Paul Contino | Photographs - Photoletter 41

Paul Contino | Photographs

Photoletter Issue No. 41 | December 2024

PHOTOGRAPHERS

I’m pretty sure that guy does not reside at this location.


-


Speaking of reside … at the moment I am writing you from Vancouver, British Columbia.


This photoletter’s photographs will be from around the Canadian city itself.


If I am fortunate enough to get out and explore some of the mountains and/or islands during the winter season (I am without vehicle) I’ll share more “wintry” type scenes, as I am told the city does receive precipitation but not much in the way of snow itself.


Hope the year is winding down well for all and everyone is taking time to enjoy company with friends and family.


-Paul

JAPANESE GARDENS

If you ever are seeking out a place to practice photography, a Japanese garden is one of the best places to find yourself.


They are peaceful and aesthetically pleasing. Typically very photogenic.


The purpose of a Japanese garden in general is to promote tranquility within the confines of nature as inspiration for reflection and meditation; to “discover ways to communicate emotion to others.”


What better way to express oneself through photographs surrounded by nature and immersed in a location created for just such a purpose!

Each season presents something unique - lush greens in the summer, brilliant reds and yellows in the autumn (I was a week late in capturing the fall foliage with these images), serene white winter with snow, and spring rains bring budding branches and emerald green moss.


Zen gardens and thoughtfully placed rocks and moss-covered stone lanterns interspersed throughout a garden add an interesting intrusion among the natural landscape, which ultimately adds to the aesthetic.

These gardens can get very busy, however.


Which the only advice I can give is to consider how humans in a more natural setting can make your photos more interesting.


Patience rules when looking to snap a shot sans people. Acceptance of the situation and capturing people in a way that adds to the situation is another.


For example … the woman on the bridge above was just … not … leaving … … … ever.


(You’re in a tranquil garden - no need to get indignant!)


A friend of hers was across the pond under another ideal location for a Kodak moment. And, of course, they were taking photos of one another from each other’s position.


And then … they switched … and continued along their personal photographic journey, much to the dismay of the rest of the garden patrons.


I wasn’t about to tell them to move … and I was not willing to wait for them to finish their photoshoot.


Instead, how could one use her placement to an advantage?


The bright red of her sweater spoke to me, and her attractive rimmed hat was well chosen, and she was located in the center of the bridge adding a balance to the scene.


That worked for me.


*click*


Which got me back to appreciating the garden as it was intended.


I still took home an interesting photo and was left with thoughts of a nice experience wandering in a little slice nature.

A SHOT OF COFFEE

You really can’t go wrong with any choice at Purebread.


You really can’t go wrong with any of the cafe or bakery choices in Vancouver.


And there are lots of them.


Of course I have a couple of favorites - one being a Greek spot with their own specialty coffee (think a strong individual pour in a little teacup with, literally, a pool of mud resting on the bottom once the coffee is done).


Paired with a chocolate-dipped biscotti or one of their other delectable authentic Greek sweets.


I’ll see if I can’t capture the scene during a future visit to share in an upcoming “shot of coffee.”

POSTCARDS

This arrived a few months back.


It’s of the Munro’s Books storefront in Victoria on Vancouver Island, due northwest of Seattle.


I’ve yet to get to Victoria … but maybe you have?


Seems the sender of this postcard never actually visited there either … just a nudge for yours truly to check it out.


I’ll have to send them a postcard when I get there!

CROSSWORD COUPLE

I am a big fan of the New York Times Sunday crossword.


Most times I’ll print out a copy, find a spot to plunk down at, and work through with an accompanying cup of coffee.


Sometimes I’ll start with the across hints and move through in numerical order.


More often than not, however, I find myself wanting to checking answers which I believe work for an across hint prior to filling them in, testing the down guesses that intersect as verification.


At this point the puzzle experience averages a 45-60 minute affair if things going smoothly.


It’s common that I am left with two or three answers I am not sure about. Sometimes one or two that evade my knowledge. And the occasional missing of an entire block (e.g. a few intersecting in a corner somewhere).


Like anything else it takes practice. There are some tips and tricks and strategies involved in solving an NYT crossword beyond just “knowing the answer.”


It all started with the paper print version of a folded newspaper beckoning from my father’s spot at the table.


He’d stretch the enjoyment of the puzzle through a leisurely week-long experience to savor over multiple days and multiple coffees.


I’d check to see if there were any - even one - hint that I could fill in.


If there were one or two that I could “contribute” I would (he wouldn’t notice one or two additions, right?).


After a while I found myself filling in three … four … perhaps a corner he “missed” and satisfied in being able to “help” him in completing the puzzle.


(Faux pas - don’t offer assistance with crosswords unless asked for - and definitely don’t just start filling in another person’s puzzle!)


It took a while, however, before the daunting blank slate became approachable and I was able to begin a crossword myself. (At this point I would get my own copy and let my poor dad be.)


Initially it took multiple sittings to even get close to finishing - if even able to complete a crossword before the next week’s would arrive.


After a while a week turned into a few days, and a few into one, and then that one into a couple of hours.


It’s become an enjoyable Sunday morning ritual. A break from the week even though the brain is still being strained.


For the most part it’s an independent - and ideally fulfilling - effort.


If I happen to be out in public with my pen (you gotta commit) to the paper, occasional enthusiasts will voluntarily express a shared interest in working on a crossword, opining on recent difficulties experienced or creativity of the puzzle’s inventor.


(Each week there is a different creator or creators, with a brief blurb about the individual(s) including occupational background and inspiration behind the crossword).


Give it a try - with or without company. You can pick up a copy Sunday morning at various grocery or convenience stores. Or print out online (though you may need a subscription). Or head to your local library and make a photocopy.


Or send me an email and I’ll send you a pdf version!


-


In regards to the photograph above …


… you can imagine that I had to pause and appreciate this couple here, perusing the news, discussing amiably over a shared cup of joe between them.


If I ever run into them again I’ll have to give them a copy of this moment that they were gracious enough to share.

WHAT I AM . . .

Winter is pretty much here…

-Paul

See something you like? Most images can be made into artwork - paper prints, metal prints, canvas - for display in home or office or as a gift. Send me an email and we can discuss!


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