Monochrome Monday
“Guardian of the Stairs” – Aix-aux-Thermes
As this month progresses and I get to finally reviewing and editing some of last years travel photos I’m finding myself leaning more towards mono images. They just seem to have more character and emotion to them.
Here, a local cat lounges at the base of a set stone steps in the French town of Aix en Thermes, seemingly guarding the way. The photo essentially composed itself with the cat as the focal point and the gradients of the steps just adding interest and a bit of mystery as they rise and bend out of sight. I should note that I often consider shooting in mono and ensuring that I get enough tonal variety and contrast to make it interesting but end up reverting to the comfort zone of colour and switching to mono as I edit.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 17-50 mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF A1N6II @ 48mm
1/160 sec, f/6.3, ISO 320
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“Discover how to visit the past and bring yesterday’s stories into our lives today”
―
I’ll start out by saying my trip to Spain late last summer left me breathless though more relaxed than I thought was possible given the distances covered and steps climbed.
For a Canadian traveler to this ancient and interesting land was an incredible experience. I love history and to actually stand in these places and let my imagination wander was simply amazing.
I have seen photos and illustrations in my history texts and seen many of these places portrayed in film, but to actually stand here is another thing completely.
We began our trip in the Catalonian town of Girona. I’ll also start by saying that anything I mention from this region of Spain will be referenced as Catalonia, which as I have discovered, though part of Spain, has a completely separate history, language and culture which I want to respect.
So, here I stood in ancient Girona, in the northeastern region of Spain, known as Catalonia. The city is dominated by it’s brightly coloured riverfront houses and the massive Cathedral of Girona, which holds the world record for the widest Gothic nave, spanning an incredible 22 meters. The Cathedral become more recently know for its role in the HBO series Game of Thrones, where it is the inspiration for the Sept of Balor. While I did find the cathedral beautiful, I found myself intrigued with the lesser known views of the back for the cathedral, shown here. It certainly shows the consecutive addition of various building to the cathedral over time and I loved all the variance in tones and texture.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 17-50 mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF A1N6II @ 17mm
1/125 sec, f/8.0, ISO 200
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
Thursday Doors – March 12, 2020
“Plaça del Raval” – Bagà, Españia
On a vacation trip late last summer I had the opportunity to travel through three countries in a single day: Spain, France, and Andorra. Along the way to France, tucked into the foothills of the Pyrenees, is the Catalonian village of Bajà. This was my first real venture away from the bustle of Barcelona and this beautiful little town of some 2,000 people had a wonderful medieval feel to it with its narrow winding streets and old stone structures.
Along the main street I came across this simple door. The light and textures were just irresistible and I found it translated even better as a mono image. I do not have an exact address and Google Street View does not travel down this narrow roadway, so I can’t give exact coordinates but it’s just west of the Plaça del Catalunya, if you are ever in the area.
The other thing that struck me, but unfortunately did not work well within the composition, though I hoped it would, was the prevalence of Catalonian independence flags flying from nearly every window. The deeper you travel into north-east Spain the more noticeable the Catalonian movement for independence is, with flags and banners everywhere in the region with its very own culture and language.
I plan on sharing more of that experience in subsequent posts.
“What lies ahead? We seldom know the details, but we anticipate, hoping for the best.” – Ed Lehming
As February transitions to March, I am keenly aware of the subtle changes in the forest. The light is a bit warmer and softer than it has been for far too long, there are more birds flitting about in the branches high above. There is more movement and the sounds are different. Even the air has a new feel.
There is a change just ahead and just like the forest trails as they rise and dip, so do the seasons, but it’s never quite the same, there is always some slight variation beyond the next hill.
It’s those subtle changes that I enjoy the most, not anxiously, but with glad anticipation. That barely noticable change may be the inspiration for my next favourite photo, though I have tread these paths so many times before.
There is also a change in me, how I see things, how I perceive them, as well as my many experiences lead me on, always knowing that what lies ahead will not be the same as what I have become accustomed to and I hope that my journey thus far has prepared me to fully enjoy them.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 70 mm
1/4 sec, f/32, ISO 200
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“Light and shadow compete in the changing light just as the warm and cool air swirls within the March forest, each seeking dominion at this time of transition.” – Ed Lehming
For this image I set out to try something very different from my usual style. First of all, I shot the image in mono, getting the light and shadow to balance just right after several failed attempts. Second, I shot a forest scene in landscape orientation while still moving my camera to get the slight sense of motion that I like so much.
As the image came together I was quite pleased in how it realized so close to what I had envisioned. It brought forth a forest still snow-bound, yet somehow alive and filled with energy. The flow of the snow on the gently sloped ground further enhanced this feeling of life, or motion. The trees don’t feel static either, they seem to flow into each other and are accented by the light reflecting from the fine branches that weave and wind between them.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 70 mm
1/4 sec, f/29, ISO 200
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“Enter March with caution, it may seem calm and quite but the month can surprise the unprepared with surprising fury, all is not as it seems in the moment. – Ed Lehming
It’s been quite a change since my last outing at the end of February. The snow remains, but warm and sunny days followed and the snow now lies deep and wet, and packed, making the trails easier to walk, without snowshoes, but very uneven.
The clouds and snow of February have been for now, replaced by sunshine and mild days. When I went out to make this photo I was wearing a sweatshirt and down-filled vest and ended up taking the vest off and rolling my sleeves up before I was halfway done.
These days offer beautiful light and last week’s snow still flows relatively pure and unbroken. A step off the trail and you are knee-deep in it, so the only disturbance to the snow is the occasional dog venturing off after a squirrel.
I do love these days, where the contrast of winter cold and snow against sunlit bright warm leaves is so noticable. It almost feels like the light of spring is breaking through. But I won’t be deceived, March can bring some ‘interesting’ weather as well and I’m fully prepared to don my toque and winter jacket a few more times before it’s done.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 70 mm
1/4 sec, f/25, ISO 200
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
Thursday Doors – March 5, 2020
“Safe in Barcelona”
It’s been a long time since I posted to this topic. That does not mean my camera has not been snapping away. I now have a vast library of doors to share over the coming weeks.
This door was in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and shows the inside of a shop door. I wasn’t sure what to title it, but the Catalan protests that happened while I was there and escalated prompted several of my travelling friend to post that they were ‘safe’ on various social media platforms. Given the number of locks on this door, I’d say the contents of the store were “Safe in Barcelona.”
I also noticed many of these ancient doors had been repaired numerous times, simple by inserting a new piece of wood where the damaged or rotted piece was. Which makes for some pretty eclectic designs.
“The days of February’s end are unpredictable, often dull and snow filled. Yet, in the right conditions glimpses of spring light brighten the days.” – Ed Lehming
There is a certain magic in late February. A spring nears, the sun rises ever so slightly higher in the sky. Beams of warm light penetrate the forest, probing into what was just weeks ago a dull and shaded glade.
This warm sunshine lights up the formerly muted thickets, revealing wonderful greens and golds. It’s the splashes of brightness that I really enjoy. The way they seem to focus my attention on distant details that were shadows a few short weeks ago. The beams dance among the tree trunk, causing a glow that strongly contrasts with the shaded areas. It feels like an early sign of the life that will soon abound in the springtime forest.
In this image, those elements abound as the sun is able to light up the taller trees and short firs on this slight rise in the terraine. It’s like a beautiful cascade of light and colour rising from the snow covered ground.
And so, February passes away and March arrives.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 70 mm
1/4 sec, f/32.0, ISO 200
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.”
―
This day, February 29, a leap day, was yet another opportunity for me to get outdoors and spend some time enjoying the fresh fallen snow. It was a rather crisp day, with a temperature of -13 C, calm, and bright. I figured that the cold temperatures might keep many people indoors, and I was right.
When I got to the trailhead, there was not a single car in the lot and the trails were completely untouched. I had brought my snowshoes along because the 30 cm of fresh snow we received over the previous two days would not provide an easy walk. I was wise in choosing this option because even with snowshoes on, I found myself breaking fresh trail through deep powdery snow for the entire 5 km hike, high stepping the entire way. It was exhausting yet exhilarating at the same time.
To walk through this winter world in solitude and experiencing the simple things like the sound of the sound of snow puffing and crunching underfoot, the eerie crackling of the trees in the deep cold, and the soft flitter of birds high above is refreshing to me.
Because the snow was so deep, I had plenty of opportunities to simply pause, rest, and listen as I caught my breath. It also offered the opportunity to make a few photos as I stood on the trail surveying my surroundings and made me realize just how deep the snow was by the newly packed trail behind me.
The photo I chose today is looking back at the trail after having emerged from the forest into a small clearing. You can see my path between the trees.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 70 mm
1/4 sec, f/32.0, ISO 200
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“Familiar paths beckon us forward. Though familiar, there is always something new or changed, if we take the time to notice.” – Ed Lehming
I find myself on the same trails many times. Often I wonder what more they can offer me as I set out. Every time, there is something new. It may be that I have come at a different time of day and the light has changed. It may be a different time of year and new plants spring up that did not exist, or went unnoticed, last time I passed by.
What I have discovered in this familiarity is that even subtle changes are quickly noticeable.
I’ve had people bemoan the fact that they live in an area that does not have much subject matter to make beautiful photos, when in fact, it’s simply that they aren’t looking closely enough. Even the most barren of places has something to offer.
In the case of this image, I have made many photos of it, in various seasons and weather conditions. Like this example from less than a year ago.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 90 mm
1/4 sec, f/32.0, ISO 200
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“There are a few precious days in February when hints of spring float in the air.” – Ed Lehming
I’m continuing with a series of photos I made last weekend while hiking local trails. These are the final few days of February and I was glad to have two wonderfully mild and bright days to be on the trails.
As I mentioned earlier, I had a repeat injury to my knee which has kept me off the uneven and often icy trails since December. So to be back out in such ideal conditions makes it doubly nice.
The dark days of winter are passing behind us and the sun is getting higher in the sky each day. I find it has a beautiful warmth this time of year and sheds just enough light to bring out the highlights in the otherwise dull forest. It’s these patches of light that I am so fond off because they draw my attention into distant details that I might otherwise miss.
When composing this image, my primary intent was to capture vertical lines of the trees in the foreground contrasting with the horizontal movement of the snow and long shadows around them. However, there are a few ‘pops’ of golden light in the background that pull you deeper into the image and scan the tangle of trees along the distant hillside.
It’s the continuous realization of these scenes that has me coming back to the forest time and time again. It’s never the same twice and there is always some new revelation for me to enjoy.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 90 mm
1/4 sec, f/32.0, ISO 100
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“Floating in a soft sea of snow, the forest weathers the drifting tide of whiteness that surrounds them.” – Ed Lehming
As I composed this image I was struck by the illusion of movement in the snow as it followed the contours of the forest floor. By adding just a bit more movement than I normally do, the illusion is enhanced further and the snow takes on the appearance of soft liquid waves or fine mist. My technique to achieve these slightly blurred images is the result of a lot of trial and error and now muscle memory. So to do something like, with no change to my camera settings, is a bit uncomfortable and unpredictable.
It’s a bit out of the ordinary, but sometimes I like to follow a creative thread to see where it leads me. In this case, I am quite pleased with the result of changing my technique, ever so slightly, to take me to something altogether unexpected.
I also switched back to my favourite Tamron 70-200 mm lens which enables me to compose the image as I shoot rather than cropping on the computer. I try to limit my edits to just a few fine adjustments.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 110 mm
1/4 sec, f/32.0, ISO 200
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“You can feel it in the air and in memories of the past. Despite the snow and wind, a hint of spring and the coming spring rite of maple syrup whispers at our thoughts.” – Ed Lehming
On a recent trip to Ontario’s Prince Edward County, I was drawn to this peaceful scene of a sugar shack nestled in the woods that I spotted across a farm field and knew I had to make a photo of it.
In my mind, I already had the composition I wanted and it took only a handful of shots before I had something I could work with. What I had not figured out was how to most effectively present the image. As I reviewed the image on my computer and imagined a few different outcomes, I settled on a simple black and white version. It seems to work well, because even now, as I look at it, I can almost see the steam billowing from the roof vents as maple syrup production starts up in the coming weeks. A sure sign of spring.
Nikon D800
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G I AF-S VR Zoom @ 200 mm
1/400 sec, f/10.0 ISO 500
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“The surprises light offers are endless” – Ed Lehming
Today’s image has a direct connection to the one I posted yesterday. Namely, the interesting colours that winter can offer.
This is the first image I made as I embarked on a 6 km hike at a local conservation area. I used my standard camera setting for my deliberate camera movement pans, but this image was slightly overexposed. I would normally have deleted this image immediately but decided to keep it. As I brought the image up on my computer, I was surprised by the variety of wonderful pastel colours present within the image. I decided to leave the image exactly as it came from the camera to share this effect. What really amazed me was the amount of pale purple present in the image. It’s not something my eye picked up on as I composed it.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/4 sec, f/32.0, ISO 250
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“Winter is not all bleak and gray, if you look closely, subtle colours abound in the most wonderful places” – Ed Lehming
Well, after a long hiatus, I have returned to my photography and writing.
Last year was ‘disruptive’ at best. Too many changes came at me too quickly and left me overwhelmed and uninspired. I was ‘retired’ from work briefly and It took me some time to come to terms with the new environment thrust upon me. I’m still coming to terms with this new reality.
I did continue to get out and make photos and posted a few along the way. Autumn yielded some stunning shots and I had intended to get back to a more regular cadence of photos and posts till a simple household activity re-injured my MCL and left me unable to venture onto the trails I love so much.
Without my hikes, which are my time to relax and renew, I found myself completely uninspired. I did get the occasional imagine in as the winter wore on, but I fell into a bit of a creative funk.
As winter wore on, my knee continued to heal and today I felt it was strong enough for me to hit the trails again. Today was a beautiful late February day, filled with bright sunshine, mild temperatures, and the blessing of birdsong. The trails were snowcovered and packed down but not icy. A perfect day to begin again. I found the forest welcoming me once more with beautiful compositions and a surprising variety of subtle colours, which inspired this image, made looking forward as I walked along the trail.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/4 sec, f/32.0, ISO 100
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“As winter takes hold, autumn lashes out in fiery shows of golds and orange as if shouting, “My splendour is not yet spent”, her voice fading in the chill of November, another day closer to winter.”
– Ed Lehming
Such was the scene today as I drove home from a visit to Bancroft, Ontario. I had driven up for the day to drop of recent prints at the Artists Co-op I belong to there, A Place for the Arts. As is my habit, I always have my camera gear with me when I travel.
Today was no exception, as I left the snow-covered countryside close to home, the snowy blanket covering the ground actually thinned as we headed further north. Our recent snowfalls stayed mainly to southern Ontario, so far.
I noticed a lot of open water and some very thin sheets of ice on the smaller lakes. It has been cold enough to freeze but even a bit of movement in the water will soon break up an evening’s freeze up. We had a pleasant drive up but nothing really caught my attention.
After dropping off my work and visiting with some fellow artists, I headed a bit further north, to my brother-in-law’s woodlot, in hopes of a few winter images for Christmas cards, managing to get a few that may realize into what I was after.
Leaving the woodlot, we proceeded home and on looking at the low clouds, I said to my wife, “It looks like we may have a nice sunset today, if the trees don’t block the view.” That was certainly the case, for a portion of the drive, till I rounded a corner and was greeted with this beautiful view of the eastern arm of Paudash Lake. It was just cold enough to start making a fine film of clear smooth ice and the sun hung just above the treeline, shining through the dark wisps of fall clouds.
I stopped along the roadside and composed a few shots. Of the four that I made, this one appealed to me the most in terms of composition and feel. You can just discern where the ice ends and open water begins, including a pair of ducks taking advantage of a brief opening before the lake fully freezes over, which I expect will be very soon.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 110 mm
1/640 sec, f/13.0, ISO 400
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“Nature is filled with cycles, as one thing passes from this world, another is ready to take its place. Each eager for it’s time in the sun”
– Ed Lehming
I find myself returning to this place frequently, primarily because of the stark contrasts i find here. The hillside is filled with several standing dead pine trees. By the bleached look of them and the deterioration of the bark, I’d say they have been dead for some time now. They stand in contrast to the rest of the lush vegetation that surrounds them eager to take their place.
At this particular time of year, the hillside is filled with young birches, their leaves turned a bright autumnal yellow. They seem so alive, even though we are well into fall. They seem even more vibrant as a backdrop to their deceased neighbours.
As my quote says, “Life Goes On”, the cycle of life continues, the weak and aged fade, but are not soon forgotten. some have broken or fallen down, and I will miss them when they are gone. This scene would not be the same without them.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 70 mm
1/4 sec, f/32.0, ISO 400
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“Golden light beams forth from the hillsides behind the tall pines, competing with the sunshine at my side; a competition for my attention.”
– Ed Lehming
This is a scene very typical of a local conservation area that I hike on a regular basis. Every visit I make offers some new scene of beauty that make me wonder if I had simply missed it on a prior passing.
There is something along this trail, which parallels a steep hillside that makes for some very unique scenes. I think it’s the layers of varied vegetation, that even in the summer, has more diverse textures and colours than surrounding forest. It’s also facing south, which provides nice lighting and contrast early in the day or late afternoon.
At this time of year, it’s quite spectacular when the distant birches and beeches light the hillside in golds and coppers, setting the background alight in strong contrast to the deep green pines along the trail.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 90 mm
1/4 sec, f/32.0, ISO 400
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“Movement. The forest is not a static thing. It’s alive and beckons me into it.”
– Ed Lehming
An experiment in movement that I played with recently. I’ve been doing vertical pan photos for some time and have them down to pure muscle memory and the sound of the shutter ‘slap’. Here, I introduced movement by zooming in as I made the image. My standard shutter speed of 1/4 second remains the same, but the effect is a lot different. I don’t believe it’s something I would do a lot of, but it certainly is energetic, and does feel like I’m being drawn in.
Though it would not be a go-to for me, the layers of yellow and orange as well the interlaced branches that plays here is definitely appealing.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 70 mm – 90 mm
1/4 sec, f/32.0, ISO 400
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“Autumn, the final brilliant show of the trees I have know all summer. Shine brightly, fill my senses, for I will miss you in the chill of winter and remember your beauty fondly.”
– Ed Lehming
It seems to me that the annual autumn show of colours was particularly bright this year. Birches competed with the beeches in their bright tones of yellow and orange. Even the light reflecting from the tree trunks seemed to glow with energy and life.
Here, the sun beams through the ever enlarging gaps in the canopy and bathes the ground with brilliance, catching the colourful leaves on the way. The leaves shiver and tremble in the gentle breeze that blow through the edge of the forest, bringing the whole scene to life .
Just looking at the photo brings back that moment, with it’s sounds, smells, and warmth. After a brief departure from my deliberate camera movement technique, I have found myself going back to what I love, creating art with light. Every image brings me joy as I reflect back on the time it was made, the slight movement reminding me that the forest is not a static thing, but rather, filled with life and energy, which shows through when I photograph this way.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 130 mm
1/4 sec, f/32.0, ISO 400
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“Within the autumn forests, trees put on a final brilliant show of colours to brighten our days as the days shorten and sunlight fades”
– Ed Lehming
Can you imagine an autumn without colour? An autumn where the days simply become darker and the leaves drop to the ground as dried green husks?
Thankfully, that is not the case and as days become shorter and the temperatures cool there is still the splendour of fall colours adding the illusion of warmth to otherwise dull and gray days. I can’t imagine it any other way.
Over the past many years, I have spent as much time as possible on the forest trails around my house. Every year seems to yield some new miracle of colour. This year has been no exception. Though I was tied up with my Studio Tour the bright, warm weekend when the colours were at their peak, I have since managed a few short outings to take in what remains, and have not been disappointed.
I faced many scenes like this one; mostly bare forest with incredible shows of dazzling oranges produced by the beech trees. In this case, the single beech among a grove of birch trees looked like a fire within their trunks and branches. The colour was so incredibly stunning that I was concerned it would not show in the photograph, but it did. I made the photo hoping to do the scene justice and when I looked at my phone, I knew I was successful. Yes, this photo was made using my iPhone and is pretty much untouched with the exception of a bit of sharpening and black point adjustment to maintain the contrast that makes it so stunning.
The nice thing about beech trees, which I have mentioned before, is that they retain their colour for much of the winter, offering bright patches of orange and copper in an otherwise bleak landscape.
iPhone 7 back camera @ 4.0mm
1/1000 sec; f/1.8; ISO 20
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“There are time when we just need to ‘pause’, and in that time, we can be filled with the most beautiful of things.”
– Ed Lehming
As I took my own ‘pause’ at lunch today, I was greeted by this unexpectedly stunning scene as I rounded a corner. The real joy in this image is that this is likely to be the last day with mild weather for some time and the beech trees were in the midst of transitioning from their summer greens, through yellows, and finally, the lovely coppers that will remain through the winter.
The sunshine was magnificent and filled the forest with brilliant soft light, adding further wonder to the scene.
I’ve said many times that I feel truly blessed to have these forest trails so close and accessible to me, especially after particularly stressful days, where even a brief walk in the woods helps me to relax. Today was no exception, so the title of the photo, “Pause…”, was pretty obvious for me. It really was a pause, and on hindsight, It seems the forest was taking a final, glorious breath, before it settles in for winter. As I headed home, clouds had rolled in and the air had more of a bite to it, as the temperatures dropped as well.
iPhone 7 back camera @ 4.0mm
1/250 sec; f/1.8; ISO 20
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“The colours of Autumn turn the world into a wonderland of colour, sound, and scent. There are times when I feel that I have left reality and entered the land of fables.”
– Ed Lehming
As I beheld the scene before me I was filled with an absolute sense of awe. The mid-afternoon sunlight filled the forest with a soft and wondrous display of light and colour. I literally felt like I have stepped into a magical painting and the world fell away around me. Only this place existed.
Such is the nature of many autumn forest scenes. They seem unreal. Where only a few weeks ago the forest was lush and green, much of the canopy has fallen away revealing stunning colours, filled with light and energy. Those who spend time in the forests and on the trails will know the feelings this evokes.
It hit me even more this time, as I only had a short time to be in the woods. My day was filled largely with outdoors tasks that had to be done before the frost and snow come to my area, so I was able to carve out a little space in the day to drive to one of my favourite trails in hopes of a few photos before the wind and rain forecast would end the show for another season. As you can see, I was not disappointed, even within a very short hike, the forest offered up its gift to me, and I was a willing recipient.
iPhone 7 back camera @ 4.0mm
1/730 sec; f/1.8; ISO 20
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“Slowly and subtly , the colours of the world shifted. The bright greens of summer transformed to gold and copper, as the autumn breeze rustled in the tree tops high above. The warm glooming of the summer forest filled with a soft light that brought vigour to my spirit as I partook in the forest freshness.”
– Ed Lehming
I truly love autumn. Though it’s a time when the forest begins preparations for it’s winter slumber the freshness of the air, the smell of the leaves, and the bright colours are like a final feast for my senses.
Proximity to the local forests is a true benefit for me. After, or during a long day of work, even a few moments in the forest refreshes me and I’m grateful that I have the ability to bring some of those sensations back with me through my photography. Even after long pauses, a few minutes on the trails bring all my senses to life and inspires me to create.
Though the change is only just beginning and colours are not near peak, it was a delight to bask in the colours that were starting to show. With the canopy thinned, even slightly, light once more makes its way to the forest floor and everything seems to glow with life. I’m looking forward to more time in this place and hoping to bring back new autumn memories with the images I make.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 90 mm
1/4 sec, f/7.1, ISO 200
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“There is wonder in simplicity. Sometimes a mundane scene can offer more than first meets the eye.”
– Ed Lehming
Today I chose an image from last weekend’s hike along the York River. The small stand of bright birches against the deep green forest interested me. As with many of my photos, my initial perception is a simple composition, nice lines, and contrasts. Then, when I start actually processing the image, to get the colours closer to how I see them, wonderful and often surprising details emerge.
Behind the birches, the sunlight catches some balsam trunks and yields a wonderful golden light, a very subtle competition to the bright white of the birches. Some of that golden light appears on the birches as well, though it’s not something I was conscious of when I made the image.
So, a simple image of a stand of birches has become so much more.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/4 sec, f/32.0, ISO 200
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“There is peace in the sound of the river’s voice. From low gurgle to roar, the sound of water moving resonates within me.”
– Ed Lehming
I’ve been quite remiss in my posting frequency. Summer has been filled with activities not necessarily conducive to photography, but I’ve been able to carve out some times to get back to my passion. Sometimes, I’m able to combine them, in the form of hiking and making photos.
On the Labour Day weekend I spent time with my family in the Bancroft area, visiting local events and enjoying the outdoors. One of my favourite spots is the York River, which flows through the town of Bancroft and into the rugged terrain east of the town.
The river begins its journey with a roar at High Falls at the southern end of Baptiste Lake. The lake was dammed to control flooding downriver and the resulting dam created a wonderful waterfall. From there the river meanders slowly through the countryside north of Bancroft in a series of beds, twists and oxbows. On exiting the town, the river forms a few small rapids and continues generally south east till it turns north once more as it enters the region known as Egan Chutes, as series of chutes and cataracts that compress the waters into raging torrents as the wide river is compressed through narrow passageways.
The first of these chutes is Egan Chute, where the water plummets some 10 meters between steep rocks. By late summer, it still rages, but some gentler side cascades form with the reduced water flow. A few kilometers past Egan Chute is the narrow but gentler Middle Chute and finally, Farm Chute.
I really enjoy Farm Chute, primarily because it’s a bit more unspoiled and the river flows rapidly through a narrow and angled defile in the rock before spilling out into a large basin, where it continues on in a peaceful flow to join the Madawaska River many kilometers to the east. Pictured her is Farm Chute looking over across the basin. The image really reflects the overall environment of the river as it flows through the chute region and highlights the narrow passage that the chute flows through. From this angle, it almost looks like a cave, but it’s really just a very narrow and steep passage.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 130 mm
1/200 sec, f/4.5, ISO 200
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“There are two spiritual dangers in not owning a farm. One is the danger of supposing that breakfast comes from the grocery, and the other that heat comes from the furnace.”
―
I instantly fell in love with this quote. Spending any time at all on a working farm makes you realize just how precarious our food supply can be, that it requires constant work to yield any kind of crop, and that deep green fields can be among the most deceptively hot places you will ever experience.
Earlier this week I stood in this place looking at my wife’s late cousin Paul’s farm from a new angle. We were meeting with staff from Park Canada and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority to discuss a wetland restoration project that was planned in a parcel of low pasture land, which is seen here as the tall grass area just behind the tree stump. This area is fed by several springs just north of the property and, in the past, provided a water source for Paul’s dairy cattle. Some time prior to his passing, Paul gave up his cattle herd and focussed on grain crops and the pasture sat generally idle, with the exception of a few cattle he allowed a friend to pasture there.
Standing here and reviewing the restoration plan and surveying the idyllic scene before me gave me a whole new appreciation for just how tightly interwoven our natural surroundings can be, even in a developed area like a farm. From here I see layer after layer of different environments unfold before me, from the bright green hay field, to the wetlands; the feed corn that grows on the flowing hillsides, till they meet the summer sky, with its billowing clouds. Among this multi-layered landscape, the barn and farmstead sit like a guardian, overlooking it all.
I know that Paul was involved in the process of developing this portion of Rouge National Urban Park, but sadly, did not survive to see it fulfilled. But, he left us his legacy in this little slice of paradise he called home for so many years.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/500 sec, f/11.0, ISO 200
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”
―
Indeed, a bright, warm summer afternoon. Among my favourites, despite the lingering heat, there is a sense of comfort. As the day runs on, even the flowers nod their heads in repose.
The image I chose for today’s post was made at my wife’s late cousin’s farm as we dropped by this week to check in on the property. This lone sunflower sat along the laneway by the barn. It seemed out of place, but somehow appropriate and a real delight as I surveyed the farm scenes around me.
It was a warm summer afternoon and the ‘feel’ of that particular time and place is captured in this image. The puffy summer clouds float lazily in the distance as I stood enjoying the intricate beauty of the sunflower’s face. A simple image with all the colours and emotion of late summer.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 (272ENII)@90mm
1/320 sec, f/9.0, ISO 200
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“The wind skimmed the waters of the bay, creating infinite tendrils of foam that stretched as far as the eye could see.”
– Ed Lehming
For me this was a rare opportunity to photograph a scene which I have seen and enjoyed several times over the past few years. It’s a view from the highway 49 bridge over Telegraph Narrows at the eastern end of the Bay of Quinte.
The bridge joins the mainland with the peninsula that makes up Prince Edward County. It’s a fairly high and expansive bridge and offers wonderful views ,both eastward and westward over the Bay of Quinte. But, it’s primarily a bridge for vehicles, with a narrow sidewalk along one shoulder. A rather long and steep walk to make photos.
Last weekend, the bridge was narrowed to a single lane for construction, with a stoplight regulating the traffic at the top of the bridge. SO, I found myself conveniently stopped a this beautiful vantage point. I reached in to the back seat of my truck, grabbed my camera and made a few photos of the bay, looking westward.
The wind, blowing from the west through the channel of Telegraph Narrows mad some interesting patterns on the water. I noticed there was only one sailboat out, so it may have been a bit too windy for people to actually enjoy a sail around the bay.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 135 mm
1/320 sec, f/9.0, ISO 200
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
“Summer moves forward, like a lazy river.”
– Ed Lehming
Ah, warm summer days, spent enjoying the northern countryside. Everything seems to slow its pace, just a bit. We spend the days drinking in the sweet warm air, and cool ourselves beside gentle streams. Not a care in the world.
Pictured here is one of my favourite summer stops. I came across it quite by accident as I was working on documenting the many waterfalls and cascades in the Bancroft area. I was looking for a set of rapids, based on a topographic map, and as I drove the back roads looking for an access point to the rapids I turned down a laneway and found this little slice of paradise. Here, Papineau creek gently flows over a rock strewn chanel, eventually resting in a deep, calm basin at the base of the rocks. It’s a perfect swimming hole. The water is actually quite deep in the pool formed by the flowing water.
It’s a place that I seem to end up in at least once a year. Stopping for a picnic lunch along the shore or going for a dip in the cool, calm waters. Just looking at the photo calms me, as I reflect on the times I have stood in this place and enjoyed the view, the sound of the water, and the sense of peace it brings me.
I hope to get back one more time in the autumn to see the place transformed with fall colours. For now, the deep greens of summer and refreshing water suffice.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 122 mm
1/200 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1250
For more images like this, please visit my website (images are available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
Ed Lehming Photography 
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