Parliamentary Pride

Update: March 2018

Respecting the Institution

I’ve been shooting Parliament year-round and am always amazed at the beauty of these architectural wonders.

Working on Parliament Hill for 25 years has given me an appreciation for the splendid architecture. I was so taken by the beauty, that I embarked on a photo assignment that would take 8 years.

Still adding to the Canadian Parliament photo collection, it contains more than 250 images of all the buildings on the parliamentary precinct, including the Centre, East, West and Langevin blocks, the Library of Parliament, Confederation and Justice buildings.

Featuring seasonal settings, Christmas, inside, silhouettes, Canada Day and night shots, this image bank is an important resource for the business, creative, political and diplomatic communities.

You’re invited to visit this rich Canadian Parliament collection and feel the pride that comes from being Canadian and free.

Thank you and have an excellent evening.

Michel – Website: https://loiselleblog.com/contact

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OTHER POSTS BY MICHEL LOISELLE

Knowing our Parliamentary PrecinctTulips on Parliament Hill The West Block of Canada 7 Year Parliament Project – Politically Speaking Canada in One Photo –  Design and ImagingHaunted CastleNight ShotsHey That’s My ImageMy Canadian Pride Is ShowingCanada Day on Parliament HillImages in Color and in Stereo5 Reasons to Use PhotosGargoyles on Parliament Hill Christmas on Parliament Hill — Live Music is Always Best — The Confederation Building — The Supreme Court of Canada

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Canadian Parliament Photo Sampler

Update – March 2018

Looking for political or parliamentary photographs? Consider the Canadian Parliament photo collection. It includes 200+ images of our institution in scenarios such as Canada Day, Inside, Silhouettes, Christmas, Evenings, Seasons and Night shots.

View the Canadian Parliament photo sampler for inspiration! Images start at $12 and are available for immediate download.

Thank you for visiting and have an excellent evening,

Michel – Website

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OTHER POSTS BY MICHEL LOISELLE

Knowing our Parliamentary PrecinctTulips on Parliament Hill The West Block of Canada 7 Year Parliament Project – Politically Speaking Canada in One Photo –  Design and ImagingHaunted CastleNight ShotsHey That’s My ImageMy Canadian Pride Is ShowingCanada Day on Parliament HillImages in Color and in Stereo5 Reasons to Use PhotosGargoyles on Parliament Hill Christmas on Parliament Hill — Live Music is Always Best — The Confederation Building — The Supreme Court of Canada

Knowing our Parliamentary Precinct

Update: March 2017

Parliament Hill

Today, I’m taking you on a visit of the main buildings that make up the Canadian Parliamentary Precinct. They’re based on gothic architecture and have so much to offer and interesting information to read along the way. We’ll see the Library of Parliament, the Confederation building, the East Block, the West Block, the Centre Block and Langevin Block.

The Confederation Building

Canadian Parliament photos by Michel Loiselle
The Confederation building corner of Wellington and Bank streets. Its interior was renovated in the 1970s to mark a shift from accommodating departmental staff to housing a number of government Ministers and Members of Parliament with their staff. Read the Confederation Building article to know more.

The East Block

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The East block, sits on the East side of the Centre Block and mainly houses Parliamentarians and Senators. Find out about this very interesting building in downtown Ottawa just above the Rideau Canal.

The interesting part of this structure is that it looks different from the front and the back.

The Library of Parliament

The Library
The Library of Parliament, also part of the Parliament Precinct, houses all the important documents needed for MPs to do their jobs. It is wonderful with originality and pride. It’s an amazing building set in the High Victorian Gothic Revival style by Thomas Fuller and Chilion Jones. It opened in 1876. Directing a staff of 300, Sonia L’Heureux was appointed Parliamentary Librarian on June 22, 2012. Read the photo essay on this incredible structure. The Library of Parliament was the only building left standing after the fire of 1916 destroyed most of the Centre Block, because an employee remembered to close the iron doors of the Library before leaving on February 3.

The West Block

Canadian Parliament photos by Michel LoiselleThe West Block of Canada. Sitting just West of Centre block.  It houses Ministers, Members of Parliament, their staff, committee rooms, and an important ceremonial space. It is presently being renovated. In 2019, it will be the temporary space for the House of Commons Chamber when the Centre Block closes for renovations.

The Langevin Block

Langevin Closeup
The Langevin Block, corner of Elgin and Wellington streets spanning to Metcalfe street, and takes a whole block in front of Parliament Hill. This building is mainly used for the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) business. It was the first federal government building to go up after Centre, East and West blocks on Wellington Street.

The Centre Block

9 PM Politics

The Centre Block, what most people relate to when thinking of the Canadian Parliament with its 4-sided clock is recognized worldwide and is the number one tourist attraction in Ottawa year-round. It stands proud every day with its gargoyles at the entrance representing England and Scotland. There are tours specifically for schools to help our children better understand the architecture and legislative side of this incredible architectural wonder. Let’s not forget the history that goes behind the Parliament Centre block with all its Prime Ministers, Ministers, Members of Parliament and of course the Pages working to help Members accomplish their daily tasks. Here, we’ll take you on a seasonal tour of the Canadian Parliament Centre Block. Enjoy!

I hope you’ve enjoyed visiting the Parliamentary precinct and all its buildings. The images from these blog articles are from the Canadian Parliament photo collection. A 200+ collection of our Parliament buildings in scenarios such as Canada Day, inside, evenings, silhouettes, gargoyles, night, seasons, Christmas and much more. Have a look at the collection and I’m sure you’ll find something for your next project. Images start at $5 and are available for immediate download.

Thank you for visiting and have an excellent day!

Michel – Website

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OTHER POSTS BY MICHEL LOISELLE

Knowing our Parliamentary PrecinctTulips on Parliament Hill The West Block of Canada 7 Year Parliament Project – Politically Speaking Canada in One Photo –  Design and ImagingHaunted CastleNight ShotsHey That’s My ImageMy Canadian Pride Is ShowingCanada Day on Parliament HillImages in Color and in Stereo5 Reasons to Use PhotosGargoyles on Parliament Hill Christmas on Parliament Hill — Live Music is Always Best — The Confederation Building — The Supreme Court of Canada

The Library of Parliament

Update – January 2018

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Today, I’m taking you on a tour of the Library of Parliament. It’s an amazing building set in the High Victorian Gothic Revival style by Thomas Fuller and Chilion Jones. It opened in 1876. Directing a staff of 300, Sonia L’Heureux was appointed Parliamentary Librarian on June 22, 2012.

Canadian Parliament photos by Michel Loiselle

Library Business

Parliament photos by Michel LoiselleThe Library of Parliament offers information, reference and research services to parliamentarians and their staff, parliamentary committees, associations and delegations, and senior Senate and House of Commons officials.

Current issue reviews, backgrounders, compilations, legislative summaries, reading lists and finding aids are just some of the Library’s information tools.

The Library has more than 17 linear kilometres of materials (600,000 items) in its collection, including books, periodicals, government documents, CD-ROMs and videos. Parliamentary clients can also tap into services such as on-line databases, an electronic news filtering system and an on-line catalogue of information right from their desktops.

Canadian Parliament photos by Michel Loiselle

Inside

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The main reading room rises to a vaulted ceiling and the walls and stacks are lined with white pine panelling carved into a variety of textures, flowers, masks, and mythical creatures. In the galleries are displayed the coats of arms of the seven provinces that existed in 1876, as well as that of the Dominion of Canada, and standing directly in the centre of the room is a white marble statue of Queen Victoria, sculpted by Marchall Wood.

The Library

Interesting Facts

Banknote

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Not many people are aware that the building is featured on the Canadian ten dollar banknote. The front features a portrait of Canada’s first Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald, and a metallic image of the Library of Parliament.

Recycling

BuildingA significant portion of the old copper roofing from the Library of Parliament renovation, was reused by the Canadian War Museum at various locations throughout the museum’s interior spaces.

Fire of 1916

The 1916 fire that destroyed the majority of the Centre Block; the building was only connected to the main complex by a single corridor and the library clerk at the time, Michael MacCormac, secured the library’s iron doors before the fire could spread into that area.

Evening LibraryThere is so much more to know and learn about the Library of Parliament. Visit the Library site for an interesting fact sheet and more.

The images in this essay are part of the Canadian Parliament photo collection of more than 200 pictures. Images start at $5 and are available for immediate download.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the tour. Have an excellent evening.

Michel – http://loiselleblog.com

Sources: Wikipedia, Library of Parliament, Royal Canadian Mint.

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OTHER POSTS BY MICHEL LOISELLE

Tulips on Parliament Hill The West Block of Canada 7 Year Parliament Project – Politically Speaking Canada in One Photo – Design and ImagingHaunted CastleNight ShotsHey That’s My ImageMy Canadian Pride Is ShowingCanada Day on Parliament HillImages in Color and in Stereo5 Reasons to Use PhotosGargoyles on Parliament Hill Christmas on Parliament Hill – Live Music is Always Best – The Confederation Building

Christmas on Parliament Hill

Festive Parliament

Update: March 2018

Each December, Capital cities across Canada are brought together by the annual celebration called Christmas Lights Across Canada.

There are giant snowflakes superimposed on the Parliament Centre Block and more than  150,000 lights on the Hill. Here, the trailing lights were a bonus as a bus drove by creating this great effect during a long exposure.

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Moving inside, we are greeted with a pair of very big Christmas trees in the Rotunda and many more down the hallways. It’s a beautiful showcase that complements the gothic architecture and worth a visit when you’re visiting Ottawa in December.

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I received this beautiful hand painted ornament of the Centre Block in a gift basket and now it’s part of the Christmas and Parliament photo collections.

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A view from the Rotunda looking down the Hall of Honour to the Library of Parliament entrance with Christmas trees decorated with red bows.

ImageThe Canadian Parliament Centre Block in all its decorated glory during the Christmas Lights Across Canada festivities.  The Canadian Parliament with giant snowflakes and Christmas trees on the Parliament Hill lawn.

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Canadian Parliament Centre Block  bathed in a red sky, with blue lights as a beautiful addition during the festive season. This photo was taken from the Rideau Canal; the longest skating rink in Canada.

Canadian Parliament photos by Michel Loiselle

The pictures here are part of the 200+ Canadian Parliament photo collection. Ideal for creative and business professionals, images start at $12 and are available for immediate download. Have a look. You never know!

P.S. See the Christmas photo collection and the Christmas Interlude Slideshow for e-Card ideas. Thank you for visiting and have a great evening.

Michel

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OTHER POSTS BY MICHEL LOISELLE

Knowing our Parliamentary PrecinctTulips on Parliament Hill The West Block of Canada 7 Year Parliament Project – Politically Speaking Canada in One Photo –  Design and ImagingHaunted CastleNight ShotsHey That’s My ImageMy Canadian Pride Is ShowingCanada Day on Parliament HillImages in Color and in Stereo5 Reasons to Use PhotosGargoyles on Parliament Hill Christmas on Parliament Hill  — The Confederation Building — The Supreme Court of Canada

Parliament’s Many Faces

Update – March 2017

The Canadian Parliament buildings are an incredible gothic historic wonder that I’ve been photographing since 2006. The collection is now ready for show and you won’t believe the many angles and perspectives that these buildings offer!
See the many faces of Parliament Hill by reading the “Canadian Pride” pictorial from my blog. You could find the perfect image for your document or report. You never know!

The LibraryThank you for visiting and have a great evening.

Michel

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OTHER POSTS BY MICHEL LOISELLE

Knowing our Parliamentary PrecinctTulips on Parliament Hill The West Block of Canada 7 Year Parliament Project – Politically Speaking Canada in One Photo Design and ImagingHaunted CastleNight ShotsHey That’s My ImageMy Canadian Pride Is ShowingCanada Day on Parliament HillImages in Color and in Stereo5 Reasons to Use PhotosGargoyles on Parliament Hill Christmas on Parliament Hill – Live Music is Always Best – The Confederation Building – The Supreme Court of Canada

Political Pictorial

Parliament From All Angles

Update – January 2018

Parliament images by Michel Loiselle.

Lunch at the Canadian Museum of History

Visiting Ottawa soon? I invite you to discover some inspirational photography of the Canadian Parliament.

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Creating and showcasing images of our gothic heritage buildings is what this post is about. Read how shooting the Hill year-round, day or night for 7 years can grow a photo collection. See the different perspectives, angles and compositions this institution is capable of displaying. Read my post 7 Year Parliament Project to find out more.

Michel – Website

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OTHER POSTS BY MICHEL LOISELLE

Knowing our Parliamentary PrecinctTulips on Parliament Hill The West Block of Canada 7 Year Parliament Project – Politically Speaking Canada in One Photo –  Design and ImagingHaunted CastleNight ShotsHey That’s My ImageMy Canadian Pride Is ShowingCanada Day on Parliament HillImages in Color and in Stereo5 Reasons to Use PhotosGargoyles on Parliament Hill Christmas on Parliament Hill — Live Music is Always Best — The Confederation Building — The Supreme Court of Canada

Night Shots

Update – March 2018

After dinner photography.

Canadian Parliament photos by Michel Loiselle

Let’s face it, night photos are exciting and demand to be noticed. This image of the Canadian Parliament with full moon and lights certainly gets our attention. When you need drama on a cover page, consider using a night shot. It could go a long way to deliver the right message to your targeted reader.

Stock photography by Michel LoiselleTake a look a what dark images can accomplish. This small town church does not have the same impact during the day. The stark contrast between black and colored light is amplified bringing more definition to your subject.

Stock photography by Michel LoiselleRemember that night shots portray different moods and can wake up feelings in people’s minds. A night photo says, “look here now” and we always do. Also, viewing a night image always seems to be done in slow motion, as we want to get it all in and study every light pattern and beautiful colors.

Evening, Dusk, Dawn and Twilight

Stock photography by Michel LoiselleLooking here, notice that it’s not quite nighttime. The sky isn’t black yet and lights seem to be more intense against the blue sky. At dusk or magic hour, images take on an unrealistic feel and seem to say so much more.

Stock photography by Michel LoiselleThis example, taken at dusk is also a conceptual image making it that much stronger. Conceptual photos let people imagine what the visual is portraying. Photos like these are ideal for editorial content when you want to deliver drama. A visual for a prison story for example. Below, we see the Zakim bridge in Boston, also at dusk. It was inspiring to see the lights along with the blue sky. Photos like these are always pleasing and fun to take. So grab the camera, find a subject and head out an hour before sunset and watch the magic begin!

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Ottawa Stock Photos by Michel Loiselle

Dawn, the beginning of twilight is also a great time to take photos as seen here with the National Gallery of Canada and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica in Ottawa. You’ll agree that it warrants a second look. Now we’ve seen night, dawn and dusk. But there’s more.

Canadian Parliament photos by Michel Loiselle

Don’t forget about black & white photography. Besides being a night image, this Canada Day shot is also very powerful as a greyscale photo. Do consider including black & whites in your reports. I invite you to see the Canadian Parliament collection for more wonderful gothic architecture photography.

The photos in this blog are part of the Portfolio offered by Michel Loiselle. Images start at $12 and are available for immediate download. You can also obtain Extended and Multi-user licenses.

Stock photography by Michel Loiselle

Thank you for visiting and have an excellent day! uh night!

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OTHER POSTS BY MICHEL LOISELLE

Tulips on Parliament Hill The West Block of Canada 7 Year Parliament Project – Politically Speaking Canada in One Photo Design and ImagingHaunted CastleNight ShotsHey That’s My ImageMy Canadian Pride Is ShowingCanada Day on Parliament HillImages in Color and in Stereo5 Reasons to Use PhotosGargoyles on Parliament Hill Christmas on Parliament Hill – Live Music is Always Best – The Confederation Building

Canada In One Photo

Update – March 2018

It’s All About Canadian Pride!

Canadian Parliament photos by Michel LoiselleWhat if you needed to portray Canada on the cover of an important report with one photo? Well, this may help. Take a look at the Canadian Parliament photo collection and you could find an image that will communicate your message clearly.

This July 1st Canada Day image, Political Spectacle, really puts you inside the action. It can go far in portraying Canada, Excitement, Fun, Night Life or Community. The 200+ Canadian Parliament collection will also be ideal when you need to say Ottawa with one visual.

All you need to know today is that these photos are available. Have a peek at the collection, and when you’re ready with your report, come back for a visit.

Canadian Parliament photos by Michel Loiselle

Getting the Right Image at the Right Time

Imagine being able to show season-specific images to coincide with your project. This winter image, Behind Parliament could be the one you need. Sometimes, It’s not just about Parliament, but Canada, at the right time of year!

Canadian Parliament photos by Michel Loiselle

Simply visit the collection, find the image and download it. Images start at $12 and are available for immediate download.

Thanks for visiting and have a look at the complete Portfolio on mostphotos.com.

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OTHER POSTS BY MICHEL LOISELLE

Knowing our Parliamentary PrecinctTulips on Parliament Hill The West Block of Canada 7 Year Parliament Project – Politically Speaking Canada in One Photo –  Design and ImagingHaunted CastleNight ShotsHey That’s My ImageMy Canadian Pride Is ShowingCanada Day on Parliament HillImages in Color and in Stereo5 Reasons to Use PhotosGargoyles on Parliament Hill Christmas on Parliament Hill — Live Music is Always Best — The Confederation Building — The Supreme Court of Canada

The West Block of Canada

Update – March 2017

I’m taking you on a visit of the Parliamentary Precinct, and today, the topic is the West Block of Canada. This victorian high gothic style structure, built in 1865, stands just west of the Centre Block, hence the name.

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Here we see one of the West Block towers and behind it, the Confederation Building. Today, the West block is closed for renovations. It houses Ministers, Members of Parliament, their employees, committee rooms, and an important ceremonial space. In 2019, it will be the temporary space for the House of Commons Chamber when the Centre Block closes for renovations.

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What we’re seeing here is the West and Centre blocks, early during the renovations. This photo is and will always be an original image part of Canadian history.

Canadian Parliament photos by Michel Loiselle

This photo, from the Canadian Parliament collection, West Block at Night, shows the building in its evening glory. It is clad in a rustic Nepean sandstone exterior and dressed stone trim around windows and other edges, as well as displaying a multitude of stone carvings, including gargoyles, grotesques, and friezes, keeping with the style of the rest of the Parliamentary Precinct.

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An interesting fact that not many people are aware of, is that the building is featured on the front of the Canadian five dollar banknote with a portrait of Canada’s 8th PM, Sir Wilfrid Laurier.

Canadian Parliament photos by Michel Loiselle As we see here, it is a beautiful building full of gothic intrigue and character, and is also the site chosen to erect the statue of Sir Robert Borden, the 8th Prime Minister of Canada.

Stock photography by Michel LoiselleAnother point of interest that many are not familiar with, is that there is a tunnel connecting the West and Centre Blocks. It will be interesting to find out what will become of it after the renovations.

Canadian Parliament photos by Michel LoiselleDuring a prior renovation, these West Block turrets on the North side, were completely refurbished.

The West Block photos you see here are part of the Canadian Parliament collection of more than 250 images starting at $12 and available for immediate download. Have a look!

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the West Block of Canada.

Have a great day!

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OTHER POSTS BY MICHEL LOISELLE

Knowing our Parliamentary PrecinctTulips on Parliament Hill The West Block of Canada 7 Year Parliament Project – Politically Speaking Canada in One Photo –  Design and ImagingHaunted CastleNight ShotsHey That’s My ImageMy Canadian Pride Is ShowingCanada Day on Parliament HillImages in Color and in Stereo5 Reasons to Use PhotosGargoyles on Parliament Hill Christmas on Parliament Hill — Live Music is Always Best — The Confederation Building — The Supreme Court of Canada