Let’s start by saying that I am grateful that my picture was chosen and given this opportunity to share more information.

I consider myself an amateur photographer. My retirement in 2017 and the COVID period boosted my interest in photography, and since then, it has grown into a real passion. But I like to think that I don’t take myself too seriously. Photography helps to get out there and seize the present moment. Some studies have shown that taking pictures can reduce stress and anxiety. I think that’s true in my case. My motto these days? A picture a day keeps the doctor away.

So, since COVID, I have been out there almost every day, experimenting and taking pictures of all kinds, like nature and city sceneries, trying to create a certain ambiance in my pictures. I am still trying to figure out what my preferences are. Throughout all this time, I took a few courses, read books, listened to professional photographers on YouTube, and learned from sharing and looking at pictures on FB photo groups like one of my favorite FRAMES. It’s just incredible to see so many talented photographers out there. So many pictures circulating that it’s becoming a real challenge to find your own truth.

I recently gave myself a mission by pushing myself to go out during those cold winter days. Acting as a tourist in my own city, Montreal, and rediscovering places that I know well but looking at them in a different way. So for this picture, as I was coming out from visiting the new pavilion of the Hautes Études Commerciales, I saw this view, in the distance, of the Cathedral Basilica Marie Reine du Monde, built in the 1900th century. I had seen this point of view many times before but never took the time to capture it. As I was getting closer to this imposing neo-classical Cathedral, I was impressed by the important constraints I was seeing. The Cathedral really stands out, probably by the fact that it’s imprisoned and surrounded by modern buildings, some of them quite boring. I continued walking closer and was pretty grateful to find a water hole just big enough to capture some reflections, making the image more interesting and impactful.

What are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!

There is an important contrast between the architectural styles of the buildings and the reflections of some parts of the scenery. Putting it in black and white is also more impactful.

If you could make this photo again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?

Usually, I like to have people in my photos, so I could have waited for someone to pass. Surely, having zero cars in the picture would have been perfect, but for me, the image is just fine as it is.

Catherine Craig shared this photograph with the FRAMES Facebook Group.

Photographer

Catherine Craig, Montréal, Québec, Canada

Equipment and settings

Google Phone