“Sunshine beamed between the plantation pines, making the snow-laden branches glow with an ethereal light against the dark tree trunks.” – Ed Lehming
As I continue with my early December series of images, I remain amazed at the seemingly endless beauty of that day. Scenes shift from bright white trails to images like this, still bright, but contrasted with the darker parts of the forest.
One of the things that made these shots possible was the time of day, mid-morning, that I went out hiking. I had set out earlier in hopes of catching the new-fallen snow at its prime. That decision also provided me with wonderful light, which casts long shadows across the forest floor. It also allowed for images like this, where the low sun shone through the forest and lit up the snow covered branches with a soft back-light.
In this image, the dense forest dominates most of the image but is balanced by bright sunshine in the background, something you would not get in an afternoon shot. The whole scene is calming and beckons me to enter deeper into the experience.
iPhone 12 Pro @ 4.2mm
1/353 sec, f/2.0, ISO 25
“I enter December with hope and delight. The dull days of late November are past and the bright snowfall of December cheers my soul.” – Ed Lehming
The journey down December trails continues as I keep taking pleasure in reviewing my photos from my December 2nd hiie through a local conservation area. As is evidenced in the photo, I was not alone and several others had enjoyed the trails before my arrival that glorious morning.
The snow was just deep enough for a cross-country skier to use the trail with ease, yet shallow enough for hikers and dog walkers to also partake without too much effort.
As I have noted in previous posts, I got on the trails in good time, concerned that the magic of this new fallen snow might not last too far into the day as well as being able to take in the lovely long shadows that morning light produces.
This image is just another sample of just how beautiful the day was, with snow sticking to every surface like a bright, sugary coating. It’s just what I needed after what seemed like a rather long and dreary ending to November filled with fog, rain, and days that simply remained too dark for cheer.
iPhone 12 Pro @ 4.2mm
1/1531 sec, f/1.6, ISO 32
“Before me, the beech blazed in bright golds, shimmering as the gentle breeze caressed the snow laden leaves. The world was wide awake and filled with joyous energy and brilliance.” – Ed Lehming
It appears this series will be continuing for a while, I have so many wonderful images from this gorgeous December morning earlier this week.
I thought I had captured plenty of wonderful scenes during this hike and was mere steps from the trailhead when my eye beheld this single beech tree along the trail, the sun illuminating it from behind and making it seem to glow with energy and joy.
The day started out bright and sunny with no wind to disturb the wonderland created the day before. I knew I had to get out early because these lovely winter scenes are temporal and must be enjoyed before they fade, as they always do. I’d been hiking for just over an hour, simply drinking in the incredible winter landscape though it is still official Autumn for a few more days. There were so many opportunities to capture the essence of this day and I must have made over 50 photos already, every one of them unique.
As a stated earlier i this post, I thought I was done and heading back to my truck when this presented itself. It was such a serene moment that I took time to make a 30 second video of it to enjoy at a later date. It’s one of those time where you are transported into a place of peace and reflection. I intend to go back to it many times if I need a time of quite mindfulness. After making the video I also composed this singe image of the scene. I’m glad I did.
iPhone 12 Pro @ 4.2mm
1/2451sec, f/1.6, ISO 32
“In a single day, the world is transformed, gray foggy days are now filled with the brightness of new fallen snow. December has touched my world and I rejoice in it.” – Ed Lehming
It’s difficult to describe a scene like this and even more difficult to chose a single image from a day that filled me with such delight, especially since the days preceding it were dull and rain-filled. Those few days had me downright depressed. I’m not one to sit around the house and do nothing and dull days do not inspire me creatively. So, when the forecast called for two days of rain and wet snow it did not lift my spirits.
I was pleasantly surprised when I awoke yesterday and the world dawned with bright, clear sunshine and a winter wonderland of awe inspiring beauty. These days are often so overwhelmingly beautiful that t is difficult to capture it effectively.
Generally, these conditions begin to fade quickly as the sun warms the snow and even gentle breezes quickly undo the magic. So, I set out for an early hike, hoping to capture some of this wonder, while it lasted.
The morning did not disappoint and I was surrounded by a world of such incredible brightness that it actually bothered my eyes. Around every turn a fresh scene of pure tranquility greeted me. Even as the gentle wind stared to knock some of the snow down, it remained cool enough to stay on the branches. The brilliant sunshine further enhanced the effect by making the ice drops gleam like diamonds and cast long shadows across the ground.
My biggest concern when faced with these scenes is that the images will be blown -out or flat, ineffectively translating into a good photo that communicates the experience. However, yesterday I had my new iPhone 12 Pro with me and it did an astonishing job at producing brilliant, well-balanced images, without me having to do any adjustments in post. I’m thrilled to have yet another tool that I can use for these situations, and it is a lot lighter than my D800!
iPhone 12 Pro @ 4.2mm
1/1742 sec, f/1.2, ISO 32
“A return to memory, the chance to relive and reimagine an experience does not happen often in real life, but there is a joy in revisiting memories through photos that has a firm hold on me” – Ed Lehming
Since I was a child, I have enjoyed looking back through family photo albums. I am fortunate that I have a family that has been able to document so many events through images. I find myself leafing through the photos, recalling the sounds, tastes, and smells of those events. My imagination and memory also takes me back to the people who are not necessarily in the frame and the event expands in my memory and imagination.
I don’t languish there, though, if I’m honest, I do look back fondly on what seemed to be simpler times; times spent with family and friends. Looking at the photos, you’d think the world was idyllic. I know that there where events going on in the world at the time and in the lives of the people pictured that were every bit as distressing as the world we live in now, but a quick recall without reflection ignores this and only the good remains for me.
There are times, when looking back, that I try to imagine the effects of a slight change or wonder if I recall the time correctly, my mind tries to fill in the blanks.
These thoughts were all triggers by the recent memory of a tree along the roadside that I had hoped to capture as an image. The tree and the scene when I finally did stop to make the image still captivates me. All the required elements aligned and I was able to make a phot that I am very pleased with. Yet, I have returned to it, to see if I can draw out some further elements, to realize it in a slightly different way. In this case, showing the scene as more of a digital painting; making it a bit more moody and dreamlike. I wonder as I do this if some time in the future, will look back at the image and be able to fill in the experience? I also wonder, as others view this image, where their imaginations go and how they see it?
“Inevitably, summer turns to autumn and autumn turns to winter, the inescapable cycle continues.” – Ed Lehming
It seems like mere days ago I was fully immersed in a beautiful, mild and sun filled autumn. The days seemed to progress slowly, allowing me to fully savour the wonderful colours, scents, and sounds. But alas, all thing must end and the cycle of the seasons continues. The once lush and ripe grapes that I enjoyed watching grow now hang on leafless vines, puckered and drying in the cold air just before winter’s start.
I could not resist this image made outside a local art gallery. The Andara Gallery, in Ontario’s Prince Edward County, has two showing areas: one in a renovated barn, used seasonally, and a climate controlled, modern building which is open year-round.
Outside the old barn are wild grapes. I noticed the grapes as we were preparing for a photo session that the owners of the gallery are putting on this year as a fund raiser for the local hospital foundation. They placed a large Christmas Tree in the barn and set up chairs and benches for the photo sessions. It provided my wife and I some nice holiday photos, supports a local charity, and afforded me the opportunity to make another photo for myself.
“Though there are berries-a-plenty an unexpected guest seems less than welcome.” – Ed Lehming
I had not set out to photograph birds on this day. It was a day filled with wildlife where I had not expected much. This was the same day that I had a large buck walk right up to me. Shortly after that happened I was walking through a grove of birch trees filled with cedar waxwings feasting on berries.
There was constant motion with the birds eagerly flitting from branch to branch, never quite satisfied with where they were. It makes it a bit of a challenge, which is the nature of wildlife photography; wildlife does not like to sit still or pose. I have great admiration for wildlife photographers who specialize in this genre alone. Sometime, opportunities like this just pop up and you have to be ready for them.
I made several images, trying to compose the shot, focus, and light balance before the birds moved or took off altogether. Luck may have been on my side for this one, as I recall focussing on the single bird who occasionally would pose like in this image. What I was not aware of, as I clicked the shutter was the invader coming to land behind him. It worked out well as it looks like the subject of my attention was aware of the new comer and the bird landing in the background seems to be looking for a safe place to land. Overall, there is a nice sense of interaction in the photo as opposed to just a still image.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 200 mm
1/160 sec, f/6.3, ISO 400
“I was drinking in the surroundings: air so crisp you could snap it with your fingers and greens in every lush shade imaginable offset by autumnal flashes of red and yellow.” – Wendy Delsol
This was a bit of a surprise composition. As I looked into the forest all I could see was layers and layers of muted colour and bright patches of light. I saw the potential of a nice image that might capture some of the ‘feel’ of this scene. I decided on an intentional camera motion shot to bring some life to what I was seeing through my viewfinder.
I knew what I wanted to communicate but I was uncertain if I could convey it effectively. So, I took a chance, a single image based on the hope of what might be. Sometimes you have to take these chances and rely on pure instinct and knowledge of what your camera is capable of or that opportunity is forever lost.
The resulting image looked pleasing when I reviewed the shot on my camera. I knew it had captured the ‘essence’ of what I was hoping to express. With a few minor adjustments in post it yielded the result above. The glow of the autumn sun beams between the trees, laying down long ribbons of light. Catches of golds and copper reflect from the undergrowth and the pale green of the conifers fills in the background. It’s a very ‘soft’ image, looking vaguely ‘painterly’ and calming, which is what I was seeing as I stood before this scene. I’m pleased that I followed my ‘gut’ on this and was able to capture a small vignette of my overall autumn experiences.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 70 mm
1/4 sec, f/18, ISO 640
“The sun caught the remaining crimson leaves of the blackberry bush, reflecting it like a bright red beacon in the shadows.” – Ed Lehming
It’s a fairly common occurrence, this time of year, to see a bright splash of colour caught in the sun. With the many beautiful yellows, oranges, and reds combined with the low, soft sunlight, these colours show up in strong contrast to the darker background of the forest.
I’ve enjoyed observing and photographing these moments, as the light permits me. Sometimes its a challenge to compose this type of shot because the sun has to be in the right position to really make the plant glow or stand out from the background. Often the ideal angle for composition is not the ideal angle for capturing the light properly or effectively. It takes a bit of ‘moving around’ to balance composition, light, and subject optimally. Often the photo turns out as less than expected.
For this image all the elements came together with a bit of effort. To get the light just right I had to squat down low which accounts for the few pale blue splashes of sky in the background. I never was able to get the entire plant into the light as shadows from the scant canopy above kept landing on parts of the leaves. After a few attempts, this was the best one; a lovely blackberry plant in its final show of the year. At first I was looking for a fully intact plant, minus the partially eaten leaves, but that is the nature of this time of year, it’s a winding down. It’s still beautiful and bright, despite it’s flaws.
I walked past this spot yesterday and all the leaves had fallen, leaving only a thorny stem as an indication of where it once stood.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 200 mm
1/250, f/2.8, ISO 200
“With the morning sun at my back, light blazed above me, lighting the trail ahead with golden warmth.” – Ed Lehming
I can’t seem to get enough of autumn, as snow now begins to fall and swirl around outside. I was very fortunate to have the ability to spend longer periods of time on the local trails just as fall was coming into its full splendour.
Even the photo above, made only last week, still holds some splashes of colour and brightness. On this particular day, I hit the trails early and was greeted with beautiful warm sunshine and light. The sun is now lower in the sky and creates some lovely effects if you get the timing and location right. This particular section of trial lined up in such a way that the sun beamed brightly down the length of the trail, making it look like the whole thing was made of gold. It did help that the trail was covered with freshly fallen oak leaves and pine needles, but it was quite mesmerizing and I simply could not resist the shot, hoping to capture some of its beauty.
It looks like a bright shaft f light is descending from above when contrasted to the darker pine and oak forest along the trailside.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 70 mm
1/4 sec, f/25, ISO 200
“Delicious autumn, I could revel in her warmth and colours for months and not get tired of it. Like a leaf suspended above the ground, I move in her breezes, lost in her splendour.” – Ed Lehming
Such a simple thing, yet so much a part of the whole experience. This maple leaf, caught by chance on a cedar branch, hangs suspended above the forest floor, warm autumn light making it glow with the colour of fire.
It caught my eye immediately as I came around a bend in the trail. The sun caught it in such a way that it simply stood out against everything else. It beckoned to be photographed, as lovely reminder of this years wonderful, warm autumn days.
My life circumstances had just changed and I found myself out of work at my favourite time of year. With COVID 19 still a very present part of our lives, seldom used trails filled with people from the neighbouring city on the weekend. Parking is next to impossible and the throngs of people on the trails take away from the quite pleasure I usually enjoy. Not having to work, for a time, has afforded me the time to go hiking at my leisure. There are no deadlines to meet and no urgency to hurry along. I am simply able to ‘be’ in the forest and enjoy everything that nature has to offer me.
I’m finding myself very much at peace, able to recharge and heal mentally after 34 years of increasingly urgent work. It’s giving me time for solitude and reflection as I enjoy the sights, breath the fresh fall air, and listen to the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. Though unfortunate and disruptive, this ‘downtime’ it is proving to be very refreshing, so I will take all it has to offer me.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 200 mm
1/125sec, f/2.8, ISO 200
“I stand on the edge, that place between light and shadow, where the darkness prevails and light is mere steps away. I choose the light.” – Ed Lehming
I have stood in this place many times. It’s a place of transition, the place where thick forest opens into a bright meadow. As you approach this place, even on the dullest day, there is always a strong contrast between the forest and the field, the light is significantly different and always brighter.
The camera does some interesting things with this light. Actually, it’s the human eye that does the interesting thing, the camera merely captures what it sees, unadjusted. The human eye rapidly fills in missing information, bringing light and textures to the deep shadow that the camera simply sees as darkness. Our eyesight rapidly compensates and tries to give us as a complete a picture as possible.
Seeing through my camera has cased me to pause on more than a few occasions, where, despite adjusting camera settings and composition, I can never get quite what my eyes see, though I can often get very close. In some cases, like this one, the camera view is a bit more interesting and dramatic.
I do like these times. When I have a comparison point, it makes me consider what I see, or think I see in new ways.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 70 mm
1/4 sec, f/10, ISO 200
“There are times when nature becomes intimately close. I revel in those moments and hold them sacred. I become part of the natural world, not merely an observer.” – Ed Lehming
Yesterday was a big change in weather for us in Southern Ontario. We have had over a week of mild, almost summer-like conditions, with lots of bright sunshine. The shift to autumn norms has began and the day started out like a typical November: dull, cold, and just a hint of rain in the air.
Given that the light was not ideal for my standard forest photography, I ventured into an area that is a bit more open and is adjacent to a forested area. As I walked along the edge of the field I noticed movement on the far side, I saw a flash of white and realized that a large buck had just emerged and the white was the reflection from his antlers. Knowing how skittish bucks can be this time of year, I quickly shot a few images, figuring this would be the best I could get.
He stood at the edge of the field and then, to my surprise, started heading directly towards me. The breeze was in my favour, blowing from my left o my right and he did not catch my scent. Again, thinking he would soon notice me and bolt, I made a few more photos of him in various poses, including looking straight at me.
As time progressed he continued to walk towards me, seemingly unaware of my presence. I actually got a bit nervous because bucks can be aggressive and unpredictable during rut, or mating season. Eventually he passed within a few meters of where I stood, to the point where he no longer fit into my camera frame!
He still did not seem to notice me and wandered into the forest behind me without a sound or backwards glance. I truly felt amazed at this close encounter. It felt like I belonged there, for that moment, simply part of the environment. this moment will not soon be forgotten.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 200 mm
1/200 sec, f/7.1, ISO 400
“A multitude of colours and textures lays at my feet, a scattered sample of the colours which fill the autumn forest. A chance to consider the incredible multitude of shapes, textures, and tones the forest has to offer me this day.” – Ed Lehming
I was considering how I would approach this image. As with many things that I photograph, I’m often not sure at the time what, exactly, is drawing me towards that particular composition. Often, it’s not till many days later, when I have the chance to spend some time with the image, that that element or understanding emerges.
As I began a hike a few days ago, I noticed the colourful leaves laying on a wooden boardwalk which crosses a wetland one of the trails I regularly frequent. I stood there of a moment, looking at the textures and colours of what lay at my feet, separated fairly well so that each leaf showed its own particular character. I made the image simply so I could look back on it later as a bit of a novelty. The dark wooden planks really made the leaves ‘pop’ and show their brightness and is what caused to to stop here in the first place.
Now, as I look back on that particular decision, I realize that this simple isolation of elements is something I regularly do as I make photos. Here it’s the strong contrast between the bright leaves and the dark wood, other times it’s a particular element that stands out from its surroundings. There is no particular focus but the image grabs your attention and you end up drawn into it, taking on the individual parts, rather than the whole and small details that would normally be overlooked begin to emerge.
iPhone 7 back camera @ 4.0mm
1/30 sec; f/1.8; ISO 25
“There are few things more soothing than the bright colours of autumn and a handful of bright, warm days. It feels like the world around us is beaming with joy and it’s contagious.” – Ed Lehming
I continue to review the images I made on my many autumn hikes. Today, I look on a drab, rainy, and dull landscape, so reflecting back on the colour and light of recent weeks is refreshing.
It always astounds me when an image of a familiar place realizes in a new way. In the case of this image, it’s a bit of a narrow pathway where the trail weaves between a stand of poplars. This is a place I have passed through literally hundreds of times, but it’s never revealed itself like this. In fact, I would not have seen this view had I not looked behind me. Light direction plays a major factor in the photo.
This was about three weeks ago and fall colours were just completing their peak. The forest was filled with yellows and retained splashes of reds and orange. The mid-morning light cast wonderful long shadows but cast enough light to brighten the canopy with brilliant, soft light.
It’s these ‘moments’ that keep me coming back, time and time again. Every time I experience things in a new way. I hiked through here a few more times since, recalling this particular time with joy. But, for now, that moment is gone, ‘paused’ and waiting to show me some some new version, when the time is right.
iPhone 7 back camera @ 4.0mm
1/285 sec; f/1.8; ISO 20
“Returning to a memorable place is so refreshing, but we should not dwell there. Life has so many new memories for us to make.” – Ed Lehming
I did want to revisit this place and moment one last time. As I mentioned in a previous post, this is one of those opportunities we need to take whenever possible. It was a peripheral image that I made time to experience and I continue to enjoy and am so glad I took the time to stop and capture it.
There is also the element of being able to realize it as close to what my vision of the image was. As I said, I have driven past this place many times and had a mental ‘snapshot’ of what it might look like. There was always the intention of stopping here the ‘next time’ I drove by and many of those opportunities went by.
So, when I finally stopped here, there was a bit of creative pressure to fulfil that mental image of what might be. I stood at the roadside running through the various compositions available to me, also keenly aware that the light was rapidly changing and that an opportunity might be lost.
Something I have learned over the past few years of photography is to be prepared for every opportunity that presents itself. I am now able, after many failures, to rapidly compose a shot and I know my gear well enough to set it up quickly for a successful image. That was the case this past weekend. I stopped, set up several shots, with various lenses and quickly captured the images before the light changed too much. Even in the span of a few minutes, the conditions change rapidly, light dimming and background clouds shifting form.
Of all the images I made in those few minutes, this one remains the most pleasing to me. I was very happy to be able to fulfil an image I had only, till that point, imagined.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP AF 17-50 mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF A1N6II @ 20mm
1/80 sec, f/4.5, ISO 200
“Autumn is like that final concentrated burst at a fireworks display; it’s like the forest has been saving up for that one spectacular grand finale.” – Ed Lehming
It’s hard to believe that a mere two weeks has passed since I made this image. It was the second week of ‘fall’ proper. The prior week still had lots of greens and yellows and the canopy was still quite dense. On this day, the greens were largely gone and the soft autumn light fully penetrated the forest, filtered and reflected from the wonderful orange and golden leaves. The low sun also cast glorious shadows.
This was just one of many wonderful moments when I paused along the trail, breathed in the scent of fallen leaves and fresh soil, basked in the diffused light, and listened intently to the sounds of falling leaves. For me, there are few things more refreshing and enjoyable.
The image was made in effort to preserve this memory and it turned out beautifully. It fully captures my experience, without the sounds and scents.
Phone 7 back camera @ 4.0mm
f/1.8; ISO 20
“There are times in our lives where we simply need to stop and enjoy what is placed before us.” – Ed Lehming
I have “noticed” this scene many times over the past year, but I have never stopped to enjoy it. It’s one of those things we notice from the periphery of our “busyness”. It captures our attention, only momentarily and then we carry on.
Today, I was determined that I would spend some time here, enjoying the serenity of the location, along a fairly busy highway in Ontario’s Prince Edward County, a popular tourist destination. As cars wizzed by I stood and simply revelled in the place.
I had imagined what it might ‘realize’ into as a photo. Again, just on the edge of my imagination. It has left a lasting impression of what “might” be. I was hoping for good light, a few clouds to keep the composition interesting and engaging, and that I could frame it effectively from my roadside vantage point.
As the photo above can attest, I was not disappointed. Most of the desired elements aligned. The late afternoon light was soft and warm, a gentle breeze added texture to the pond. There was even a beaver in the pond, who quickly exited the frame before I was ready to snap the shutter. All that was missing was the bright yellow leaves that adorned the tree a few weeks ago. I will have to revisit this place a few more time to fully enjoy what might be.
For now, I am very content with what had, up to today, simply been a vision in my imagination. That is perhaps the greatest joy of photography for me; to communicate my own imagination and perception for others to enjoy, all because I took a few minutes to stop and enjoy a moment that I had passed by on previous occasions.
I would encourage everyone to take the time to enjoy absolutely every beautiful moment placed before us.
“On revisiting places and memories, we are reminded of what was. We should not dwell on these things, but recall fondly the place these things had in forming the present” – Ed Lehming
I have shared images of these dead pine trees a few times in the past. I came across them several years ago and they stood out to me because they are such a stark contrast to the living forest that surrounds them. They appear to have died many years ago but the nature of their composition and lack of branches for the wind to catch has kept them standing for years.
Every year, they decay a bit more and there is often one less. I imagine they will all be gone in the next few years.
I always make a point in stopping in front of them, thinking about what must have happened to kill them off and fascinated by how they have remained vertical. They have provided me with some wonderful photo opportunities. Given the number of photos I have made here, no two are ever the same. Some element is always changed, be it the light, the colour of the foliage, or even the slight change in my position when composing the image.
On the day I made this image, a mere week ago, autumn was in full swing, the surrounding forest filled with soft light and brilliant gold, orange, and rusty colours, and a cluster of shrubs, which have only recently taken hold among the skeletal trucks, added a beautify sparkle of light that I had not noticed before.
It’s become a place of quiet reverence and reflection to me and one I will sorely miss once they are all gone. I will miss them once their time has passed but be grateful for the inspiration they have provided me.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 70 mm
1/4 sec, f/32, ISO 200
“Before me spread a carpet of freshly fallen leaves, pristine and undisturbed, like a ribbon of gold, drawing me forward into the serenity of the autumn forest.” – Ed Lehming
This past weekend was a magical time, on several levels; frost had settled into the forests, causing leaves to fall rapidly as the sun warmed the trees, creating a thick and aromatic carpet of colour, and it was also the first time since I was in my teens that I found myself without a job.
The walk in the forest gave me time to consider this point in time in terms of similarities. The forest was transitioning rapidly from early fall, with it’s beautiful and colourful canopy and the reality I have been living, working full time at the same employer for the past 34 years was also changed.
It was all changing before my eyes. As I walked through the bright forest, the leaves crunching underfoot I thought to myself, “this is not so bad, I have all this to enjoy more often”, at least for the near future, as I heal my body and spirit after years of stress. There was no real worry about the future, simply an enjoyment of the moment. The beautiful golden carpet before me spoke to my future, and it’s not one filled with gloom and dread; it’s bright, cheerful and filled with promises of more beauty.
I am truly blessed to have this beauty so close at hand; a place to unwind and be with my thoughts, surrounded by wonderful sights, sounds, and aromas. That day was also filled with the most wonderful light and yielded many photos that I will be sharing over the next few weeks. My personal ‘transition’ is also offering me more time to write and spend time with my thoughts and emotions.
iPhone 7 back camera @ 4.0mm
1/767 sec; f/1.8; ISO 20
“Autumn’s bright colour makes everything bright” – Ed Lehming
This long-dead tree sits along the roadside leading to my daughter’s house. In most seasons it stands as a stark memorial of a once wonderful maple tree. Every year it deteriorates a bit, dropping limbs and shedding bark. There is not much left other than the trunk and a handful of branches.
I do notice every time I drive by it because it stands alone, a dry piece of wood among roadside weeds. There are no other trees or stumps remaining, just this one.
Last week, as I walked down the laneway, bright post-rain light shone on the weeds and undergrowth around the base. The fall reds and yellows seem to warp the base of the tree like a colourful blanket or cloak. It changes the entire look of the scene, for the moment anyway.
As a side note, this tree was toppled by strong winds a few weeks after I made the image. Everything is temporary.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 82 mm
1/250 sec, f/8.0, ISO 250
“I stand, transfixed, surrounded by a sea of fall colours so beautiful that it’s hard to describe. And through it all, red beams from the forest. Bold and bright. It’s not even a competition, it has my full attention.” – Ed Lehming
Just yesterday, though it seems like days, my wife and daughter and I went for a walk along Prince Edward County’s Millenium Trail. Fall was in full show and the trail took us through some wonderfully wooded areas.
The entire landscape was filled with bright colours and leaves blowing in the gentle breeze. To be honest, autumn often overwhelms me as a photographer; to be surrounded by so much colour and beauty makes it difficult to focus on just one thing, as they all compete for my attention. And then, this stunning red vine had me transfixed. It stood out so dramatically from the surrounding colours that I could not take my eyes off it. As a simple photo it did look nice but I added my deliberate camera motion to it to make it even more stunning.
It’s also a bit of a milestone for me. I have felt completely uninspired artistically for the past few months, relying only on images I made with my iPhone, so It’s nice to get back into it with my real camera
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 185 mm
1/4 sec, f/32, ISO 400
“Water craft of all sizes float on the bay on a hazy summer afternoon” – Ed Lehming
The photo above was made while travelling across Picton Bay on the Glenora Ferry. The ferry transports vehicles and people from a dock at the eastern end of Prince Edward County to the mainland to the north.
It’s a very short trip of about five minutes but saves a long trip around the bay itself. For modern travellers, it’s a bit of a novelty and I always enjoy seeing the expressions on children’s faces when the ferry departs the dock and the cars are now transported across open water. It’s something not many would have experienced.
I also like the feeling for floating across the water in my vehicle and the trip offers a different perspective of the bay. In this case, there is a sailboat a few hundred meters away from the ferry and just behind it a large ‘laker’ transport ship heading to the local cement plant for a load. These ‘lakers’ are massive ships that transport goods from port to port in Ontario’s Great Lakes, thus the name. Many are also ocean going and make the long trek east on the St. Lawrence River, eventually entering the Atlantic Ocean.
For this image, I just liked the calm mood it invokes for me.
iPhone 7 back camera @ 4.0mm
1/6000 sec; f/1.8; ISO 25
“Late August sunshine nourishes maturing plants. Fruiting vines, like grapes, hang heavy with their bounty.” – Ed Lehming
I’ve been spending more and more time at our home in Prince Edward County (PEC). One of the “county’s” claims to fame, and a major draw for urban tourists, are the numerous established and emerging wineries.
It’s a wonderful experience to visit the wineries and see all the ripening grapes in the fields, including these at Waupoos Winery at the south-east end of the county. It’s one of the oldest and most established wineries. It’s also quite unique in that the property extends right to the shores of Lake Ontario. I’m not sure the variety of these grapes but could not resist capturing an image of them. They look ready to burst.
Get ready for an ongoing theme of rural scenes and vineyards 🙂
iPhone 7 back camera @ 4.0mm
1/1800 sec; f/1.8; ISO 20
“A common sight in the right light suddenly becomes beautiful.” – Ed Lehming
I’ve passed this shed countless times and it barely registers. It’s just an old shed along the road near my home. It’s commonplace and a bit weather-worn.
A few evenings ago, as we walked to a local restaurant for diner with friends the early evening light changed the entire appearance of the shed. It glowed in the soft evening light, becoming the focus of my attention.
Fortunately, I had my phone with me and was able to capture another beautiful moment in time.
“In the heat of mid-Autumn, grapes hang thick and ripening in the sunshine. Harvest is not so far off now.” – Ed Lehming
Yesterday, we had the opportunity to visit few of the local wineries in Prince Edward County. Many are now offering food as an option. COVID-19 has made wine tastings ‘interesting’ and we experienced many variations on what was once a fairly standard practice. Depending on the winery, its size, and facilities, the owners have all done their best to devise a model that works for them. Some seem close to ‘normal’ while others are experimenting with alternatives.
Fortunately for us, we are already familiar with many of the local wineries and trust their product quality, sight unseen. However, it poses a problem when visiting wineries we are unfamiliar with. Despite the challenges, we did discover a few wineries with lovely wines and I’m happy for this; firstly because we have some very nice wines to enjoy and secondly, we are able to support local farmers.
One thing that was encouraging was seeing all the ripening fruit on the vines. Despite a significant drought and high temperatures, the grapes seem to be flourishing. Some recent rains will have helped the vines before they get too stressed. The image above was made at a local vineyard as we waited for our lunch, a fantastic wood-fired pizza under a trellis of grape vines; simply marvellous!
iPhone 7 back camera @ 4.0mm
1/529 sec; f/1.8; ISO 20
Edited with Prizma
“Seemingly out of place, on a wide gravel beach, the frog makes its way over the polished stones to the refreshing waters of the lake.” – Ed Lehming
On a recent trip to Ontario’s Prince Edward County, we spent some time on a quiet gravel beach. The beach was made of heavily polished limestone pieces deposited by the churning waters of Lake Ontario. These stones where all flat and smooth and extended inland some ten meters from the shore. The beach ended an an elevated shoreline of course limestone, sand, grasses, and scrubby trees.
It’s been an extremely hot and dry summer in this region, so I was surprised as a leopard frog emerged from the dry grass behind where I was sitting and began making its way to the water’s edge. It made sense that the frog would want the water, but it’s a fairly long and highly exposed route to take.
This particular frog did not seem to mind me blocking his way for a few minutes to get a photo while others on the same journey were pretty skittish. A few moments after making this image I started along the lakeshore and noticed many other frogs in the water and along the beach, also refreshing themselves. As I continued on my way, I saw a stick laying on the gravel. As I stepped towards it the ‘stick’ moved, as it turned out to be a rather large Garter Snake. This snake was not alone and there were many other snakes doing the same thing; hoping to intercept a frog on it’s way to or from the shore.
While I did not see any snakes who had successfully caught a frog, I’m sure it’s not an uncommon occurrence and there is absolutely no shelter for the frogs to escape from, they would have to rely completely on speed and stealth to survive the journey to and from the water.
“Stone and wood; along the lake shore, bear witness to the tireless motion of water.” – Ed Lehming
This past week, as I stood on the stone covered shores of Lake Ontario, at Prince Edward Point, I had to consider how long these stones had been smoothed by the ceaseless action of waves crashing on the shores. Among the stones, pieces of driftwood, recent additions to the shoreline dance, also participate in the endless erosion.
The waves continue to roll in and the stones chatter, as if speaking, as the water rolls over them, pulls them back to the lake and then pushes them back again. The ancient language of the lakeshore, etched in the stones.
“Within the swamps of Prince Edward County, layers of green draw me deeper and deeper as the light shimmers with summer’s heat. Despite days of endless heat and sunshine, the forest remains lush.” – Ed Lehming
As I spend time exploring the landscapes of my second home, it’s the swamps that fascinate me. The swamps are not deep oozing bogs; they are filled with wonderful swamp maples which thrive in this unique environment.
I still recall these wetlands from my first trip into this unique part of Ontario. After driving through rolling hills and farmland, the road passed through a large patch of deep lush swampland. Seeing large trees living in a swamp was unexpected. At first I though the land had been recently flooded but research taught me that this species of maple is able to survive and thrive in the shallow swamps.
The contrast of the healthy trees and layers upon layer of deep green and healthy vegetation is wonderful. Even this summer, with days upon days of high temperatures and drought, the swamps are still lush, seemingly impervious to the conditions.
The canopy is thin enough that wonderful golden light is able to reach deep between the foliage making for an unusually bright swamp. The undergrowth seems to invite you to enter but I imagine you would not get far without getting bogged down. It’s like nothing else I have ever experienced and I was happy for the opportunity to capture it ad render it as yet another piece of digital art.
“Long, hot summer days and quiet country roads yield surprises and raise questions, to the curious.” – Ed Lehming
There are many times when a drive down a backroad offers interesting sights. Most frequently I see an old abandoned building and wonder how it came to be in the state it’s in. I try to picture it when it was first built, envision a family starting a home. As a new house, it must have held so much promise.
Yet here, along the roadside of Ontario’s Prince Edward County, many years after that time, the house has fallen into severe disrepair, a mere curiosity, barely standing, along the roadside and a photo opportunity for me.
I decided to render this image as digital art, to add some mood and interest to the image.
Ed Lehming Photography 
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