — the women won their case.

This statue is at 98 Street and about 144 Ave on the old Griesbach base. There is another statue of Emily Murphy in Ottawa, honoring the "Famous Five".

One last snowfall.

2009-02-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

On my way out to Leduc to look at a new truck. Stopped at gateway park because I haven't got a digital picture out there yet.

2009-02-12T14:09:00.000-07:00

Riding home in some sunshine the other day, maybe winter is loosening its hold. Snapped this picture waiting in lline downtown. I thought the buildings looked great together.

Foggy Morning

2009-02-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

On my way into work yesterday morning and I have my camera but I haven't taken a picture for a couple weeks. Coming over the Capilano bridge the fog is heavy and just starting to lift. The sun hits the Manulife building in a blinding fireball. A great site to see but it wouldn't make a good photo so I keep driving. Hitting the industrial area on the south side the sun is fighting to break through above an abandoned field. Great mood scene but i keep driving. Some men working above the Nova building in the fog and hazy sun, again i drive by. Things start to get to me and I double back to the empty field. I wade through shin deep snow and get that moody shot. Hopefully I am out of that funk and I can start taking more pictures.

The Goalie

2009-01-14T15:44:00.000-07:00

Canadas favorite winter pass time is Hockey. Here my son(16) makes a fabulous glove save (note the puck in the glove). Wether it is game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs or just another weekly game Canadian males are always into their game.

2008-12-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

Alberta was long considered a have-not province until the discovery of oil at Leduc in the 1950s changed that. Today, fossil fuels make Alberta a wealthy province, providing much of the province's employment and allowing Alberta to be the only province in Canada without a provincial sales tax. While many of the corporate offices of energy companies are in Calgary, major refineries are found in and near Edmonton, especially along Refinery Row, shown here, in Edmonton's east end. Alberta's petroleum wealth is guarded jealously. Albertans still seethe with anger when reminded of the federal government's National Energy Program in the early 1980s, which many believe drained the province of multi-billions of dollars in wealth. This picture was taken Boxing Day morning.

Candy Cane Lane

2008-12-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

We used to live 2 blocks from Candy Cane Lane while I was growing up. Last night, I was driving my mom home and we had an opportunity to go down CCL again. My mom doesn't get around much and she really enjoyed seeing all the lights. Here is one of the houses. I need to go back when I can setup the tripod and get some clearer shots.

2008-12-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

Lucy 34, arrived in Edmonton on May 19, 1977. She has arthritis, but does OK with her medicines. She is well behaved and participates in stimulating activities once or twice a day. Lucy paints on a regularly basis and her pictures are at show in Edmonton. Just recently the zoo rejected plans to send Lucy to Tennessee. This was a recent picture honouring Edmonton's special friend - Lucy.

Muttart Conservatory

2008-12-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

I took this picture the night a blizzard moved in. It was -25C and snowing, which is why the cloud cover turned out so light. Muttart just put in new lights this year that change colours.

Xmas House

2008-12-10T15:22:00.000-07:00

Here is the totally insane Christmas House up on 97 Street and 142 Ave. This guy must have a million lights in his setup. I have a Christmas Lights gallery up at my webpage
http://photomarkonline.smugmug.com/gallery/6795770_xFPMn#434268389_ggof7

2008-12-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

Now I remember why I like photography. It's not just a picture that I've taken, it's a special part of life. Last friday I was going to go out to Morinville to do some fireworks pictures - cool. What happened was... perfect. I jumped in my truck to head North accompanied by my very special girlfriend - just the two of us no kids - bond time. Just outside of Namao we noticed the sky darkening and were amazed to see it moving. About a thousand+ birds (maybe small ducks) were flying around just over the treeline all around us, Wow! Then as we turned off to go west we saw a deer just over the fence in a field beside the rode. It took off as soon as I hit the brakes. Note: make sure your camera is always ready to shoot - you don't always get a second chance. So now we get into Morinville, the main road was blocked off and we had to park off some side street. When we got back to Main street a Santa Claus parade was going on. Lighted floats, candy throwing paraders, kids and of course Santa. Then Santa turned the Christmas lights on in the park across the street and finally what we came for. Fireworks, great big incredibly beautiful and long show. Much much better than the ones in Edmonton (a million+ huge city). A quick hot chocolate after and then we called it an evening. A great evening. You don't get all that watching TV.

To check out the other pictures go to:
http://www.photomarkonline.smugmug.com/gallery/6708582_qRu6g#428334218_LZnM8

Winter Sunshine

2008-12-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

Seems like most of my posts have been darker night shots. While the sun does go down around 4:30PM and doesn't come up until 8:30AM we do get a lot of sunshine. It isn't even that cold out yet so I better get some outdoor shots while my fingers aren't frozen.

2008-12-01T10:03:00.000-07:00

Friday night drive home. I wanted to get a picture of the new Christmas lights on the Muttart Conservatory (the pyramid buildings). The lights change from blue to green to red, but tonight they seem to be stuck on blue. Also the Telus building which has the flashing Christmas tree lights going up the entire 33 floors. This was the first of 6 shots and the only one that wasn't blurred - and this was the only pic that I took hand held. Go figure.

Run it's a cougar!

2008-11-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

Watch it! You’re crossing paths with a Mountain Lion and her cubs. Do you think these big cats are a threat to your life! Think again! Flip the pictures in our Rogues Gallery – you‘ll be surprised to find out who’s the most dangerous animal in the mountains. Cougars are my favorite animal. Does anyone have a zoo they have been to with cougars?

Royal Alberta Museum

2008-11-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

Expertly laid out, this 18,500-sq.-m (200,000-sq.-ft.) modern museum displays Alberta's natural and human history in three permanent galleries. Wild Alberta, the museum's new permanent exhibit, represents Alberta's diverse natural history with astonishingly lifelike dioramas and interactive displays utilizing computers, microscopes and other hands-on tools. The Gallery of Aboriginal Culture tells the 11,000-year story of Alberta's First Nations inhabitants, incorporating artifacts, film, interactive media, and Native interpreters. The Natural History Gallery has fossils, minerals, and a live-bug room. Maryann and I took the kids and we all had a blast running around killing the morning.

For more pics of Royal Alberta Museum copy below
www.photomarkonline.smugmug.com/gallery/6641802_Hk5YA/1/423769519_2kbY5

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Edmonton by Moonlight

2008-11-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

This picture is from the middle of Capilano Bridge just after the previous one was taken. Trucks were shaking the bridge, my hands were frozen and the camera wasn't taking pictures when I pushed the button. I am amazed anything came out of this shoot. A little pp with sharpness and colour - oh and yes I added a full moon as well just for some balance.

Edmonton Sunset

2008-11-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

Last night was my first night shoot. I parked off Capilano Bridge and went out in the bitter cold to do what I thought would be a couple quick sunset pictures. Well in the dark you can't see the settings or why the camera wouldn't focus properly. And your fingers don't work so well when they are frozen. Out of 30 or so shots I got 2 that would pass. So here is the earlier of the two from up the hill. I even caught the CN tower lights on.

2008-11-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

This is again from the Bright Lights on the Square opening ceremony. This is looking toward City Hall. It was designed by Edmonton architect Gene Dub and opened on August 28, 1992, on the site of the former City Hall. In the background it Edmonton's tenth tallest building the CN Tower.

Bright Lights on the Square

2008-11-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the lighting ceremony for the Christmas lights in Edmonton. It was taken at Churchill Square. The tree is an 80 foot Spruce from the Whitecourt area (northwest of Edmonton). Unfortunately none of the fireworks pics turned out - new camera - settings error. I did like the colors in this one though.

Snowy Bench

2008-11-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

Snowy Bench

After the first snowfall of the year, I was out patrolling South Edmonton in my truck and came across this lonely bench covered in snow in the Mill Creek Ravine Park.

First Snow

2008-11-13T22:26:00.000-07:00

Rememberance Day - First Snow

After waking up late and scrambling in to work, I didn't have to work. So off to do some pictures in the snow. it was a beautiful morning and I spotted these great snow covered trees in Forest Heights Park.