Alberta
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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.
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!
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 🙂
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.
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 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.
"Mother Nature's Gift" - Brazeau Dam, Alberta. "Into the forest I go, camera in hand I lose my worries, renew my spirit and find my soul"... Romi Boon. While traveling in my RV, I search of new places to explore, along with photographic opportunities, for the curiously different and/or a one-of's (something out of place or by its self). As I drove through the rolling foothills of central, western Alberta, I was thrilled to find this grouping of birch trees because of the colourful foliage surrounding the them; framing the trees. This, was exactly what I had been searching for! Prior to taking this shot, I stopped to consider a few things, including; a prominent tree, colour(s), what and where is the focal point (center of interest) and depth of field (so everything would be in focus). Although the dark tree in the forest (on the right), does draw your attention, it's the large birch that catches your attention first, and that's exactly what I was shooting for. I'll always be reminded of "Covid" when I look at this photo, because Mother Nature added some colour and excitement to my life, on what was otherwise a trying day. When I’m exploring with a camera is in my hand, I’m filled with purpose and meaning; my worries disappear when my creative passions are being met.
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.
This female Grizzly had two little cubs following behind her. OMG, they were SO cute but because they were behind all the tall grasses, I just couldn't get a clear shot of them. I spotted them in the Abraham Lake district of Alberta, Canada and although I have seen grizzlies before there was something about her that was more frightening; I think I felt her protective energy. That said, even though I a safe distance from her, my heart was racing (I have a respectful fear of grizzlies!). AND.... my heart was STILL racing as I processed this photo (I take raw photos). I had trouble looking into her eyes, it was as though she was looking at me even through the photo. If you run into a grizzly bear: 1. Stay calm. If the bear sees you, talk in a low, calm voice and then regardless if it has seen you or not. 2. Back up slowly. 3. Never turn your back on a bear, or run. 4. Do not stare.... DON'T look into their eyes! 5. Give it space. 6 Do not run! 7. Use your bear spray as it approaches.
