Trees
Read More
Over the years I've grown to appreciate and love all art, and it occurred to me one day that art is so much more than my personal taste or a first impression but that there is an "art" to observation. To stop and look beyond our first impression we see the subtleties in the details and gain greater appreciation. That said, when I approach a scene (or peace of art), it's more about how I see the scene than my first impression. This photo is a prime example. At first, I only noticed the vivid pink leaves (!) but with an intent to observe, I noticed a beautiful blue truck was parked behind the trees, which resulted in this myriad of color.
There are times in life when we loose our way, or we simply can’t see our way. To look beyond our disappointments and look for opportunities instead, takes both an awareness and intent. That said, this is what led to this photo. On this day, life didn’t go as planned so I pulled up my big girl pants and made the most of it by setting off on a photo shoot. As I was taking photos in an apple orchard I noticed clouds clinging to the sides of the mountain and saw it as an opportunity to get some shots in the fog. So off I went in search of a road that would lead me into the forest. Fortunately, I happened upon a very wet and slimy gravel road (my poor Jeep, lol!) and after climbing for quite some time I felt incredibly rewarded when I came across a patch of birch trees (I was elated!). I LOVE the fog in this photo because it sets a mood. I also love how the highlights leads you into, through and out of the photo yet you try to look deeper into forest; hence the name of this photo, “Hidden Wonder”.
"Golden Birches" As I traveled the pacific northwest, I searched for that perfect and unique stand of birch (or aspen) trees to photograph, only to discover it was a lot harder than I had anticipated. It shouldn't have been so difficult but my list of "must haves" was long; mostly because I wanted my shot to be unique, and have a sense of mood. That said, I LOVE this photograph! The low light, distant fog, subtle colors and lack of density gives it a softness that I wasn't able to capture in any of my previous shots. Together, "Golden Birches" brings about a sense of calm, thus a calm to any room. This photograph will be hanging in my home.
"Calm Reflections" I woke up this chilly October morning to a big surprise, snow! I purposely parked my RV for the night next to this pond; I was hoping to photograph the morning mist rising from it. You can imagine my surprise when I opened the curtains and saw snow, in October! As I meandered quietly by myself I noticed my feelings of calm, and I wanted to capture that feeling. That said, with the snow covered trees, lack of vibrancy and the calm reflective waters, I knew exactly how to capture it and set up my tripod for a slow shutter speed.
We often walk through life without paying much attention to the obvious, however with an intent to “see” (beyond a glance) we will discover a world that we never noticed. If I asked you what color shade is, you would likely say it’s black (or grey) however if you pay attention you’ll discover that’s not the case, and this photograph is a prime example. No doubt you’ve noticed how snow looks blue (or pink, or purple); that’s because the snow picks up the colors of the sky. Just like the snow, in this photograph the pale (almost white) colored cliffs behind the saguaro picked up the incredibly vibrancy of the blue sky. When I walked towards this saguaro tree the very first thing I noticed was the color of the shade. Wow!... it made me stop in my tracks! In that moment of wonderment, I noticed three things; the blue colored shade, all the back-lighting, and the vivid greens. When I combined these three things with my composition, I knew that I had a “keeper” and I could hardly wait to get it into post processing! As a matter of fact, I was so excited by the scene that I immediately sent an iPhone shot to daughter before taking this shot with my Sony a7r IV. This photo was taken near Dutchman State Park (just east of Mesa, AZ), at the base of Superstition Mountain; just after a week of rain, which made the sky SO vibrant! *Notice how "fat" the saguaro is? Interestingly, saguaro's retain water, which is key for it's survival.
While heading East alongside 3-Valley Lake (central British Columbia) one morning, I got a glimpse of these vibrant trees as I drove by. Gosh they were so beautiful against the calm blue waters, I just had to stop and get a shot. I pulled off onto a side road and prepared my camera and as I was attaching my long lens, I noticed something move in front of me! To my amusement, two black and fuzzy ears were popping up and down above the tall grasses and then I saw a big black muzzle; it was a bear. Oh geez, really! With my camera at the ready, I waited (and waited, and waited….) hoping the bear would show more of himself but he was much too busy eating ....something, and I wasn’t about to find out what! I turned my truck around and found a safer and closer spot to park :-) Although I felt safe from the bear, my vantage point was in a precarious spot. Not only did I have to stand on the shoulder of the (busy) Trans Canada Highway but it was on a corner and a cement barrier skirted the side too. I decided my tripod would put me into the danger zone of traffic so I used the cement barrier as my tripod; it worked and I got the shot I wanted.
I can't begin explain the level of excitement I feel when given the opportunity to capture some of this world's most amazing places. Even more exciting however is to come across scenes like this that are truly unique and different; they usually involve the weather and the sun (or lack of). In this photo, thick valley fog, falling snow and darkness completely surrounded me; winter was in the air. I was focusing on a field of wispy bulrushes when to my astonishment the sun suddenly appeared, and only on this tiny spot. I had no time to waste, so I found the best composition and adjusted my camera accordingly. I was elated by the vibrant, vivid and contrasting colors; they demand the viewer's attention. That said, I thoroughly enjoy sharing these rare photographic moments with you. I hope that you can feel the "wow" too.
Nestled in the Purcell mountain range of British Columbia, is a Staubert Lake; a small lake only minutes west of the rustic and out of the way community of Trout Lake. After an amazing couple days of ATVing around the mountains in the area (west of Bugaboo National Park), we got up early to make our way home and had planned to catch the 8:30 a.m. Gelena Bay ferry across Arrow Lake. While we drove our RV slowly down the well-maintained gravel road, we happened upon this tranquil lake view. Most eye-catching were the vibrant reflections in the calm waters and the quickly moving shadows from the clouds above. As we stopped to take some shots, I noticed the shadows on the hillside and they were moving fast and this scene was just coming into play! Wow! I knew time was of the essence and that I wouldn't have time to swap out my heavy 400mm lens for my 25-200mm lens; I had to deal with it’s cumbersome size and weight. Quickly, I changed my ASA/ISO to 80, changed my shutter speed to 400 , set my f-stop for 5.6, and then set my lens to 171 mm.... I held my breath and held my camera as steady as I could, with hopes for a great shot. My efforts paid off! As many of you know, the “rule of thirds” applies to most artistic applications however I feel that when reflections are involved, that rule can be broken, it’s the artist’s right as an artist. You’ll notice here, that I placed the lake’s edge in the middle of the photo, rather than at a third. I absolutely love this photo’s balance; it what makes this photo so appealing and strong! Notice the dark shadows that outline the trees on the left. Not only does it surround the group of trees but it does so equally (in balance). Then notice the group of well-lit trees to the right (without the shadow), they’re opposite to the group of trees on the left. Finally, the darkness of the foreground frames this photo nicely and balances the dark shadows above. There was so much to see and do here in this off-grid valley; we look forward to visiting the area again very soon!
The morning sun casting was casting its warm rays on this cholla while Superstition Mountain was still in the coolness of shade. Apache Junction, Arizona.
Our mornings at the Art Expo (in Scottsdale, Arizona), often start with a bike ride through the desert; it’s such an awesome and privileged way to start a winter day. The sandy trail is narrow, undulating and curves around a myriad of saguaro trees and desert plants; it's an entertainingly delightful ride! While cycling, I’ve noticed many great compositions, and have pledged to return with my camera, but only when the lighting was right. On this particular day, as the sun rose and the blue sky was awakening, the dark grey clouds were highlighted in yellow, the contrast was striking. I remembered a grouping of chollas that were not far from our RV so I gathered up my camera gear and hightailed it to that very spot; my timing was perfect!
On Thanksgiving Day, 2017, we ventured out on our ATV’s for what was a truly adventurous and rewarding day. With my dear friends Ray and Karen we ventured out to Pettipeace Lake, a lake we had tried to get to a before; with each attempt we ran into obstacles, including knee deep snow, the disappearing daylight and a bridge washout. This time however we were prepared and set early and with great anticipation of the day that lie before us! As we approached the bridge washout we were disappointed to see that, although it was still under repair, a huge mound of boulders blocked our way. So, what to do? With excited determination we pulled up our sleeves and went to work, moving the boulders one by one until finally, we made a path for the ATV's. “Yay!”, we were elated to be on our way, to the “elusive” Pettapeace Lake. As we gained altitude, we entered a fog bank and the dampness could be felt with every breath; it had grown bitterly cold. Soon, snow began to fall and stick to the road; "If the snow gets much deeper", we agreed, "we'll have to turn around". We pressed on and as we approached this lake, we were all in awe; I had never (ever) seen such a beautiful winter scene. "Wow!", we all commented, “unbelievable!” were the words that came out of our mouths. The spiritual serenity of this alpine view was majestic; truly Mother Nature at her best. We were so excited by the scenery and really wanted to continue on but we were losing daylight, and fast; it was time to turn around. As we descended, we raced the day's darkness, and we froze as we did! Our original plan was to return to our cabin, wash up, dress up and go to the local community’s Thanksgiving dinner however because we were running late, we chose to drive directly there. We arrived, wet, cold and dressed in our winter gear and adorned our helmet hair; lol ..you can imagine the looks we got! Too funny :-) That said however, being an off-grid community, everyone was more interested in our travels and our attire! Such fun! Our Thanksgiving dinner was the perfect ending to a perfect day! I'll never, ever forget this adventurous day we shared. Pettipiece Lake is a lake located just 19.7 north-east of Seymour Arm via logging/forestry roads; in the province of British Columbia, Canada.
After a full day of touring and exploring, Gold Canyon was our final stop for the day. We had driven through this community on a previous occasion and noticed how beautiful the valley behind it was. Looking east, the southern side of Superstition Mountain was to our left and in the eastern distance were some charismatic mountains. Curious, I googled the location and discovered that there was a road into the valley and a trailhead (Peraltra Trail); I added it to our bucket list! We pulled into the community of Gold Canyon at days end and just in time for golden hour; our timing was perfect. The road east quickly turned to gravel, and it was dusty! Homes and the urban lights were still in view when I noted the many campers, tents, ATV’s, horse trailers and families enjoying the desert. Leaving them behind, we continued on until we came across a ravine that was laced with saguaro trees and with Superstition Mountain in distance, it completed the scene; it was in perfect. With our cameras in hand we walked carefully through the desert and eventually followed a meandering game trail. As the sun got closer to the horizon, the halos around the cacti were becoming bright and vivid. The vegetation was so lush and green (thanks to a recent rainfall) however because I shot this photograph directly into the sun the greenery was annihilated by the blasting sun. I love how the sun captures the horizontal lines of the saguaro trees, along with the higgledy-piggledy lines of the cholla. *Interestingly, saguaro trees don't grow their first side arm until they are 75–100 years of age, though some never grow any arms.
Finding and planning photographic locations takes time (sometimes multiple visits) and physical effort but the rewards often yield some amazing photographs! The physical effort however doesn’t seem like a chore when I’m engulfed in my passions (early morning starts, cycling, hiking and photography); it’s then that I’m in my “happy place”! What could possibly be more fun than searching for spectacular locations, and then later have a prize photograph to go along with the memory! That said however, both weather and lighting play such a big roll and sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate but oftentimes I end up with the most amazing unexpected shots! This photograph has such a story. I had been searching for quite some time for a desert scene that wasn’t cluttered with desert debris (the overgrown desert and the fuzzy bushes (as I call them!). The overgrown vegetation often fills the entire foreground scene which stops the viewer’s eye from traveling through the photograph. That said, I was thrilled to find this location with its uncluttered foreground and strong composition. Notice the diamond shape of the predominant shadow and how your eyes follow its lines to the cholla and ocotillo. Then the ocotillo leads your eye up and back over to the top of the rocks; creating a circular path for your eyes to travel. The other thing I like is the combination of darks and lights. The shadows and highlights (which is often referred to as the darkest darks and the brightest whites) are complimentary in any photograph or painting. I found this location on an early morning bike ride at Brown’s Desert Ranch (a hiking/biking area in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale) but unfortunately the best light was long gone so I made a mental note to return. That said, checking the next day’s weather forecast is always a big part in planning my photography shoots and although (on this day) it was more overcast than I had expected the sun did poke through occasionally; just enough to get this shot!
"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.
One (of many) things that Arizona is most famous for are their sunsets, and I’ve seen some stellar ones! I’ve noticed though that the more interesting the clouds are, the more spectacular the sunset is. On this particular day, I walked into the desert hoping to get some back-lit saguaro trees at sunset. As I waited for the sun to set however I could see some rather large clouds rolling in and I knew the sunset I was anticipating just wasn’t going to happen. It was chilly, so I started back when I happened upon this brilliant saguaro tree skeleton. Then I notice the flourishing saguaro tree behind it, and I knew I had a shot. I named this photo “Evolution” because it depicts the saguaro tree’s life cycle.
"A Long Winter's Day" While traveling east through the Logan Canyon Utah, the morning’s lake effect fog (from Bear Lake) was on the rise and clinging to the aspen trees on the hillside as it did. Watching the movement of the fog through the intermittent rays of sunshine was mesmerizing, and it was so pretty. As I drove I saw this beautiful grouping of aspen trees and also noticed a great place to park right beside them so I drove on, in hopes of finding somewhere safe to turn around. Fortunately, within a mile there was a Nordic area with a large parking lot which gave me plenty of room to maneuver the 22 foot trailer I was pulling. The entrance however was on a corner and I wondered why there wasn’t a “No left turn” sign and why there weren’t double solid lines either. With alarm bells ringing in my head, I slowed to a stop and proceeded cautiously. Just as I was ready to turn, a snow plow truck came barreling around the corner! Oh my gosh, one more second and… well, yikes! We sat dumbfounded by what had just happened and counted our blessings! When I got back on the highway, I looked for a road sign again…. notta one. I was (am) sick to think what could have happened and worry for the next poor soul. Yes, every photo or piece of art work has a story; be sure to ask the artist. I love linear art and patterns (as seen in this photo), so I tend to notice and find that in nature. What I love most about this photo are the intersecting vertical and horizontal lines and colors (or lack of them). I feel this photograph’s simplicity is very calming, thus appealing. That said, not every photo needs a demanding focal point, some photos (like this one), you may merely want to wander in and get lost.
“Four Peaks” Four Peaks is a prominent mountain range and landmark that adorns the eastern skyline of Phoenix, Arizona (it’s located in the Tonto National Forest’ 40 miles (64 km) east-northeast of Phoenix). The highest of the four peaks is Brown’s Peak, with an elevation of 7,657 feet. In hoping to get a good shot of Four Peaks, I had (on a previous occasion) explored the Saguaro Lake recreational area but really couldn't find the view I was looking for; the mountain range was so far away. Then one day I was told about the Four Peaks Wilderness area and I was super excited to check it out. When I pulled off of the Beehive Highway I was immediately saddened by what I saw; the desert floor had been ravaged by fire. I was both saddened, and disappointed. Regardless though, I continued on a sometimes narrow, dusty and rocky road and as I did, my sadness grew by the enormity of the fire. I was elated however to come across an area that was untouched; “yay, greenery!” I exclaimed. There where saguaro trees everywhere, all around me but because I was in a ravine I couldn’t see Four Peaks anymore. So, I decided to stop and climb up a (cholla infested) slope in hopes I could get high enough to see over the opposite hill.... and I did! AND what a view! I absolutely love the three distinctive color layers (that nature created) in this photograph; along with the dark shadows of the rocks, which adds contrast. I love the variety in pattern; the vertical lines of the saguaro trees in contradiction with the roundness of the rocks. Importantly, there's a very strong sense of flow; the viewer’s eyes are easily led to through the photo graph and finally to a resting place, the Four Peak mountain range. All these things combined makes this an exceptionally composed photograph, one I’m proud of and feel very blessed to have. No matter where you are, any outdoor activity creates an adventurous life and many great stories to share! * The Four Peaks Wilderness fire was started by a vehicle fire in June of 2020 and is one of Arizona’s largest fires.
Finding and planning photographic locations takes time and physical effort but the reward can yield the best memories and photographs. Scoping out a location is never a chore, it’s a joy! When I’m engulfed in my passions (early morning starts, cycling, hiking and photography); it truly is my “happy place”. What could possibly be more enjoyable than traveling and discovering spectacular locations. I feel blessed. When cycling, on this early morning at Brown’s Ranch (north-east Scottsdale), I noticed how this dark hillside made the foreground saguaro trees stand out and this particular tree was stunning. Saguaro trees come in many shapes and sizes; some have no arms (they don’t grow an arm until they’re approximately 60 years old), while others have so many arms that I wonder how it can possibly stand upright! If you need a dose of humor in your day just look at the saguaro trees as humans, and you’ll notice that some configurations are incredibly hilarious! I viewed this saguaro tree however was model material (so perfectly formed). The color version of this photograph is also a winner however I love how the de-saturated colors created a more powerful and demanding scene. I named this photo “On Stage” because it has all the necessities of a desert “stage” (a perfectly formed saguaro tree, a dark background and the sun’s rays of light).
Lately, I’ve been taking a lot more notice of some interesting cloud formations and unique lighting conditions. I’ve also taken more note of why and how they (can) add to an overall photograph. Take the clouds in this photo as an example. While camping in the desert I looked outside every morning in hopes that the rising sun would be casting on some unique cloud formations, and on this particular morning my hopes came to fruition. Knowing that these conditions are generally short lived, I quickly gathered up my camera gear and headed out. I chose to walk down this meandering country road when at a turn in the road, I noticed a cloud appeared to be resting on the top of this mountain. A short distance later I came across this composition and thought, “perfect”. What I love about this photo is it’s strong sense of flow; how the lane leads your eye into the scene, down the lane and then up into mountains and clouds. The flow makes me want wander and explore. I also like the overall contrast in this photo, particularly the darkness on either side of the lane. *notice a bird sitting on the top of the distant saguaro tree on the right.
