Alberta Photos
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I arrived at Elk Island National Park, in central Alberta, just as darkness took over the landscape. I was hoping to hone in on some Milky Way photography, knowing that the lake and islands would provide some valued interest to the photo. With great anticipation and in the darkness of night, I set out with a my camera gear on my back, bear spray in hand and my puppy Arlo by my side. With the assistance of a headlamp, I walked to Astotin Lake and hiked along the northern lakeside trail. As I walked I noticed some strange noises that seemed to be following me and I could hear some bugling elk and howling coyotes in the distance (admittedly, it was a bit unnerving!). I told myself, “It’s just rabbits and birds, scouring about and the animals are so far away”..... I didn’t linger (lol). Unfortunately though, by the time I got to the spot where I knew the islands, lake and with the Milky Way would align, it had clouded over. All was not lost however because I did get this spectacular photo. In this photo, both the city lights of Edmonton and the blue of evening falling, were very faint but there was just enough light for a 30 second exposure. The addition of these two lovely young ladies (who just happened to be there) added a much needed focal point. I asked if they wouldn’t mind standing still for 30 seconds, and they enthusiastically agreed (I was thrilled, and thankful!). Back in my RV, I enjoyed a hot cup of tea and I reflected on my day. Happiness is truly in the accumulation of micro-moments and with that thought, I enthusiastically planned my next day!
*Photographer's Note: This photo is comprised of three individual photos and is a large file. This image can be blown up to a very large size. Cadomin is a hamlet in the west-central area of Alberta. It's quaintly nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and is approximately 50 kilometers south of Hinton, and just east of Jasper National Park. This operating coal mine community was once home to over 1000 people but now is home to only 55. I was SO excited to be back in the Rockies and I felt very fortunate that I arrived on such a BEAUTIFUL day. That said, to say I was “excited” was an understatement! I was invigorated by the mountain air, the beauty that surrounded me and the freedom my RV lifestyle. I arrived in Cadomin just as the morning sun crested and filled the valley floor. The golden light on this pond was astonishing, and I knew it would be short lived so I had to hustle to capture it! I love the dominating fall colors in this photo but what I love the most are the lead in lines and how your eyes follow the shoreline, and then settles in the vivid reflection of the pond (called “the settling point”). At day’s end I reflected upon the day; with my happy energy radiating, many wonderful things came my way. A change in one’s attitude, is golden. So, I named this photograph, "A Golden Life" (attitude is golden). 🙂
Here’s an interesting question. Does a photographer create a photograph, or is it the scene that presents itself? I think it’s a combination of both. What do you think? Granted, some scenes just happen to present themselves and are easy to photograph, while others require research, time, patience and praying for the right weather and light conditions. More often than not however, as I approach a beautiful scene, I find that trees and plants obstruct my prized composition, and that's when I have to dig into my creative self. Sometimes, I walk away empty handed. Although landmark photography is generally easy to shoot, it’s the more difficult and unique scenes that I’m drawn to. That stated, getting off the beaten path is always my choice destination and create the most amazing memories (and captures too!). It was late in the day when I stopped and followed a tributary to the Athabaska River; just east of Jasper, and within Jasper National Park. I hoped to capture some reflective and silhouetted river scenes but by the time I got to the river, storms were forming and started to circle the valley around me and after some hiking around, this riverscape developed! Yes, one could say this scene presented itself and had nothing to do with the photographer but skill, know how, an eye for composition and patience was required. I suppose resilience to rain is also required, because I got soaked to get this shot (but it was so worth it!).
I recently attended an amazing photography conference in Pincher Creek Alberta, where there were a number of speakers that covered a variety of photographic topics; I was in my element! Although I was primarily there to hear Viktoria Haack and Adam Gibbs speak (two renowned BC photographers who’s style and genres I admire), I actually enjoyed all the speakers and presenters. Their work, combined with their shared wisdom, was inspiring; so much so that it inspired me (personally) to dive into some new (to me) genres. That said, I was particularly interested in the discussions that pertained to astrophotography (including aurora borealis), wildlife photography and Black & White photography; just to mention a few. When I left the conference I decided to concentrate on black and white for a while, so imagine my delight when I came across this old farmhouse (not far from Pincher Creek). At first, I was merely fixated on the old abandoned homestead but as I walked around I noticed all the amazing leading lines which added to the overall composition. Considering the subject, I knew this photograph would look amazing in black and white; by naturally adding a sense of mood, mystery and age.
Cadomin is a hamlet in the west-central area of Alberta. It is quaintly nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and is approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Hinton and just east of Jasper National Park. This operating coal mine community was once home to over 1000 people but now is home to only 55. I was SO excited to be back in the Rockies and I felt very fortunate that I arrived on such a BEAUTIFUL day! That said, to say I was “excited” was an understatement! I was invigorated by the mountain air, the beauty that surrounded me and the freedom my life and RV gives me. I arrived in Cadomin just as the morning sun crested and filled the valley floor. The golden light on this pond was astonishing, and I knew it would be short lived so I had to hustle to capture it! I love the dominating fall colors in this photo but what I love the most is the lead in line and how your eyes follow the shoreline, and then settles in the vivid reflection of the pond (called “the settling point”). At day’s end I reflected upon the day; with my happy energy radiating, many wonderful things came my way. A change in one’s attitude, is golden. So, I named this photograph, "Golden Change" (as in seasons and in attitude). 🙂
This astrophotograph is first for me. That said however there are so many different facets to photography that I don't think a photographer could possibly be proficient in them all; and because of this, our skills keep evolving. That said, it's with passionate curiosity that I continue to feed my passion. It was really hard to see and frame this shot in the dark so image my surprise when my favorite shot included a falling star! Taken at 1 a.m., facing south at Abraham Lake Alberta. The light (pollution) in the mountain valley is likely Banff and/or Calgary. Look for more astrophotography and aurora photos to come!
The northern lights are truly Mother Nature’s fireworks. This was my first photo shoot of the aurora borealis and although it wasn’t a spectacular display this photograph (along with the experience being up at such a strange hour) has me hooked. As I stood in complete darkness, I felt a fearless sense of peace in the solitude, and a calm in my own stillness. It was amazing! I look forward to my next “wee” hour photo shoot!
“Bridge Together”, our connection to Mother Nature. When I’m embraced by Mother Nature, I feel a refreshed, grounded and in the moment; I’m at peace. In these trying times, Mother Nature's beauty is so refreshing and her spirit is infectiously calming. There's something therapeutic in meandering in her presence and although I can't truly capture her in my photographs, I try to capture both her essence and my connection. She is vast and choosing what to include in a photograph is a uniquely personal decision however as a photographer, I have a lot to consider. What’s the focal point? Where should I place the focal point. What’s taking my eye away from it? That said, choosing what not to include is more important than choosing what to include. I made a conscious decision to omit the forest on the left side of this frame. Together with the lead in angle of the trees, your eyes are led across the bridge and out of the photograph; which makes you wonder, “What’s on the other side of the bridge?”. Even though we don’t know what’s on the other side of that bridge we know it serves a purpose, to unite (hence this photo's name, “Bridge Together”).
I traveled to Grande Cache Alberta to explore Willmore Wilderness Park. This Rocky Mountain park is 4600 square kilometers (2900 sq.miles) of untamed wilderness, and is adjacent to Jasper National Park and Grande Cache. Glaciers, high mountain peaks, thick forests and raging rivers define the area. The hillsides around Grande Cache are not particularly tall but they were notably blanketed in their vibrant fall colors. I stopped at the local tourism office and was informed that there are no roads in the park and that all motorized vehicles (of any kind) are not permitted. There are however, over 750 kilometers of trails for backpackers and horseback riders. I then asked if there were any helicopter tours in the area (I would have loved to get up into the alpine!) but even helicopters aren’t permitted. Needless to say I didn’t get up close and personal with the Rocky Mountains but not all was lost; I was drawn to the abundance of fall colors…. everywhere! With an early start, I headed to Victor Lake; which was just outside of town. It was cloudy and relatively dark but there were a few pockets of sunshine, so I crossed my fingers and hoped I’d be lucky. That said, imagine how elated I was when the sun did appear and shone only on the trees… really, how lucky! I was beaming while I packed up my camera; which reminded me of a reflective quote, “Be a reflection of what you want to receive”. *If you look closely along the shoreline, you’ll see a dock and a couple outbuildings too.
No doubt the first thing that comes to mind when you look at this photo is, “cold”! That said however, Alberta's cold wintry days are usually sunny, thus so very spectacular! As the morning clouds were lifting, the sun cast its rays on the mountain slopes, and the shadows it creates helps to define the ruggedness of the range. The shadows of the foreground trees help lead your eyes along and up to the mountain peaks. Notice how the foreground shadow, the mountain range and the heavy clouds above, all contribute to the balance of this photo; each being one third of the field of view.
As I drove just south of Abraham Lake (Alberta), on the David Thompson Hwy 11, I happened across this view. I was driving my RV, sitting approximately 6 feet above the service of the road, so I have the wonderful advantage of great views and a great photographic vantage points too! That said however, when I stepped outside of the RV to take this photo, the fence line disappeared into the trees, "darn, hmmm.... what to do?" So, I opened the driver's side door and stood on the floor-boards then flung and hung myself over the top of the door and held on tight as I tried to hold my camera steady as cars zoomed by! LOL, no doubt I got some strange looks :-) Normally a fence line running across the foreground of a photo would stop the viewer's eye from entering the photo however because you can hardly see the barbed wire in this photograph, I wasn't concerned. Instead, I knew you'd notice the vertical fence posts; which actually lead your eye into the photo. "Perfect", I thought, and it adds to the overall composition too. The other thing you might notice, is the group mass of the trees. Its size along with the vibrant color definitely demands the viewer's attention. The teal colors of Abraham Lake, combined with the fall colors, made this an exciting day of exploring with my camera! You have to visit sometime!
One late September afternoon, while hiking along the Bow River (near Lake Louise, Alberta), I came across this interesting image floating (if you will) on the river's service. "Floating", you might ask? Well, no... it's actually a reflection of the valley scene on the water's surface. I was in the Rocky Mountains to shoot the vibrant fall colors of the native larch trees however on this overcast day I chose to look for the "abnormal" instead, and found this. What I find most interesting about this photograph are the shapes and contrast of the clouds reflecting in the water, which gives this photograph a painterly style.
“The Heart Of Peyto" ....a final resting place.
We visited Peyto Lake, in Banff National Park in May of 2015. The park had just opened for the season and we were likely the first on the trail! It was an incredibly stellar day; the air was crispy clear, the colours were vibrant and the late spring snow added so much beauty. "Lucky us!" we both exclaimed! I'm easily drawn into this photo and taken to this very spot. It was here that I was reminded of Mother Earth’s fragility, of its tranquil beauty and its grandeur; then later I was reminded of our human fragility. As we hiked the trail my friend came across a beautifully polished jade heart that was approximately 3 inches in diameter; it was definitely not something that belonged there. It was flat on the bottom side (so it could sit on a table) and rounded on the top and on the top side there was round indentation (about the size and the thickness of a dime), obviously something had been glued in there, at one time. “Hey, look what I found”, my friend exclaimed! Instantly I was overtaken with emotion and tears rolled down my face; it was a baby’s urn. Raw memories of my own family’s stillborn and urn overtook me; my tears ran deep. I suspected this was a chosen, final resting place for this precious tiny life; what a spectacular view. We were standing near a ledge, where there was a full view Peyto Lake, and its turquoise colours. We had been walking on a snow-covered trail so I surmised that the parents couldn’t walk any further so they either placed the urn in a tree or perhaps lovingly and carefully tossed it. We knew that if we were to leave it, where we found it, then the next group of hikers would likely take it (being that it was jade); not knowing what they had found. “This baby”, I said, “deserves a beautiful resting place, somewhere it's parents would have intentionally and lovingly placed it". With that, I walked over to the mountain’s edge, laid on my stomach, reached over and down and then with my hands found a safe resting place for it to sit. Perfect ...tears. Tears are words that can’t be expressed just as grief is a love that has nowhere to go. Love is what binds us all. Be vulnerable, be you; it’s okay to cry... you’re human. This photo reminds me that I’m human, on a human journey on this amazing earth! Life is short; write a story! ...and take your camera! Peyto Lake is a glacier-fed lake, along Columbia Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It was named for Bill Peyto, an early trail guide and trapper in the Banff.
The Ice Fields Parkway is a 230km (143ml) mountain highway that runs through the heart of both Banff and Jasper National Parks. It parallels the Continental Divide and is considered to be one of the most jaw dropping scenic routes in the world. On the April day that we traveled the parkway, the air was crisp, the sky was clear and impressively blue. A late snowfall, a late spring thaw and the southern sun were all on our side as we set out on this photo journey. As we drove north, we often stopped and turned around to capture yet another amazing shot (luckily there wasn't much traffic!). As mentioned, the sky was impressively blue and as a result, the remaining snow absorbed the same blue tones. Observe too, the colors of the mountains, which are also blue; albeit darker in density. This photo has a definite abstract element to it; it’s comprised of two colors (blue and green) and has some strong angular lines.
The world continues to amaze me. In these trying times, Mother Nature's beauty is so refreshing and her spirit is infectiously calming. There's something therapeutic in meandering in her presence. Although I can't truly capture her in my photographs, I try to capture her essence 🙂
