“Thank goodness for the first snow, it was a reminder–no matter how old you became and how much you’d seen, things could still be new if you were willing to believe they still mattered.”
― Candace Bushnell
Today, a winter abstract. What caught my attention in this scene was the splash of brilliant red from the Red Osier Dogwoods that grow along the path, against the bright snow. The photo was made mid afternoon, so the snow has a slight blue cast caused by the shadows under the bright sky. I was tempted to pull blue levels down a bit, but I actually like this look.
The second element is the bright bark of the poplars which are brighter than the snow, since they are receiving direct light and are not in shadow.
Nikon D300
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 70mm
1/4 sec, f/32.0, ISO 250
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Tuesdays of Texture is a really awesome weekly feature. You can read about it over here; but the short version is I want to see a bit of your world so link up your post in the comments!
A simple post today. One of my Studies in Wood photos from earlier in the year. This is Number Three. I believe I have posted six of them on my blog. More to follow.
“You wake up on a winter morning and pull up the shade, and what lay there the evening before is no longer there–the sodden gray yard, the dog droppings, the tire tracks in the frozen mud, the broken lawn chair you forgot to take in last fall. All this has disappeared overnight, and what you look out on is not the snow of Narnia but the snow of home, which is no less shimmering and white as it falls. The earth is covered with it, and it is falling still in silence so deep that you can hear its silence. It is snow to be shoveled, to make driving even worse than usual, snow to be joked about and cursed at, but unless the child in you is entirely dead, it is snow, too, that can make the heart beat faster when it catches you by surprise that way, before your defenses are up. It is snow that can awaken memories of things more wonderful than anything you ever knew or dreamed.”
― Frederick Buechner
We had our first ‘significant’ snowfall here in southern Ontario a few days ago. We’ve had several snowfalls so far but they have been light dustings, which quickly melt off. Our recent snowfall was about twenty centimeters, or eight inches for my American friends.
The just temperatures were close to the freezing mark making for a nice sticky snow which stuck to surfaces and created the “Winter Wonderland” look. Also perfect for the kids to make snowmen.
The other phenomenon created by the temperature variances through the day was the production of beautiful, clear icicles, then the snow slowly melted and froze again while flowing.
I tried to capture that effect in the photo above, highlighting the icicle and the tiny bubbles frozen inside, backlit by the afternoon sun.
Nikon D300
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 200 mm
1/200sec, f/7.1, ISO 250
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“These rocks are too heavy, can’t carry them any more,
don’t know why I ever picked them up before,
going to have to put them down where they don’t belong,
’cause I can’t get them back to where they came from.
These rocks belong to no one, except history.
Somewhere between the desert and the rolling sea,
or maybe up in the mountains blue and tall,
I picked them but now I’m going to let them fall.”
― Jay Woodman
This is one of those images that just created all sorts of thoughts for me. It’s not a typical shot for me, but the arrangement fascinated me at the time.
Along the shore of the Crowe River, near Apsley, Ontario, the river, which is really a large creek, dropped off its spring cargo of boulders. The river starts out at Paudash Lake, some 15 miles north. However, the Crowe is mainly a ‘meander’, meaning it snakes its way slowly through the surrounding countryside. So, how far from the source this point, just above “The Gut” is would be a guess.
What struck me is the size of these boulders (the small one in the centre is about bowling ball sized) and how a generally lazy river could move these. That got me wondering further on where they came from and how far they had travelled. At some point in the spring there must have been a substantial current and these boulders have had quite a journey to round and smooth them as much as they have been. Yet, at some point in the spring runoff, the force of water was no longer sufficient to move them any further and he river unburdened itself, till the cycle repeats next spring.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 180 mm
1/60sec, f/2.8, ISO 200
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“To my mind, a picture should be something pleasant, cheerful, and pretty, yes pretty! There are too many unpleasant things in life as it is without creating still more of them.”
― Pierre-Auguste Renoir
I’ve contemplated this image many times. The original photo was very dark. I was trying to capture this beautiful gorge, aptly named “The Gut“, near Apsley, Ontario this past summer. It’s a very challenging photo due to dark shadows caused by the deep canyon walls to the left and the intensely bright cliff walls on the right. Yet my eyes saw this beautiful verdant passageway and all its colours as one evenly lit image.
There’s the problem we often face as photographers. Our eyes see something and the camera is just not as versatile as our eyes and brain in interpreting the image. That’s a reason I’m quite clear in stating that my photos depict ‘how’ I saw it. A person standing with me might not see it the same. Different eyes, different brain.
The joy in owning my Nikon D300, even though it’s a few years older, is that the image sensor is able to pull so much detail out of the shadows, with very little noise, when I edit the RAW image. I spent a bit of time dodging and burning the image, trying to balance out the light, yet even then, the image was not quite close to my vision.
I pulled the image into my Topaz Impression plug-in and rendered the image as an Impasto painting, with no further adjustments and, Voila! I had an image that did justice to what I saw that day. I don’t see this as cheating, rather, it’s a way for me to communicate my personal experience in a way that others might appreciate it.
The final image above shows all the richness of the forest, the glow of the afternoon sun on the cliff face and the movement and shimmer of the river, as it winds its way through the gorge. Very close to how I saw it, that wonderful hot afternoon in July.
Nikon D300
Tamron 17-50 mm f/2.8 @ 17 mm
1/320 sec, f/9.0, ISO 200
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The two hardest tests on the spiritual road are the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what we encounter.”
― Paulo Coelho
I’m clearly missing the colours and warmth of summer as I sit here watching winter slowly grip the land. This photo was made in mid-September while I was out looking for wildflowers to photograph. But, being ever the photo-opportunist I decided that this lone monarch butterfly was a good subject as well, as it gently and randomly floated around me, eventually landing just off the trail.
Those who photograph butterflies on a regular basis, you know who you are, can relate to the time and patience required to get a good shot. In their natural environment,these skittish little beings simply to not sit still, nor do they land in close proximity to the photographer. They flit and float around on the breeze with no predictable pattern or destination, often not even landing. So we need to ‘sneak’ up on them, trying carefully not to disturb them, lest they take to flight again.
That’s why this photograph is so representative of the butterfly ‘quest’. They seem to be always ‘Poised for Flight’. Just as you compose the shot and all is perfect, off they go again. When all the elements fall in place, the wind is calm, and nothing disturbs them, a good shot is finally achieved.
Next time you look at a beautiful butterfly image, realize that a lot of effort probably went into creating the shot and it’s probably the only one in many that was satisfactory.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 200 mm
1/160sec, f/6.3, ISO 200
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We were born before the wind
Also younger than the sun
Ere the bonnie boat was won
As we sailed into the mystic
Hark, now hear the sailors cry
Smell the sea and feel the sky
Let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic
And when that foghorn blows
I will be coming home
And when the foghorn blows
I want to hear it
I don’t have to fear it and I want to rock your gypsy soul
Just like way back in the days of old
And magnificently we will flow into the mystic
-Van Morrison
I’m not sure where to begin with this image. It has fascinated me since I made it back in mid-September. I was playing with depth of field with my manual macro tubes, focussing on a few peruvian lilies that I had taken from a bouquet.
The results reminded me of a nebula from a science fiction movie, some alien life form, or a vision from a dream. I settled on the dream and thought of the Van Morrison song “Into the Mystic”. The title has stuck with me since then. I have just not gotten around to publishing the image. And, as I edit, and write this post, listening to the music, I’m still pulled into the image, with its intricate detail and bright colours. It literally ‘pulls’ me in and I flow into the mystic. It’s alight with energy, movement, and life. It is peace and chaos.
Nikon D800
Nikor 24-70mm f/3.5-4.6 @ @ 48 mm
3.0 sec, f/25.0, ISO 400
Hi Resolution image on 500px
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This week’s submission to Norm 2.0‘s Thursday Doors.
Thursday Doors is a weekly feature allowing door lovers to come together to admire and share their favourite door photos from around the world.
I titled this one “Intrigued”, because of the sign advertising lots of wine. As I explored the streets of downtown Saint John several weeks ago, I came across this nicely painted door. It’s one of those dreaded formed steel doors, but they did a nice job of integrating it into the feel of the area. A series of updated warehouses, now converted into restaurants and pubs.
I was intrigued by the sign advertising their wine selection but was on a schedule that did not allow me to check it out. That will require a future visit.
“A fleeting moment can become an eternity. From a past encounter everything may disappear in the dungeon of forgetfulness. A few furtive flashes or innocent twinkles can survive, though. Some immaterial details may remain marked in our memory, forever. A significant look, a salient colour or a unforeseen gesture may abide, indelibly engraved in our mind.”
― Erik Pevernagie
It continues to be dull and cold outside and I’ve been feeling under the weather with a nasty stomach bug of some sort. So, I went back to a few of the outdoor macro images I made this past summer and picked one of my favourites, the chickory flower.
There are very few things in nature that are naturally blue and this is one of them. They grow wild, especially in poor and stoney soil, in my area from June to October, depending on the weather. I made this image while on a photoshoot with my son back in late September, using my portable studio. I think the natural light does a nice job at bringing out all the textures and retaining teh natural colour, though the light that afternoon was quite hot and patchy, with nice gusty winds thrown in to increase the challenge level, especially when trying to show detail.
Despite the challenges presented, I’m very pleased with this image, which shows all the fine details often overlooked as we pass by these roadside weeds.
Nikon D800
Nikor AFS Micro 60mm f/2.8 US @ 60 mm
1/125 sec, f/18.0, ISO 400
High Resolution image on 500px
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“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.”
― Laura Ingalls Wilder
I could not resist taking a closer look at this poinsettia. As a child I’d often look at them, marvelling at the bright red petals, that are actually leaves, rather bracts (modified leaves), as they transition to green further down the plant. Then there are the actual flowers, which are the bright yellow part in the centre. It seems that when the light hits them just right, they seem to be almost metallic.
So, to be able to photograph this view is a real joy for me. It allows me to really see the complex structures and wonderful texture in the leaves. All the details are here to look at and enjoy.
There is a really good chance this image might just be my 2016 Christmas card.
Nikon D800
Nikor 24-70mm f/3.5-4.6 @ @ 70 mm
1.3 sec, f/29.0, ISO 200
Hi Resolution image on 500px
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“When you gaze out on a quiet, peaceful meadow, next to a still pond, under a motionless blue sky, you wonder how the noisy, busy cacophony of life could have arisen from such silent, motionless beginning.” – M.
It would appear that I’ve gone to the birds, at least for a short time. The past few dull days have not offered much in the way of material to photograph, so I’ve gone back and reviewed a few from the past summer. I’m not sure why I did not post this one earlier but I recall the moment very clearly. I was at Secord Pond making some images of flowers and this beautiful bird landed in the tree right next to me and allowed me to get quite close and make multiple images of him. He did not seem to mind me at all. It brought on a wonderful stillness, as I simply observed him and made the ocassional photo, the the moment was right
This image is the best of the bunch and I’m really pleased that I was able to capture the reflected light reflecting from the water beneath him. It casts a bit of a shadow on his neck but lights his belly up nicely. I was also fortunate that the light conditions enabled me to produce the lovely bokeh at the wide aperture, diffusing the background colours.
Nikon D800
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G I AF-S VR Zoom @ 280 mm
1/60 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200
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“I dream of flight, not to be as the angels are, but to rise above the smallness of it all. The smallnesss that I am. Against the daily death the iconography of wings.”
― Jeanette Winterson
Though a bit more of a brooding photo than I generally post, there was something about the form of the crow as he took off from the nearby cedars. The image, though not crisp and clean shows the slight movement of the wings in the air, yet the fine details of the beak still show.
I stood watching several crows that day, as the cawed and frolicked above me. It seemed like they were playing. I don’t know enough about crows to know if this was typical behaviour but it certainly caught my attention. The light that day was also dull, making it difficult to get a clean image, yet there is something her that I like.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 200 mm
1/250 sec, f/8.0, ISO 200
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“Quiet people always know more than they seem. Although very normal, their inner world is by default fronted mysterious and therefore assumed weird. Never underestimate the social awareness and sense of reality in a quiet person; they are some of the most observant, absorbent persons of all.”
― Criss Jami
I sit here tonight after a brief trip back to Bancroft to swap out photos I’m showing at an artists’ co-operative in Bancroft, Ontario. The co-op is called A Place for the Arts and I’m honoured to have been invited to participate in this wonderful place. I’ve met and engaged with fellow artists, including several very talented photographers. We all have very distinct styles and approaches to our art. I enjoy my times there, as I have learned so much just by spending time with other artists, as I begin to see through their eyes.
What really struck me during my two and a half hour drive north was how incredibly the forest has changed in the past three weeks, since I was last in the area. A few snow falls have pulled more leaves from the trees and compressed the ones already on the ground. More significantly, the colours, once glowing and full of energy, are now a muted brown.
I fondly recall the moment above, as I sat on a high ridge above two large beaver ponds, amazed by the bright colour and light, on the ground and in the sky. If you follow your eyes, there appears to be a path that leads into the distance over the undulating ground. There actually is a natural game trail that leads into the distance. The destination? The beaver dam that separates the two ponds and a natural escape from predators. If animals, especially deer, in this case, did not take this route, they would have to travel nearly half a mile to get around the water. It is well-travelled.
I sat on this ridge for nearly two hours, taking in this glorious view and warming in the warm sunshine. The forest around me was a wonderland and every detail etched itself in my memory. The whole scene felt dream-like in its serenity. Every detail, opening up to reveal itself, in time. I need to write more about this experince, but want to keep my posts brief. Perhaps tommorow?
Have you ever taken the time to just sit, with no distractions, and let nature reveal itself? It’s worth the time and changes how you see the natural world, just like my experience with my artist friends, as you spend time observing, it changes your entire perspective, at least in my experience.
So, it seems appropriate that this juncture of ponds can be applied as a juncture of my way of seeing things, another path between points of view.
iPhone 5s back camera @ 4.2mm
1/800 sec; f/2.2; ISO 32
High Resolution image available on 500px
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“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ”
― Norman Vincent Peale
I’m a few days late posting this. I meant to get it out for December first, but did not, since I was still saying goodbye to yellow and had not purchased a poinsettia for our home yet.
It’s a challenging plant to photograph, trying not to blow out the reds while pulling the details of the deep green leaves from the shadows. This one took me a few attempts but overall I’m pleased with the results.
And, of course, the poinsettia is a modern symbol for Christmas. Now that autumn is a fond memory, I look forward for future moments, with friends and family and the comfort that is Christmas in our home. First step taken, poinsettia is on the table as a centrepiece, let the next season begin.
Nikon D800
Nikor 24-70mm f/3.5-4.6 @ @ 45 mm
1.3 sec, f/25.0, ISO 200
Hi Resolution image on 500px
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“The yellow glistens.
It glistens with various yellows,
Citrons, oranges and greens
Flowering over the skin.”
― Wallace Stevens
Good bye, for the season, yellow. Now that December has arrived, there are simply no more traces of bright, sunshine yellow. In autumn, the leaves progressed from crimson, to pinks, oranges and browns, and through it all, there was always a trace of yellow. Be it from birch, maple, or tamarack, there was always yellow to be found somewhere. At times, the entire forest was aglow with yellow, whole sections of the forest floor carpeted in this bright cheerful colour.
Suddenly, it’s gone. I’m not talking the muted remains, now fading to murky brown or gray. I’m talking about the pure, bold, eye-catching, light up my world yellows. So I reflect back to a day, not so distant, when I found a grove of maple trees that were in their full yellow glory. I looked up through the branches and leaves which filtered the autumn sunlight to a warming glow. I made the image above to document that moment, even as they began to show a change, prior to falling.
Today, I’m happy to reflect back on this image, recalling the warmth of the sun on my face and the sheer joy of standing in this place, surrounded by the brilliant maples, soaking up the colour, knowing that it would eventually transition, as the cycle continues and the world prepares to sleep, for a while.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 145 mm
1/200 sec, f/7.1, ISO 200
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This week’s submission to Norm 2.0‘s Thursday Doors.
Thursday Doors is a weekly feature allowing door lovers to come together to admire and share their favourite door photos from around the world.
After a few weeks of door deprivation I have this submission for your consideration. NO 3 is number 3 Bridge Street in Bancroft, Ontario.
I love the elegance of this door to an upscale fashion store in the rural community of Bancroft. Over many years spending summers in this wonderful community, I had yet to make a photo of it for my doors collection.
It’s a bit out of the ordinary for me, as I’m usually drawn to historical buildings with ornate doors and iron work, but this one is an exception for me, even though it’s a stamped steel door, it still retains some character and enhances the entryway.
“Always be friendly, always be kind,
Like the most beautiful flower that you can find.”
― Debasish Mridha
This image is a switch back to some of my earlier floral images. I went back through older images that I have not had the opportunity to edit and found this one of a gerbera that was part of a larger floral arrangement.
I had a hard time with this one, as the coral colour is tough to reproduce to my satisfaction. So, like many images, I return to it once more, hoping to extract the image I had envisioned when I made it. A different day, a different eye, and the results now please me enough to share it. I’m hoping to do a bit more studio work over the winter months, it will help brighten the days for me, and hopefully, those who follow my blog.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 70 mm
1/4 sec, f/22.0, ISO 400
Hi Resolution image on 500px
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On a dull chilly day, what do you photograph? A snack, of course.
“I am a forest, and a night of dark trees: but he who is not afraid of my darkness, will find banks full of roses under my cypresses.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
As I was reviewing my photos from the past few weeks, I kept glancing at this one, which at first seemed a bit dark for me. When I opened the thumbnail and looked closer it brought me back to the moment when I made the photo and I recalled why I made it.
I was sitting on a rock above a large beaver pond in the late afternoon. The dense spruce and hemlock forest was dark and damp, green with moss, and a bit foreboding feeling. Yet, through the dark canopy, a narrow opening allowed a patch of bright sunlight through. Just enough light to reveal the multitude of colour present in the dark place. Some trees glow green with mosses and lichen, while others, a soft brown. There are others which remain quite dark and gray, yet above, even the canopy has a soft green brightness to it.
So, despite what appears to be darkness, there is light, if we are observant and take the time to look.
How often have we experienced this darkness in our lives, the narrow sphere we feel we are in? Yet, just on the periphery, bright lives continue, children laugh, people love, and the world, even on rainy days, sits in wait of sunlight, which inevitably comes.
So, look deeply into this scene, which appears dark and somewhat sinister and see all the light in the details. Is this a forest you would walk joyfully into, even being aware of the subtle brightness? What lies beyond that line trees? There was more life beyond this veil of darkness. In fact, a beautiful grove of majestic oaks awaited me, just over the next rise. Sometimes you have to risk it and break through to the next layer, encouraged by the hints of light we are all given. Though not Nietzsche’s banks of roses, it was wonderful, nonetheless.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 70 mm
1/4 sec, f/16.0, ISO 400
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“Distance sometimes lets you know who is worth keeping, and who is worth letting go.”
― Lana Del Rey
This is a bit of a shift for me today. I went back in my photo archive, looking for some colour and came across this image I made in the spring. The title came to me as soon as I saw the image, recalling how I composed it, deliberately leaving the dark area between the butterfly and the flower.
They were only inches apart, yet through the viewfinder, it appeared that the butterfly had a journey to make, a dark void to cross, as he sat considering the blossom. This was also true literally, as the image was made at the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory, not outdoors, and this little fellow had plenty of competition lying in wait, seeking the same blossom, though they are out of the frame here.
It was also a bit of challenge for me, attempting macro-type photography with my 70-200mm zoom. But, the light was good, and the image stabilization was quite effective. However, I would like to return next year with a macro lens and attempt it once more.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 200 mm
1/60 sec, f/4.0, ISO 200
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“A kind of light spread out from her. And everything changed color. And the world opened out. And a day was good to awaken to. And there were no limits to anything. And the people of the world were good and handsome. And I was not afraid any more.”
― John Steinbeck
A sleepy, gentle start to the day, now two weeks ago. This day started a bit less foggy than others, yet the water was still as late migrating waterfowl lazed about in the chilly lake and the sky shifted from gray, to shades of pink, gold, and blue. There’s also still a hint of colour on the distant shore, dispersed among the conifers.
As I sit writing this post, soft jazz sooths me further, recalling this beautiful morning. We need to savour this serenity in our busy world whenever it offers its gifts to us. Though I was only on Fraser Lake for four days this fall, each morning dawned slightly differently. The first morning being quite raw and choppy progressing to the glass-like appearance above and remaining so the rest of my stay, offering many photo opportunities.
I’ve spent many summers, falls, and winters on the lake and its shores. One summer was spent paddling the entire shoreline enjoying the diversity of plants and wildlife and that same winter enjoying cross-country skiing on the ice covered lake.
Then I consider that this is a single lake among thousands that dot the Ontario and recognise that there are more memories to come as I explore the province in live in.
“The sun was as flirty as Scarlett O’Hara with the Tarleton twins, breaking through the clouds in spectacular bursts that seemed like personal favors and then retreating for hours, days, and making us all ache for just a glimpse.”
― Lorna Landvik
Another fine early November day in southern Ontario, and a return to Secord Conservation Area, in search of a few images. The day could be defined most accurately by its variable light, as a low cloud deck drifted lazily above, casting patches of bright light across the landscape. The trees had recently dropped their leaves, blanketing the ground beneath them in gold. The rays of sunshine breaking through the clouds made these leaves glow warmly. It’s a effect of autumn and it’s soft light that I really enjoy and it’s really accented when the light is variable and patchy, contrasting nicely against the darker area and the clouds moody clouds above.
I’ve photographed from this location many times. There is something so beautiful about teh gently rolong hills and how thier lines flow togother. An ebb and flow of colour and light, fallow fields and pasturelands, diveded by rail fences and tree lines. Each layer a new scene to be enjoyed.
Recent high winds and a light snow cover have obliterated the neatly arranged leaves and dulled their colours as winter approaches, but I’m still looking for a few bright days and some of these glimpses into the autumn which has extended nicely.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 75 mm
1/160 sec, f/6.3, ISO 200
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“I have been finding treasures in places I did not want to search. I have been hearing wisdom from tongues I did not want to listen. I have been finding beauty where I did not want to look. And I have learned so much from journeys I did not want to take. Forgive me, O Gracious One; for I have been closing my ears and eyes for too long. I have learned that miracles are only called miracles because they are often witnessed by only those who can can see through all of life’s illusions.”
― Suzy Kassem
What do you do on a dull day after a few days of posting photos with bright orange leaves? You do a studio shot of clementines. Well, at least that’s what I did. I’ve been looking at this bowl on our kitchen table for the past few days, considering it as a photo subject. It’s also the result of constantly looking for and being aware of the wonderful yet mundane things in our lives.
The arrangement in the bowl looked like a still life and I believe the studio lighting that I had set up for my series of flowers late summer worked well here as well. So, here is the result.
These clementines also seem somehow appropriate for me, since we are now approaching Christmas season. Growing up, clementines were a rare treat and always signified Christmas season. Nowadays you can find them nearly year round, but there is still something special about a December clementine. It brings back fond memories of cozy evenings with family and friends, sharing treats and memories.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 200 mm
1.0 sec, f/14.0, ISO 200
Hi Resolution image on 500px
For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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“The true optimist not only expects the best to happen, but goes to work to make the best happen. The true optimist not only looks upon the bright side, but trains every force that is in him to produce more and more brightness in his life….”
― Christian D. Larson
Despite it being late November there has been a bright, golden theme in my photos recently and I’m pleased with that. I do tend to look for that brightness, despite walking through dark groves and solitary paths, I always seem to find some brightness. In this case there’s the wonderful effect of nice light and the bounteous oak and beech leaves glowing all around me, which have as yet to be buried in snow. Though we have had some light snowfalls lately, that snow has melted off and temperatures remain relatively nice, for November.
This image was made a few days ago in Durham forest, not far from my home. It was mid morning and the light was filtering brightly through the sparse canopy, lighting up the remaining leaves in bright tones of gold and orange. This particular section of the trail is unique in its abundance of tightly packed hardwoods, a mix of oak, maple and beech. Though only a few years old the grove has a very unique feel and lends itself well to my vertical pan abstractions.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 70 mm
1/4 sec, f/18.0, ISO 200
For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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“The joy you feel when you become a small life particle sun and share its brightness and warmth with those around you is indescribably great.”
― Ilchi Lee
As the upcoming winter makes its presence known daily, with cold winds, sleet, and icy mornings, a bit of autumn still remains. Beech seems to have some extra ‘stick’ to its leaves. They are almost always the last to fall and bring patches of brightness to even the dullest days.
I made this photo a few days ago, when the skies were not quite so dull and a bit of colour still shone through from the background. Even there, you can see a few patches of golden orange in the higher branches.
The beech leaves themselves are a bit weathered, but that is typical of this time of year and they are surprisingly intact considering the hot summer drought we had this past year. Surprisingly, most trees in my area produced some of the most astounding colour in years, despite the harsh conditions they faced.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 92 mm
1/80 sec, f/4.5, ISO 200
For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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“Peace is present right here and now, in ourselves and in everything we do and see. Every breath we take, every step we take, can be filled with peace, joy, and serenity. The question is whether or not we are in touch with it. We need only to be awake, alive in the present moment.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh
I could have titled this “The Other End”, since it really is the opposite end of the beaver pond I shared last week, but the word ‘serenity’ and ‘peace’ kept echoing through my thoughts as I reviewed the image. The light on the glass-like water, the tall pines along the shores, and the soft light, just calms me and draws me back to the moment.
I stood on the beaver dam itself, for a long time, taking in the vista, after forcing my way through the tangle of balsams that line the shores of the pond. In fact, I have yet to experience an established beaver pond that is not surrounded by the moisture loving balsam firs, with their tangled branches, leaving barely any room to move around with any level of ease.
This natural ‘wall’ also offers protection to the wildlife that calls the pond and its environs home: the beavers, deer, moose, and waterfowl. Sitting inside this wall, separated me from the world of the forest and put me into the world of the beaver pond, which is a nice place to be.
And yes, it’s another iPhone photo 🙂
iPhone 5s back camera @ 4.2mm
1/1800 sec; f/2.2; ISO 32
For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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“Goodness is about character — integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people.”
– Dennis Prager
I’m cheating a bit today, as this is a photo I made three years ago from the window of my car as I drove to work one morning. The tree in the foreground is on my wife’s home farm. When I was commuting to work, I would see this scene daily.
The post was prompted by one of those Facebook Memories pop-ups and I recalled the painful events that caused me to make the photo and insert the text, which is not something I normally do. But, I felt the quote and the image might help others come to terms with unhealthy relationships.
It was during this period in my life when several close friends suddenly turned on me, very publicly, to serve their own interests. I would not wish this experience on anyone. Those days were filled with self-doubt, depression, anger, and I nice touch of paranoia. I’m the type of person who is very cautious about who I let in my life and it hurts all the more when I realize I made a poor choice.
As I emerged from the experience, I spent a lot of time on introspection, trying to figure out what I had done to deserve their attacks, and how the situation escalated so quickly, is something I have to this day to figure out. I do know now that is was led by one individual and others followed along to remain in his favour and continue to do so. During this time I came across the quote by Dennis Prager and it reminded me why the true friends who stood by me during those dark days were and still remain my friends. It’s because they are, simply put, ‘good’ people, who exhibit the traits mentioned in the quote. It has become a bit of a mantra for me and a gauge to consider the character of those who call themselves my friends.
“Rather than crying and craving for those who left our path during dark moments of our life, let’s spend some time to thank those who stood and helped us to pass those dark paths.”
― Nehali Lalwani
This image was made on a somewhat foggy morning. As the fog dissipated I came across this scene. Amidst a damp low area, filled with spruce and hemlock, stands a small grove of silver birch. The sun streaming through the branches, lighting up the forest floor in glowing bands and reflecting off the shiny bark made it seem like a magical place. Literally, a light among the darkness. I sat here for quite some time, on the log in the foreground, just enjoying the light and sense of peace this place brought me.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 70 mm
1/120 sec, f/2.8, ISO 200
For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
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or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com
Ed Lehming Photography 
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