Animals
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In the spring, a grizzly bear’s diet consists of approximately 70% grass, to replenish their lack of proteins during hibernation. This is why you often see bears along roadways, where grass grows in abundance. Knowing this, I had my camera at the ready as I traveled along this (somewhat) remote logging road in the interior of British Columbia. I travel this road often and I see black, brown and cinnamon bears on a regular basis but this was the first time that I came across a grizzly bear. Grizzly bears come in many sizes, and this female (her cub was nearby) was relatively small. I once saw a grizzly that was at least 3 times larger (it was incredibly massive!) so I now have a sincere fear of them. I stayed with these grizzlies for approximately 10 minutes, and they didn’t seem to mind my presence. As I watched and gazed into their eyes, I felt at peace with them but I know those seemingly calm eyes are very deceiving and they deserve respect; I kept my distance. In this photo, she lifted her head to watch a vehicle drive behind me. Frightened by the noise of a bouncing utility trailer it was pulling, she and her cub scurried into the forest. Although I was disappointed that my photo session came to an abrupt end, I knew that this (my last photo) was going to be a keeper! Yay! I felt VERY fortunate by this opportunity. It's now a great memory and I’m thrilled to add it to my photography portfolio and here on my website.
We arrived at Monument Valley with plans to tour and photograph the valley; we were so excited! We didn’t however do our homework prior to our arrival, and were disappointed to find out the park was closed because of Covid. So, we made the most of our time here and decided to explore the area around Monument Valley instead. We chose to explore a side road that was paved to begin with, then it turned to gravel and then it turned into a forestry service road. We were alone and it felt freeing to be alone; the only car in the middle of nowhere and away from civilization. Suddenly I saw something move across the rocky desert scape, “Wild donkeys!” I said with excitement (I had never seen them before). They were a far distance away so with my camera and long lens in hand I slowly walked towards them; not knowing anything about wild donkeys, I wondered if they’d be curious about me. Then with some trepidation I wondered what would I do if they did! Quit quickly however, they ran off and I didn’t even get a single shot. We continued on and as we turned a corner, these four wild donkeys stood right in front of us! Now, knowing how skittish they are, I quietly (and quickly) got out of the truck to take aim. Initially, they were huddled together but as I approached them (ever so carefully) they backed off and stood as you see them here; just as curious about me as I was about them. I knew how very, very blessed I was for this once in a lifetime opportunity, so with that in mind, I made sure all my settings were I wanted them and held my camera steady. What I love about this photo is how perfectly lined up they are!
Tofino, and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of British Columbia, are characterized by the wild natural scenery; ancient rain-forest, vast sandy beaches (which offer year-round surfing), many hiking trails, a paved 43 km. (26 mile) paved biking trail and many fine shops, hotels and restaurants. I spent 5 days in Tofino, in hopes of shooting some stormy sea and sky photos. Although the storms never developed, on this day there was a high surf advisory, so off I went in search of some waves. Not being very familiar with the ocean, I was somewhat intimidated by its mighty strength and roar. I spotted these ocean birds (called Brandt's Cormorants) silhouetted on this rock from quite a distance, noting their sleek necks and rounded bellies as I walked towards them. I climbed the boulders to get to this view (with one eye on the ocean!). Once I found my composition, I was waited for the "big" wave; I keeping one eye on the ocean so I wouldn't be swept in. Using my 100 to 400 Sony zoom lens I was able to capture this photograph. As I waited, I remembering comparing my fear of the ocean to theirs and envied their agility. That said, fear got the best of me and once I got this shot, I was out of there! Quick Brandt's Cormorants facts: They are expert divers and can swim more than 200 feet in pursuit of fish and shellfish. They're an aggressive bird. They migrate each year from Alaska to Mexico and are very common and widespread. Brandt's sports a vivid cobalt-blue throat patch and eyes during breeding season. They have wispy white feathers on the head, which you can't see in this photo.
"The Wapiti" This shot was captured in Jasper National Park, where over 1300 of Elk roam. Although I’m not a wildlife photographer and more of an opportunist, I definitely enjoy honing in on the many skills and challenges it requires. “The Wapiti” is the Native American name for Elk. It’s the second largest member of the deer family( after the Moose). An adult male elk can grow up to 5 feet tall at its shoulders, and can be over 1000 pounds. In a protected area, such as Jasper, they can often live for over 20 years. Only the bulls have antlers, which are grown and shed yearly. What I love about this photo is the rim lighting (on the Elk), combined with the defused lighting. I was fortunate to capture this Elk in such magnificent lighting conditions. The added bonus was the falling snow and to be able see its breath too! In my earlier years I was known as a studio photographer but today, I define myself as a “generalist”, which is a photographer who isn’t defined by just one type of photography. By being a generalist, I’m continually learning, exploring and challenging myself, which is important to me. That said, I feel passions add quality and purpose to our lives, and those we can share with others fill our hearts. This then, is my happy place!
"Bison Country" Elk Island National Park in Alberta is most known for its acres of roaming bison and elk, birds and ponds. While touring the park, I came across a group of bison; I enthusiastically followed and watched them for quite some time. At one point, I chuckled when I saw them roll playfully around in patches of well worn dirt (the patches had obviously been used many times). That said, unfortunately I didn't get a great shot of the humorous behavior but I'll know to watch and be prepared for it next time. I equate photographing this bison to taking a photo of a black dog in that their black fur, dark eyes and shaded crevices require good lighting illuminate and see their features. Just like the studio portraits I've done, I always look for defining highlights, soft frontal lighting and that sparkle in the eyes.
The story attached to this photo has absolutely NOTHING to do with this duck (a Common Goldeneye), and EVERYTHING to do with a "crappy" situation..... literally, lol 🙂 I woke up to a beautiful morning my RV; perched and overlooking the Bow River. I was eager to head back to the pond where I had taken this photo; I was rained out the night before. I planned to leave right away, and as I was getting the RV ready for take-off, I looked down my RV toilet bowl and decided that "NOW" was the time for a quick clean, and with one quick swirl around the toilet bowl my toilet bowl brush-head fell off and down into the holding tank! "OH NO, this can't be!". Now normally, with a direct drain system, that would not have been a problem but my RV has a macerator pump attached to a 1.5 inch drainpipe. I knew the brush head would have to be removed, but how? I was sick! Now what?! I grabbed a my kitchen tongs and shoved my arm down into the toilet hole (about 3 inches in diameter) when suddenly a thought came to mind, "What if I get arm gets stuck in the toilet, in the middle of no where!" (lol). So with my phone at my side, I lathered up my arm with cream rinse and with a prayer I plunged my arm down again. Notta! I couldn't reach it! My next thought was to fill the tank with whatever water I had so that the water level rises.... and that didn't work either! Okay, now what? I knew that if I drove away, the brush head will float around and I will no longer see it from above. Pondering, I was left with no choice but to find a RV repair shop A RV department suggested I remove the macerator pump or they could remove the tank (ouch$!) "but not now, it'll be a few weeks". Knowing I didn't have a choice, I headed for my daughter's house where I knew she'd have the tools I'd need to remove the macerator pump. So, picture this scene; two women lying side by side under a RV on a gravel ground and both (obviously) using brute force to remove some clamps AND (you guessed it) when the clamp let loose there might have been a drip or two of sewage..... LOL (it's only funny now, ha ha!). With the macerator pump removed, we drove to the local sani-dump and attached a regular RV sewage hose and prayed that it would just flush out..... Notta! With a flashlight in hand, I could see the brush head sitting on the bottom of the tank. Hmmm... now what? With a garden hose, we filled the black-water tank and proceeded to flush it again.... Notta! We tried again.... Notta! So, there the brush-head sat, innocently in the residual sewage of that tank and we sat on the ground wondering, "now what?". We decided to try to grab it with a trash-picker, and (you guessed it) I had to put my arm into the tank, yet again (pee yew!) but it worked! After we showered (!), we celebrated our resilience and ingenuity with a glass of wine. This will be a mother/daughter moment we'll never forget; together we did it! "If you want to accomplish anything, you must first be able to expect it of yourself". Wayne Dyer
As a photographer, I’ve often written about the need for patience and perseverance, and this photo required both. With my camera on a tripod and zoomed in on this eagle I waited for it to open its wings and take flight but ...I waited, and waited..... and waited! Finally, I gave up but not before noticing this much bigger composition. I love the soft colors of this photo, and how the branches are highlighted (which lead your eyes to the eagle). Although this image may not resonate with everyone, that’s the reality of “art”; it's in the eye of the viewer. That said, it’s my artistic vision that excitedly leads my way 🙂 I named this photo “A Perspective Eye” because the eagle was busily hunting for its next meal. My "Perspective Eye" noticed this larger composition, and your own "Perspective Eye" either loves this type of photography, or not :-)
Oh my gosh! I came up with so many hilarious captions for this photograph. I LOVE the way he appears to be scowling at me! Ha Ha! This image makes me laugh, every time I look at it. This is a Red Tailed Hawk, captured just outside of Bishop, California. That said, they are a fairly common bird of prey in North America.
"Wapiti Portrait" “The Wapiti” is the Native American name for an Elk. It’s the second largest member of the deer family( after the Moose). An adult male elk can grow up to 5 feet tall at its shoulders, and can be over 1000 pounds. In a protected area, such as Jasper, they can often live for over 20 years. Only the bulls have antlers, which are grown and are shed yearly. Although I’m not a "wildlife photographer" (per se), I do enjoy the opportunities I do get to hone in on that skill. What I love about this photo it's warm morning glow and defused lighting which fills in the (normally), harsh shadows. That said, I was fortunate to capture this Elk in such magnificent lighting conditions. In my earlier years I was known as a studio photographer but today, I consider myself as a “generalist”, which means I'm not defined by any one type of photography (which gives me the freedom to explore).
Recently, after months of building my photography business, I took a break from my creative passions (business and photography). In that time I recognized my need to keep busy and how very blessed that I am to be able to do what I love. As I was driving my motorhome one early and chilly morning, I saw this bridge view over some shrubs (thanks for the higher perspective of the RV). I continued to drive past for well over 5 minutes while I debated whether or not I should turn around. Obviously, I turned around (and I’m glad I did!). I had noted a spot that I could park my RV but I hadn’t noticed just how high the vegetation surrounding this pond was. Fortunately however I found a trail that lead to the shore of pond (how lucky!). As I was setting up my camera gear I noticed these two Canadian geese casually swimming towards my planned composition. I hurriedly increased my shutter speed (to capture their movement) and waited for them to arrive at this planned position. Almost as though on cue they posed for me! This photograph was my very first photo after this break and I felt so rewarded!
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.
"The Griz" I wouldn't want to run into this guy eye to eye!
Abstract photography, in the natural world, draws away from its natural appearance and can turn the recognizable into an unrecognizable form. Abstract photography can be defined by its use of shapes, forms, colors, and textures; often departing from the true existence of reality. In this photograph, I chose to crop and edit it for its textures and form and then converted it to black and white to add to the drama. That said, by converting it to black and white the contrast alone (not color), is part of the overall essence of abstract. Some people would say this abstract departs from its reality but it’s with my creative artistic license, that I feel this image now draws the interest that I desired. In conclusion, abstract photography represents how the photographer sees the world and chooses to share it.