The Casino Lac Leamy Sound of Light Fireworks Competition is an annual 5-night event in Gatineau, Québec, just across the river from my hometown of Ottawa, Ontario. I’ve been photographing for this event for 7 of the last 9 years. This year the competition moved to a new location at the Museum of History, right on the Ottawa River, with Parliament Hill, the National Art Gallery, the Alexandra Bridge and other prominent Ottawa/Gatineau landmarks as the backdrop.
Each year, 4 countries compete with stunning displays of fireworks choreographed to music for the Zeus trophy. On the 5th night, the winner is announced followed by a fireworks display presented by the home fireworks team, Royal Pyrotechnique.
This year, the Zeus Trophy was presented to the Canadian team from Hamilton, Garden City Display Fireworks.
August 2nd, 2014 – Hong Kong
August 6th, 2014 – Canada
August 9th, 2014 – Portugal
August 13th, 2014 – Switzerland
We’re all allowed an off night now and then, right? A night where things just don’t go our way. This was one of those nights for me. I tried a new location with a higher vantage point and a chance to get the Parliament Buildings in the shot. I thought it would be really cool. It wasn’t.
The fireworks display was fantastic. My capturing of it wasn’t. I’ve included a couple of shots just for completeness, but honestly, just move along to the Finale.
Sorry Switzerland 🙁