Photographic Tale of the Week - Law and Order

"Law and Order" by Neil Moralee

I have several passions other than photography. However, I try to bring these passions and let them both strengthen and build upon each other. In some respects, marrying my passions (photography with writing through this blog, and writing, photography, and community development through work) at its most basic level allows me the time and opportunity to fit them in my busy schedule.
Perhaps my appreciation of photography and lifelong learning have inspired me to follow Neil Moralee's photography, and my Canadian pride to select this week's Photographic Tale of the Week. Much of Neil's photography - beautiful black and white, candid portraits of unique and interesting people on a global scale - is paired with a paragraph of learning for his viewers, ranging from military history to homelessness to brewing history.
This week's photograph, "Law and Order," (here is why I mentioned my Canadian pride) deals with police presence at the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, Ontario. Whenever I choose the Photographic Tale of the Week, it must first strike me visually. In this case, Neil's treatment of the light - the severe and dominating form of the officer under a concentrated light source contrasted with a dark, but tangible backdrop - is what made this an especially strong composition. The lesson paired with the photograph was something I never knew about the Toronto Police Service, but I will let Neil tell the story in his words:

Candid "low light" Cop shot, St Lawrence Market Toronto.
Note the Winged Wheels insignia on his sleeve.
The Toronto Police Service Winged Wheels Motorcycle Team is a precision motor-cycle demonstration team comprised of officers from the Enforcement Group of Traffic Services - Highway Patrol.
In 1990, then Chief of Police William McCormack authorised the formation of the team. Superintendent Gary Beamish provided the necessary drive and foresight into this unique and successful initiative.
The Winged Wheels Insignia
The WINGED WHEELS are named for the insignia proudly worn on the sleeve of the police officer's uniform. This crest, in one form or another, is internationally recognised as the badge of motorcycle officers.

View the rest of Neil's incredibly interesting lessons (fueling my passion for lifelong learning) and his incredible portraits (fueling my passion for good photography) on his Flickr photostream.
As always, this is a photograph selected from my #Flickr group, "Pictures with a Story." See the 300 other contributors by checking out the group, and feel free to join.

Browse through the Essex Masque blog (you're on it!) for other Photographic Tales of the Week, as well as other randoms that I post. You can also find me on Twitter, Facebook, and my photography on Viewbug and Flickr. 

Please note that, as ever, do not use the images of the featured photographers without their express permission. I always contact them first.