Shaun Saxon Photography BLOG - Florida Wedding & Fine Art Portrait Photographer

We recently returned from Quebec City, which is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year. For seven days we strolled the streets of the old city, discovering its many wonders and meeting its polite, hard-working, and hospitable citizens. Quebecers have a unique history and culture dating back to the city’s founding by Samuel de Champlain in 1608. Much of the original French-style buildings still exist in the old city, and the French language and culture still prevail. The city is a delight for any Francophile. As an experiment, I left my pro gear at home and took along only a compact point and shoot (Canon G9) that I operated on manual.

A woman reads a book on the lawn while Le Chateau Frontenac (castle-like building to the left) and the French-style stone buildings lining the park stand in the background.

Statue of Samuel de Champlain, founder of Quebec City

We are a people

Sunrise behind the airport tower in Atlanta.

Weary travelers at the airport in Quebec.

We got out for a little recreation last weekend to see an international equestrian triathlon.

I saw my first polo match. The riding was very impressive, as there are a lot of quick transitions. And the riders control the horse with only one hand, since the other holds the mallet.

A polo field is 300 yards long, so the horses can really get moving.

Polo Spectator

Cross country event. These horses are amazing athletes.

Horse stumbles on a jump and sends rider to the water. The rider never let go of the reins!

Jumping a large barrel.

We stepped out the other night to Wild Iris Books / Wild Words Cafe to see a live performance by the local singer,  songwriter, and guitarist Amanda Garrigues (end rhymes with Syracuse) who lays down a great groove. Her songs and melodies are alternatively moving, touching, and inspiring; her lyrics reflect a unique blend of poetry and philosophy; and her voice offers endless delightful surprises in tone, inflection, and phrasing.

Unlike some other “folk” artists, her guitar is right out front, ringing out beautifully crisp, tasteful, and melodic rhythms that serve as a friendly antidote to today’s over-produced, generic music that feels distant and sterile in comparison.

The simplicity, richness, and purity of her voice and guitar evoke power and independence, hope and optimism. Visit her website and give a listen.

you’re the one that I’ve been waiting for forever. I love the Stylistics. And this song goes out to my lovely wife. My love, support, and comfort.

There’s a fungus among us. Mushrooms in the front yard.

Paradise Found

I shot some medium format on my birthday. I love working with different cameras and film to expand my creativity.