From Ornate and Old to Seeing and Depicting Reality

My interpretation of June’s 52-week photographic challenge

Created by the author using Canva and own photos

Separated from my life back in Montréal, my fingers are reconnecting with my laptop and my old friend, Medium. I still don’t have much writing mojo, but I’ll always do my best to stay up with my favourite monthly challenge, the 52-week photography one.

Here goes for this month’s interpretation…

#25: Tourist in my Own Town

Notre Dame Basilica. Taken by Author

It’s been a while since I bothered to step into Notre Dame Cathedral in the Old Port of Montréal. I refuse to pay the $16 they charge for visitors, especially when Paris’ Notre Dame is free. To boot, they want $5 to light a tealight and $13 for a candle.

However, the Sunday before I left on my journey south, my partner and I went into the city and attended a service at the church. It is the only way to get in for free.

It was all in French, and First Communion as well, but the beautiful architecture softened the lengthy eucharist. We were told not to take photos, so this was a sneaky one; two families had hired professionals for their kids’ First Communion, so I really wasn’t as naughty (and annoying) as they were.

#26: Old School

An old Morris Minor. Taken by Author

I’m trying to get some steps in since there is no gym here at my folks’ place in Sydney. It is lovely to wander unfamiliar streets and soak in the local flora and architecture.

I was delighted to spot this old Morris Minor in a driveway. My grandparents had one, so whenever I see this beautiful old car, I get transported back in time. I swear I can still smell the leathery odour and see Grandma cranking it up to get it started!

#27:Life is Beautiful

Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand. Taken by Author

While in New Zealand, I took a day trip to Palmerston North to see my nephews, whom I hadn’t clapped eyes on for well over 25 years. My trip was shortened by two hours; at first, there was a delay due to fog, and then a return to the terminal was warranted to change planes because a warning light came on just before takeoff.

Regardless, it was special to see the boys — now stropping adults, of course— but I was also lucky to see this beautiful sight on the way back to Auckland. I am eternally grateful to be able to travel and marvel at natural wonders like this.

Life really is beautiful.

#28: Twisted

Props created by Author. Photo taken by Author

Before leaving on vacation, I was teaching the Digestive system to a group of nursing students. It’s hard to grasp the body’s geography and workings, so I always like to create visuals to help comprehend exactly what’s inside.

The toilet roll replicates the length of the mouth to the beginning of the esophagus. The yellow rope has markers indicating the length of the esophagus and the three parts of the small intestine, while the black tube replicates the large intestine. The students are always especially incredulous about how long the small intestine is (8 metres or 26 feet).

Of course, my prop always ends up a twisted mess, but if this were to happen for real, the person would be most unwell!

Thanks as always to the Full Frame team — Rodrigo S-C, Lauri Novak and kasey sparks — for supporting this annual project where wannabe photographers like me can contribute to this prestigious publication.