“Dragonfly & Clover” - Secord Forest

“While fear depletes power, faith gives wings for the soul’s elevation.”
― T.F. Hodge

A recently hatched dragonfly, note the right side wing is not fully opened yet. It seemed because it was still not in full flight mode that it hung beneath plants, waiting for its wings to mature.

I simply liked the ‘look’ of this scene, with the dragonfly dangling beneath the clover blossom. There were dozens of dragonflies flitting around but this one was unique and the colours in the late day sun glowed with warmth.

Nikon D800
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G I AF-S VR Zoom @ 300mm

1/160 sec, f/6.3 ISO 200

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Brown Dragonfly” - Secord Forest

“A dragonfly can spend up to several years underwater until it is strong enough to surface, shed its skin and evolve into this beautiful creature. Then it flies free among us but only for a very brief period of up to 2 months before it dies” – Unknown

I spent quite a bit of time searching for the actual name of this species, with not much luck. There are some 5,000 species of dragonflies, each distinguishes by some subtle marking, or pattern. Perhaps an insect enthusiast can enlighten me. Part of my photography discipline is learning about the subjects I photograph and I went a bit ‘bug-eyed’ looking this one up, pardon the pun.

Since upgrading my camera a few weeks ago, I have been venturing out, knowing that noise and cropping were no longer big issues to me. My Nikon D800 performs consistently in almost any lighting condition and I tend to be less timid to do close crops in post production yielding results like the dragonfly pictured above.

In the case of this well posed dragonfly, it was a matter of time waiting for one of the dozens flitting and darting around to light on the branch. It did not take long for that composition to be realized. I went for a higher aperture, to keep the entire dragonfly in focus and the light was quite good, so my ISO was not too high. I’m quite pleased with this.

Nikon D800
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G I AF-S VR Zoom @ 300mm

1/60 sec, f/10.0 ISO 220

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“My Green World” - Secord Forest

“The human body may need to receive sunlight through the tree canopy in order to be in a healthy state. I call this light “Interference Green Light” and it may be the top thing that you need to be receiving in order to be in good health and free of pain.”
― Steven Magee

I don’t know how true the quote is, but I know I need my ‘green’ time. To walk the forests and gaze upon Creation, as often as possible. When I’m outdoors, the busy world of my life fades into the background. It’s still there, but as a peripheral thing, that I can cal at will, but the green and peace of nature permeates me.

The ferns pictured above looked just like this. A verdant curtain, glowing with life, filled with hues of bright green and warmed by the sun. I could sit in this place for hours, watching the dragonflies flitting to and fro, the various butterflies on their endless quest for nectar, and the sound of the forest bids. It’s active and alive, yet ordered. Nature’s cycle, closing off spring and moving towards summer.

Nikon D800
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G I AF-S VR Zoom @ 300mm

1/160 sec, f/5.6 ISO 560

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Bleeding Heart”

“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

This is my very first attempt at macro photography. Simple image of bleeding hearts in my garden. I love the shape of the flower and the components that make it what it is. The blossom reminds me often of the quote above. All too often we hear and use words without heart and need to be mindful of that.

Nikon D800
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G I AF-S VR Zoom @ 500mm (extension tubes)

1/60 sec, f/5.0 ISO 720

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Mind Your Step” - Distillery District, Toronto

This week’s submission for For Thursday Doors – June 9, 2016 by Norm 2.0.

Made at Toronto’s Distillery District. A flash back to Toronto’s past in this wonderfully preserved historical district.

This particular door caught my attention, since it is quite high up. I imagine it would have been used as a loading door. I like the contrast of the bright green against the old red brick.

Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD
 @ 70 mm
1/60 sec, f/2.8, ISO 200

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Pearl Crescent ( Phyciodes tharos )”  - Whitevale, Ontario

“Butterflies are self propelled flowers.”
― Robert A. Heinlein

Butterflies are summer to me and I just love the Robert Heinlein quote above. As the air warms, I see more and more of them darting around on the air. They seem to come in all sizes and colours and tend to be a bit elusive when it comes time to photograph them. They sit wonderfully still, till it’s time to release the shutter.

I’m also discovering just how many varieties of butterflies and moths are native to my area of the world. I enjoy identifying the plants and animals I come across on my wanderings and am being more deliberate in the habit lately, as I see other bloggers whom I follow doing the same thing.

Nikon D800
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G I AF-S VR Zoom @ 300mm

1/80 sec, f/5.6 ISO 220

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

"June Daisies" - Whitevale, Ontario

“Daisies, simple and sweet. Daisies are the way to win my heart.”
― Patrick Rothfuss

As the quote above says, “Daisies, simple and sweet”. Daisies abound at this time of year. They seem as commonplace as dandelions, yet there is a beautiful simplicity to them that sets them apart from their meadow companions. Perhaps hearkening back to childhood, when I would pick bunches for my grandmother on my way home from school. They lent themselves to that kind of activity, never wilting or seeming to care about their rough transport in the hands of a child.

Or, perhaps it’s the purity of the white petals and the sun-like centres. I don’t know for certain, but I don’t believe I’ll ever tire of daisies. For me they symbolize purity, innocence, and the promise of warm summer days spent wandering through nature, drinking her sights and sounds. Just the thought of it brings a smile to my face.

Nikon D800
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G I AF-S VR Zoom @ 300mm

1/160 sec, f/5.6 ISO 220

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Emerald Jewelwing” - Whitevale

“Despite its dark veins, the transparency of dragonfly’s wings assures me of a pure, innocent world”
― Munia Khan

Ah, warm weather walks. As plants grow taller and spread across the forest floors, their insect companions abound and show in ever increasing displays of colour and variety. Some are tougher to photograph than others. This female emerald jewelwing, with her distinctive black body and white wing spots, is fairly common around here, but they tend to be a bit skittish with movement. This time she cooperated and posed nicely on a lime green leaf, making her stand out even more.

I have not seen many males yet. They are metallic green in colour and I’m sure they will show up shortly too.

As more wildlife begins to show itself, I’m finding myself gravitating towards it and away from plants. I hope those following my blog aren’t too disappointed?

Nikon D800
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G I AF-S VR Zoom @300mm

1/160sec, f/6.3, ISO 200

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

Man is ruled by Spirit. In the desert I am worth what my divinities are worth. ~Antoine de-Saint Exupery

As a general statement, and with some exceptions, I tend to prefer art that is self-expressive to art for its own sake. I do not mean to characterize either approach as inherently better or worse, or as…

via Spirituality Beyond Platitudes — Guy Tal Photography Journal

Glorious –  This week’s submission to Hugh’s weekly Photo Challenge.“Bathed in Sunset” - near Glasgow, Ontario

Originally posted in April, but remains one of the most glorious scenes I have participated in this year. I like it so much, I made it my cover photo for spring, but brightened up a bit.

Nikon D300
Tamron 70-200 mm f/2.8 @ 200 mm
1/160 sec, f/7.1, ISO 250

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

 

“Pink Flowering Dogwood” - Ancaster, Ontario

“If you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for a moment.”
― Georgia O’Keeffe

Until last weekend, I did not know these existed. I love dogwoods and have made many photos of the gorgeous Sierra Dogwoods of California’s Yosemite National Park as they gleam bright white against the dark pine forests. The first time I saw a photo of them, I knew I had to experience them for myself. I did that a few years back and absolutely loved it.  Now, I come across a pink variety is full splendour and am mesmerized.

This dogwood tree is in my great Aunt’s neighbour’s garden. When I first saw it I was not sure what kind of tree it was, until I looked closer and saw the typical dogwood leaves and delicate blossoms. Truly, a wonderful ornamental tree. The guides say it will survive in my zone and I’m tempted to try it for myself. I’d love to have one of these in my backyard.

Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) (A16NII) @50mm

1/60 sec, f/3.2, ISO 200

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Casa Loma Telephone”Vintage – a repost from awhile back. Here’s the original post “Sir Henry’s Phone” which appeared back in September 2015.

Nikon D300
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD
 @ 95mm
1/15 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 250

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Alarm!” - Red Winged Blackbird

“Laughing in the face of danger doesn’t negate the fear, it simply enables you to smile at it.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich

I really wanted to title this “Get off my land!” but, “Alarm!” won out.

This is very typical behaviour for male red winged blackbirds, especially during nesting season. They are very protective of their shoreline nests. The female will also join in with rapid chirps and tail fanning, but the male squeals out loud alarms and puffs itself up when agitated. I’ve seen some dive bomb and peck at people who have inadvertently or deliberately come too close to the nest . This guy was happy to sit on his perch and vocalize his dissatisfaction without getting too aggressive.

Nikon D800
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G I AF-S VR Zoom @300mm

1/125 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Wetland Grazing” - Lynde Shores Conservation Area

“The world is a beautiful place, you just don’t see it all the time.”
― Phil Mitchell

I generally go to Lynde Shores to photograph birds or make lakeshore images. When I approached the viewing platform, I saw a bunch of ducks taking off and surveyed several trees filled with noisy, smelly, cormorants. As I stood there, movement from the corner of my eye attracted my attention. Here’s what I saw: a yearling fawn, winter colours just coming out, wading and grazing along the shore. If you look closer, you will see where it has eaten the tops off of the cat-tails behind it.

I made several images of this one, as well as three other deer that were lurking in the weeds. Of all the images, this one was the best, since it shows almost the entire deer. At no point did it offer me an unobstructed side shot but this one is quite nice, given the circumstances offered. Nature generally does not offer poses.

Nikon D800
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G I AF-S VR Zoom @300mm

1/125 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Green Carpet” - Oak Ferns, Secord Forest

“Our green valleys will be greener once we fully grasp the infinite vitality of the green!”
― Mehmet Murat Ildan

Despite the clouds of mosquitoes that call this forest home, I enjoyed, with the help of a good bug repellent, observing all the fresh new growth emerging from the brown litter of last year’s leaves. There is still a lot of brown showing interspersed with rapidly expanding carpets of foliage, like the Oak Ferns above.

The Secord Forest is a conservation area close to my home and provides me access to a very diverse forest setting. The circle hike through this lovely forest takes me through grassy meadows, cedar swamp, hardwood ridges and rolling farmland, all along the 4-5 kilometer distance of the trail itself.

Until recently, I had no idea how many varieties of fern call this place home. I’m just starting to be able to recognize the subtle differences in leaf form that distinguish the varieties. I did observe that mosquitoes are particularly fond of almost every variety, as the swarms are thicker in fern patches than in other places.

Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD
 @ 165 mm
1/25 sec, f/2.8, ISO 200

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Honeysuckle & Fox Grape” - Stouffville

“Odors have a power of persuasion stronger than that of words, appearances, emotions, or will. The persuasive power of an odor cannot be fended off, it enters into us like breath into our lungs, it fills us up, imbues us totally. There is no remedy for it.”
― Patrick Süskind

As the days warm, aromatic flowers prevail, attracting bees and insects with their sweet perfumes. Pollinated flowers give way to fruits and green leaves darken as they mature from their pale spring forms.

The above photo was made of plants along a local walking trail. I liked the way the sun shone through the shadows, illuminating the grape leaves and honeysuckle blossoms, as well as the range of light within the composition, from the bright white of the blossoms to the darkness in the shadows.

Nikon D800
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G I AF-S VR Zoom @140mm

1/60 sec, f/14.0, ISO 1100

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

 

“Carpenter Bee & Russian Olive” - Stouffville

“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don’t they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers.”
― Ray Bradbury

Spring flowering shrubs and all their awesome scents are now on. It’s good to see so many bees out and about, including this carpenter bee, one of many enjoying the fragrant flowers of a local Russian Olive. The ornamental trees were planted along walking trails a few minutes away from my home and the air is thick with their sweet smell.

These shrubs and the many dogwoods and honeysuckles in the same area provide ample food for the bees and lovely blossoms for me to enjoy and photograph, for a short time at least.

Nikon D800
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G I AF-S VR Zoom- @300mm

1/125 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Bloor Street United Church Doors” - Toronto

“Therefore, a search for God’s will should begin on your knees. He will meet you there. Remember that Jesus promised, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).”
― James Dobson

I made this image the same day as my last post of teh Munk School of Global Affairs. The two building as quite close together on Toronto’s Bloor Street West.

As with so many other doors I am now photographing, I have walked past them many times, admiring the elements that make them unique. With these particular doors, the bright red paint is the first thing you see, then the orange columns, etc. The thing that amazes me, when reviewing the photos is just how many interesting elements the eye misses on first impressions.

The “No Parking” sign annoyed me, since I could not ‘frame it out” in my composition, and I considered editing it out. But, it’s because of the sign that I was able to make a photo of the doors, without cars blocking the view. So, it becomes important to the photo. It also adds some interesting messaging.

Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD
 @ 200 mm
1/50 sec, f/16.0, ISO 6400

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Yellow Clintonia” - Secord Forest Trail, Uxbridge

“Do stuff. Be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration’s shove or society’s kiss on your forehead. Pay attention. It’s all about paying attention. Attention is vitality. It connects you with others.”
― Susan Sontag

Another day, another plant found and identified. With the heat this past weekend, many plants blossomed early and the mosquitoes that accompany them were more than plentiful. I do tend to stay out of the deep woods this time of year and focus my attention on rivers and lakes. This spring, however, I donned my bug spray and headed into the woods on a more regular basis.

I have ventured into the world of late spring flowers, with hopes of coming across some flowering plants I have not yet seen, including some native orchids, which are not blooming yet.

The specimen above was discovered in an area where I hope to see orchids soon. Truth be told, when I came across the plant last week, before it blossomed, I thought it might be an orchid, based on the lush leaves. It’s not an orchid, but a lovely plant, nonetheless. Then, as I looked the plant up, I realized that I am familiar with the fall aspect of the plant, also known as “Bluebead” because of the deep blue berry the plant bears.

Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD
 @ 200 mm
1/50 sec, f/16.0, ISO 6400

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Altar of St. John the Baptist” - St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New .jpg

And he was preaching, and saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals. “I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” – Mark 1:7-8

Existing light photography offers its challenges and rewards. This wonderful statue of St. John the Baptist, in New York’s St. Patrick’s cathedral is a good example of how existing light can enhance the image. The light is soft and warm and produces a sense of peace, at least for me. The light falls off a bit near the top of the image, bringing out the details of the face.

That’s the benefit, the challenge is having to use a high ISO often introduces unwanted noise, which used to be a significant issue with 35 mm film, but is less of an issue with our modern DSLRs and editing software.

I made several other images while visiting this great metropolitan cathedral, which I will share over time.

Nikon D300
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD
 @ 70 mm
1/60 sec, f/2.8, ISO 1000

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Store Fronts” - Front Street, Toronto

“Imagine having a city full of things that no other city had.”
― Bill Bryson

Old meets new in this view of Toronto’s Front Street, near the St. Lawrence Market.

The area reminds me of Europe, with it’s old buildings and storefronts. It’s sad to think that much of Toronto looked like this till the wave of “Urban Renewal” in the 70’s demolished most of the old buildings to make room for…parking lots!

Yup, apparently, parking lots were what people needed and the wonderful architecture paid the price. There are still some vestiges of Toronto’s architectural past remaining: the Annex, Front Street, and the Distillery to name a few, but they are few and far between.

I imagine the original builders did not ever expect the building to become a coffee shop, in fact, I had clients in this area who used upper floors as office space and it looked like these would have been warehouses at one point in time, based on the thick floors and heavy wooden beams inside the buildings.

Nikon D800
Tamron 70-200 mm f/2.8 @ 145 mm
1/125 sec, f/5.0, ISO 200

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Coltsfoot Seed Heads” - Secord Forest Trail

“Life is not made up of minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or years, but of moments. You must experience each one before you can appreciate it.” 
― Sarah Ban Breathnach

As with its yellow blossoms, many people mistake the coltsfoot seed heads for those of the dandelion. That is, until you take the time to look closer.

I’m finding more and more that people are just not taking the time to actively participate in the world around them. If something can’t be observed quickly or looked up on-line, it gets left behind. Our natural world beckons us to be part of it. When I take hikes to make photos, my world slows down, the business of life slips away, and I can be ‘in’ nature, not just a silent observer. The sounds fill my ears, the smells trigger memories, and the ever changing light dances through my vision. Some call this living in the moment, and I like that term, because that ‘moment’ lasts only briefly and then, becomes memory.

One of my greatest satisfactions in making photos is that all the images I make represent ‘moments’ which I have borne witness to. I take that as a gift, especially if I am able to effectively convey the ‘feeling’ of that moment through my art.

Nikon D800
Tamron 70-200 mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm
1/80 sec, f/4.5, ISO 200

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Chinatown Rush” - Montreal

“The first problem of living is to minimize friction with the crowds that surround you on all sides.”
― Isaac Asimov

I wanted to capture the hustle and bustle of this Montreal intersection with an experimental long exposure. It was interesting to look back on it and see the woman in the foreground moving quickly across the frame, while the car is stopped.

This was also an experiment in light where I was trying to cover the whole spectrum for white to black.

Interestingly, growing up in Toronto, I really would not consider this a ‘rush’. For that, I could set up at Montreal’s Gare Centrale (about 18 million people pass through there every year) at quitting time. Perhaps on another visit?

Nikon D300
Tamron 70-200 mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm
1/10 sec, f/22.0, ISO 200

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

 

“OISE Windows” - Toronto

“Humans are pattern-seeking story-telling animals, and we are quite adept at telling stories about patterns, whether they exist or not.”
― Michael Shermer

OISE is the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, part of the University of Toronto. This is where people study to be ‘educators’ or ‘teachers’ as we know them. It is also where trends in education are studied and public policy, regarding education in Ontario, originates. I have several friends who are teachers and they have shared some interesting OISE stories with me. In the parlance of ‘teacher speak’ such gems as “Oracular Device for Conveyance of Knowledge” aka ‘a book’, came from this building.

Despite the reputation for over thinking the obvious, the building is quite interesting, architecturally and I was particularly drawn to the patterns of the windows in the mid-afternoon light as I walked along Bloor Street looking for new material. I tend to enjoy old buildings and complex stonework, but I did find this modern image interesting because of the repeating patterns and limited gradations of shading.

Nikon D800
Tamron 70-200 mm f/2.8 @ 145 mm
1/320 sec, f/9.0, ISO 200

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Algea Art” - Secord Pond, Uxbridge

“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”
― Aristotle

Art is everywhere. Sometimes, in the most surprising places, and with unexpected elements. Case in point, this algal bloom on a local pond. It looks a bit like a satellite image of some tropical forest and smells just like a horse stable. In fact, I was wondering if the local trail riding association was having a meeting close by.

In any case, these wonderful layered patterns in various shades of glowing greens and dull brown were a sight to see and it would have been interesting to watch them form.The bloom was likely caused by the sudden heat up we had this past weekend and the waves and layers caused by winds blowing  from the east and forcing the progressive layers of the bloom into one end of the pond. It’s also quite thick but I had no desire to touch it to check consistency.

And that, is why I enjoy nature so much; there is always something new to see and discover that is beyond the imagination.

Nikon D800
Tamron 70-200 mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm
1/80 sec, f/4.5, ISO 200

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Munk Institute Doors” - University of Toronto

Walking along Toronto’s Bloor Street West, I came across these wonderful doors. The Munk Institute is part of the University of Toronto campus and I’ve admired them often, as I walked past. Today the light was just right. Much to my surprise, I had never noticed the details in the stonework above the door and topping the pillars. Have a closer look.

Interestingly, many of the compositional elements that enhance this image are subconscious when I make the photo. It’s one of those scenes that appeal to me, but I can’t articulate the ‘why’ till I look closely at the final image.

Nikon D800
Tamron 70-200 mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm
1/80 sec, f/4.5, ISO 200

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

"Ancient Redwood" - Edwards Gardens, Toronto

“The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always. No one has ever successfully painted or photographed a redwood tree. The feeling they produce is not transferable. From them comes silence and awe. It’s not only their unbelievable stature, nor the color which seems to shift and vary under your eyes, no, they are not like any trees we know, they are ambassadors from another time.”
― John Steinbeck

This is the second dawn redwood (Metasequoia) I have seen in Ontario recently, both were in a botanical gardens setting. The first was at the Niagara Botanical Gardens and the specimen above was at Edwards Gardens, in Toronto, the home of the Toronto Botanical Gardens. They look like living fossils but are actually fast growing and not as old as you would suspect.

The species was discovered in Lichuan county in the Hubei province of China in 1944 and was soon adopted in North America as a popular ornamental. That would explain why they are found in various botanical gardens. Also, because they get so large, they would not be suitable for residential properties.

This one is said to have been planted in 1960, on a site chosen to ensure it would would be bathed in the early morning sunlight on June 20 each year, the birthday of the wife of the gardener who planted it.

I felt this would look nice as a painted piece, so took some artistic liberty with Photoshop, mainly to hide the ugly chain link fence directly behind the tree and to enhance the texture of the bark.

As John Steinbeck states so well above, there is a ‘feel’ to redwoods that is difficult to communicate.

Nikon D800
Tamron 70-200 mm f/2.8 @ 82 mm
1/160 sec, f/2.8, ISO 220

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

 

“Dawson’s Magnolia” - Edwards Gardens, Toronto

“It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.”
— Rainer Maria Rilke

A final visit to the magnolias of Edwards Gardens in Toronto, at least for this year. I so enjoyed my day of walking the grounds and enjoying all the wonderful flowering trees. This is a great time of year. There are splashes of pinks, purples, whites, and purple among the new foliage in its multiple shades of green. The world around me is fairly glowing with new life, and I love it!

The tree above stood out above all the others I saw that day. Delicate blossoms cling to teh dark leafless branches in a spectacular display. The blossoms almost seem too big for teh slider tree to bear. All this against teh backdrop of new greenery and a slightly cloudy blue sky. It just says, “Spring” to me.

Nikon D800
Tamron 70-200 mm f/2.8 @ 82 mm
1/160 sec, f/46.3, ISO 200

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

 

“Groundhog Day” - Edwards Gardens, Toronto

“Most European nations identify themselves with eagles or lions, with some predator or creature of the air, ascendant and belligerent. I would like to visit the country which adopts the groundhog as its mascot, somewhere peaceful, some place that curls against the secrets of the earth, a little Belgium of the imagination, tables piled high with cakes, the Sunday bells ringing (not too loudly), the light falling on rolling hillocks studded with salad greens.”
― David Brendan Hopes

Groundhog day in May, you say?

I have not seen a groundhog in years. They used to be so numerous that my parents used them as a drive-time distraction when travelling to the cottage. “Hey kids, count how many groundhogs you can see on the way.”, was the common starting dialogue on our trips. A good tactic back then, as we would see hundreds in the fields along the road.

I know these burrowing creatures have been the bane of cattle farmers, as the cows would break their legs when they stepped into a groundhog hole. There are many who took great pleasure sitting in farm fields with their 22’s, picking off the groundhogs as their heads popped out of the ground. I suspect this was far too common and the population was pretty much wiped out in my area.

So, it was very nice to see this fellow on a rock-garden wall, posing so nicely for me. In fact, we was a bit too friendly and came right up to a few watching children, who had no idea what kind of animal he was.

Nikon D800
Tamron 70-200 mm f/2.8 @ 200 mm
1/80 sec, f/4.5, ISO 200

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com

“Wild Columbines” - Marble Lake, Bancroft

“The columbine and iris bowed down to make way for bolder sprays of red valerian, and a mingled profusion of clustered Canterbury bells and sweet william, pale blues and pinks intertwined, danced at the feet of more stately spears of deep-purple foxglove and monkshood.” 
― Susanna Kearsley

On the trend of pinks and pastels, yet another beautiful native spring flower, the Wild Columbine (aquilegia canadensis), is found on rocky outcrops in the Bancroft, Ontario area among emerging ferns, jack-in-the-pulpit, and a few late trilliums. I really enjoy finding these little jewels on my walks in the woods. A little splash of coral catches my eye, then another. They seem to favour cracks in the rock over flat soil. They are such delicate plants and seem almost fragile compared to their thick stemmed and fibrous companions.

The only shortcoming of getting out to enjoy these lovely wildflowers is the ever present company of black flies, the bane of Canadian forests in spring time. However, based on the very warm weekend we just had here, they should be gone in short measure and their associates, the mosquitoes, will take their place in the stinging insect category.

Nikon D800
Tamron 70-200 mm f/2.8 @ 200 mm
1/60 sec, f/2.8, ISO 500

For more images like this, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/EdLehming
or my website (some images available for purchase)
http://www.edlehming.com