“I’m continually amazed at how subtle changes in light can transform a landscape.” – Ed Lehming

I’m continuing with my recent photo series of images made over two days at the local Sandbanks Provincial Park.

It’s a big change for my photo practice. I have spent the past thirty years surrounded by forest trails and deliberately sought out waterfalls. Sandbanks is completely different. It is a 15-minute drive from my new home. In my opinion, it requires a different photographic approach to capture its essence effectively.

This transformation in my technique began by chance. Those of you who have read my past few posts know this. My entire journey into photography started similarly. I simply discovered a new way of making and editing my photos that is more effective than my previous process.

For the sand dunes and seascapes, a subtle softness and less saturated image seem to communicate the ‘feel’ better. I found that my previous method yielded harder and darker images than what I was experiencing. The snow-covered sand dunes in this image, for example, did not communicate the cold December air. The predominant yellow grasses and bare tree branches were not shown effectively either. By slightly overexposing and adjusting contrast in post-processing, those important elements began to emerge. They brought me back to what I was seeing and experiencing at the time the photo was made.

My philosophy on photography is simple. I want to capture as much of a ‘moment’ as I can. I focus not just on the scene itself, but the entire experience of bearing witness to the beauty around me. Often, those elements are not immediately evident. I’ve made many images without a specific purpose. I sense some magic during those moments, which I perceive rather than see at the time. I try to make my audience aware of these unseen elements as well when I present my images.

Nikon D800
Tamron SP 24-70 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 42 mm
1/250 sec, f/8, ISO 400