Levac: My best photos of Ottawa in 2024 show the city’s growth and grit

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Ottawa Citizen photographer Jean Levac revisits the past year, sharing the stories behind some of his most memorable photos with Sofia Misenheimer. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

A year of dysfunction

There’s a lot of change happening in Ottawa. More people are out on the road and there is construction everywhere. The light rail, new library project, and hospital show the city evolving in real-time.

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Photos of the work might not be dramatic or flashy, but they’re important for Ottawa. They show a city in transition. It’s fascinating to think about how these places will look in five or ten years compared to now.

Homelessness in Ottawa

I’ve been documenting the homelessness situation in Ottawa for years, and it’s a crisis that’s only getting worse, especially downtown. I don’t think city leaders know the extent of the problem.

I was driving near the mission and leaned my camera out the window to take this one. The rain was pouring hard, and this man was drenched, trying to light his cigarette in the street. He had nothing to lose.

Eyes on the sky

During the eclipse, I was looking at faces and phones to capture reactions to the event. I wanted to see what people were seeing, to feel what they were feeling. The awe and wonder in people’s eyes made for great images.

I visualize my photos and try to put myself in the right place at the right time, ready for the moment when it happens.

Capturing the flypast is always tricky — you have to anticipate where the planes are and be ready at the right second. The planes came in perfectly framed by this viewer who looks like he’s saluting while shading his eyes.

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A symphony of colour

Alexander Shelley is a colourful character in every sense. In this photograph, the shapes you see are the backs of the seats in the concert hall. I wanted to portray not just the man but mirror his energetic personality.

I don’t use a lot of flash — natural light gives that pop and colour that brings a photo to life. And I don’t pose people. I don’t go in trying to create something artificial. I wait for the natural moments to come through. I want to capture people as they are.

A rare arrival

The Ojibwe spirit horse is a rare breed, rooted in Indigenous culture. People love animal photos, and there’s something universal about the bond between mother and child, even in animals.

The mare was very protective of her foal, keeping a watchful eye as I moved around them. It was dark in there, which presented a challenge, but it also made getting this portrait more intimate.

Protest at uOttawa

When covering the dismantling of the encampment, I kept thinking how lucky we are to live in Canada, where you can express your views openly.

By the time I got there, most of the tents were gone, leaving debris, graffiti, and protest signs. “Divest” was spray-painted in red on the pillars of Tabaret Hall. I was surprised to see the writing on the building. Even when voicing dissent, there should be respect for public spaces.

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Basketball in Lansdowne

There’s always someone playing basketball or skating on the rink at Lansdowne. It draws people from all over the city. You see kids, teenagers, and adults, all coming together to play, watch, or just hang out.

This particular photo wasn’t planned. I’m originally a sports photographer, so I’m used to trying to catch a quick moment, the pinnacle of action. You learn to read the environment and be ready for anything, to find that decisive moment when it all aligns.

Chateau Laurier and the Roaring Lion

It’s nice to see a photographer getting some respect. And what a story — the theft, the drama — I can’t wait to see the movie.

The Roaring Lion picture is all about the pose. It’s something I come back to in my work. That pose is a way of framing someone with strength, with presence. It lines up the shoulders and jawline quite well.

Ottawa has kept me busy this year. There’s always something new to shoot … big construction projects and just everyday life on the streets. Next year, I’m looking to keep finding those moments that tell a story, that make you stop and take a second look.

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