Over the last 35 years my relationship to photography has been restricted to the use of the camera as a recording tool to capture those perspectives and moments that had whatever impact on me at the time. Though basic technical principals played a role, it was and is a lesser one. My personal contribution has been observation and composition. If there were a statement I would like my collection of imagery to make it would be that there is much around us to appreciate and to bring us joy. A source of inspiration has always been "Photography and the art of seeing" by Freeman Patterson.
No editorial content is implied in the choice of images in this section. Each of these had some effect or impact at the time and the images have managed to evoke the original state again and again. I hope this selection gives you some pleasure. The commentary is meant to provide some kind of context to the images.
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all images © Maurice Jassak
 I had decided the previous day to finally spend a day on Mt. Baker just across the border in Washington. I left at 3 am and arrived in total darkness. When morning came it was a very grey and cloudy one. Those of you who know dawns are aware that a faint blush can presage a spectacular show. When I noticed the start of a blush I rushed back to the last ridge that gave me a good view. For the next 10 minutes I had a front row position to one of my life's special moments. |
 The echinacea crop was blooming for the first time. Tuscan Farm Gardens in Langley, BC, had opened their doors to the public for walkabouts around and through this visual spectacle. An artist in attendance had set up her equipment and was enveloped in her subject matter. Infinite art, how could I resist? |
 On the North Shore of Burrard Inlet there are a number of dockyards. During a sunset excursion in this area I couldn't help but think "En Garde!" |
 Walking on the grounds of temple Wat U Mong (if I remember correctly) outside of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand we observed a dark shape through the foliage. Following the path we came upon this "Fasting Bhudda". I had never witnessed a more appropriate setting for a celebration of faith, tradition and oneness with nature. A magic moment. Another gift. |
 During a visit to San Francisco I took the obligatory Golden Gate shots. Some were from Golden Gate State Park with the city in the distance, visible through the various structures of the bridge. I then combined my 200mm and a 2x converter and shot the city again, not expecting too much due to magnification, vibrations and wind. What the heck, just maybe. |
 The Sea to Sky highway connects the Vancouver region to the Whistler resort area. It runs along the shore of Howe Sound. About halfway up to Squamish a golf course has taken advantage of the spectacular scenery. This view from the highway would suggest that the main hazard on this hole is the view itself. |
 Paddling by moonlight on English Bay. The first faint brightening of dawn is visible but not yet dominant. Viewed from water's edge near 2nd Beach in Stanley Park. So still, so quiet. |
 On a visit to Montreal Quebec, the city of my childhood, I took a walk to the chalet at the top of Mt. Royal, a favourite spot of mine. At this point in the walk I felt I was looking at a symbolic version of the path of life. It was well trodden. It was uphill. The direction it took over the rise would only become evident by walking it. |
 I love urban wall art. I have great admiration for the spirits that can transform brick and mortar into a captivating tableau. This gem was along St. Catherine Street East in Montreal. The laid back humour had to be celebrated. Check out the staircase. |
 The Oregon Coast has never failed to touch me deeply. Other locations have scenery just as spectacular but few have what seem to be the all encompassing energies that nurture a deep sense of peace and tranquility within. Gently sloping wide expanses of fine sand disappearing beneath the roaring surf of the Pacific, what more can there be? |
 The monks in Thailand engage foreigners in conversation about many subjects. They politely ask if they may practise their language skills with you and then proceed to ask and answer questions, always in a friendly and respectful manner. This scene with its animated gestures, smiles, colours and concentration on the subject at hand captures my experience of it. |
 Few experiences can surpass the pleasure of beautiful smiles. This shot from a wedding I attended has two young ladies whose sparkling smiles can be bright stars in anybody's sky. Thank you. |
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