Trees
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As a beginner, I use to give composition very little thought, and most of my photos were grand scenes but now, I find myself finding great pleasure in finding and composing more intimate scenes, like this one. Although this type of photography isn't for everyone my photographic journey is for "me"; my soul and my healing. I'm in my element when I'm out exploring, and all my worries disappear. There, I'm at one with Mother Nature and I know she means me no harm. That said, I'm also there to represent her through my photography for all to see, experience and (hopefully) inspire in some way. I often think of those of you whom (because of your physical limitations), can't experience her, and for that I am sorry but I hope that just for a moment, you're there with me. Yes, it's (tearfully) lonely at times but I don't feel nearly as lonely when I'm out on the open road, and exploring Mother Nature. I named this photography "A Graceful Descent" because it represents my journey. We fall, we get up and we grow again! :-)
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.
It may surprise you, but my least favorite weather to shoot in are the clear days, when there isn’t a cloud in the sky. I prefer turbulent skies, overcast skies, fog or even rain because they all add drama, mood and interest to an image. Honestly though, there really aren’t any bad weather days for photography but the lighting conditions do dictate what type of photography I’m looking for. I love shooting in foggy conditions; that’s my favorite. Fog not only helps to define the subject by separating the foreground from the background but it (importantly), fog adds a peaceful and a serene stillness to it too; like this photo. I’m touring my way towards southern US in my RV now and after only three days, I’ve had to changed my travels twice …oh well :-) . The weather hasn’t exactly cooperated but I am getting a few great shots and making some valued memories along the way. Not one to get frazzled by (most) last minute changes, I embrace what I can’t change. That said, choosing which way to go, when you don’t know where to go, is sometimes just a matter of flipping a coin! I once met a lady who was traveling solo, around the world and I asked her, “How do you decide where to go?”. She answered with, “There’s no right or wrong, left or right”. Gosh, isn’t that the truth! Whether they are travel plans or life plans; life is in the memories we create, and those we leave behind. If you see the negative, you’re going to feel the negative, if you see the beauty, you’re going to feel the beauty. Believe in possibilities. Photo captured near Yakima, Washington.
In order to grow, as a person, in our careers and in our passions we often have to force ourselves into challenging situations; our mindsets are key. That said, my “choices” guide me and why I took this photograph. Woodland photography is very popular, especially in the UK where open woodlands are (more) easy to find. Here in the northwestern US and Canada however, they’re harder to find so when I saw this tree I was excited by the potential I saw. I was on a narrow two lane road when I drove by this scene, so I had to make a quick decision, “Should I turn around?”. I was driving my RV so turning around meant a few 3-point turns to turns to do so, and although that was a bit of a challenge, I knew the real challenge would be to create the photo I envisioned from a raw file… which would force me to learn something new. The tree was as you see it here (it remains the same) however the background in the original was lit up with defused mid-day white lighting; perfect for the image I had envisioned. As mentioned in previous posts, my raw images all require post editing and it was here that the challenge lie; how to bring “mood” into the scene. I think I accomplished that. Challenges can be difficult but by choosing how we face them, we grow. A rewarding passion (and life), is in the accumulation of our choices.
I recently went on a photo shoot to Vancouver Island, with plans to explore the northern section of the island. Mother Nature however had a different agenda; snow and ice (in November!). Vancouver Island is well known as the warmest place in Canada. The province’s capital city Victoria for example, enjoys an average temperature of 10°C, of 50°F. So, to have below freezing temperatures made traveling more challenging; ultimately, I had to change my plans. Not only did my RV need new tires (which I got during my travels) but I also had to consider that my RV wasn’t winterized. Who would have thought I’d have to worry about that in November! That said, I had to winterize my RV before I headed inland, and home. I captured this, my last photo of my trip, on my way home (an hour before I winterized the RV) outside of Abbotsford, BC. I had captured another photo here once before (see "Morning Ballet), so I purposely stopped to see if I could find another composition. The fog was starting to lift so time was of an essence. It was a bit of a scramble (yikes!) but fortunately, I came across this view immediately. I was however tempted to keep exploring but in the end I decided to stay, set up my gear and wait for the sun to (hopefully) illuminate the scene. My wait was worth it! Notice how the sun's rays are merely kissing the scene; it was exactly what I was waiting for. I love this photo; it’s mood, the subtle colors and it’s composition too.
True to my nature (curiously; wondering what’s down that road), I was on my way to Wickenburg, when I decided to look for some photographic opportunities and potential boondocking sites in the Lake Pleasant area, south-west of Phoenix. A short distant from the Phoenix area, the world changes. To arrive here, I drove down a dusty gravel road, through small mountainous valleys and rocky gorges. The area was notably, densely covered with saguaro trees. As the lake came into view, I noted how intriguing it was to see both saguaro trees and a lake in one “frame”. Driving further north I noticed the sun’s reflection in the lake and stopped to take a photo. I carefully placed my feet as I made my way down the prickly pear embankment and framed this shot when suddenly a truck barreled past. Seeing the dust, my first instinct was to run back to the truck however I knew I wouldn’t make it there in time (so I ate the dust, lol) but to my surprise the dust lofted down into my frame! Although my camera (and myself) got sugar coated with dust, I was elated to get this shot! I absolutely love the softness and muted colors of this photo and how the dust (which looks like fog) adds to the interesting combination of sun, lake reflections and sky.
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 :-)
“Desert Dust Storm” While visiting the Palm Springs area recently, the frequent high winds meant my camera had to stay in my bag, and Arlo and I were sequestered to the RV; it was quite the site to see, and experience. The wind howled as the blowing sand and dust pelted the RV. At times it looked like fog, and it blanketed entire valleys and neighborhoods. Drifts of sand accumulated as the sand blew and swirled across the roadways. At times the wind was almost violent, and yet it was “only” 70 mph winds (I can’t imagine winds over 100mph!). This photo was taken from inside my RV :-) ....where I was sheltered from the wind and (most) of the blowing sand and dust. The wind shook the RV so I waited for a moment of calm before capturing this image. I love how the dust helps to define the depth of field in this image; something I didn’t expect to ever capture in a desert scene. I'm thrilled!
To produce a well crafted photo that has meaning and conveys a feeling, can be a challenge; yet that is what I strive for. That said, many elements have to be in alignment for that to happen, and it's a lucky day when they do. When it comes to “moody” photographs, soft light and fog are definitely my friends. I love how the soft, diffused morning light reduces the highlights, softens the darks, opens up the shadows and yet make the colors pop. The fog not only adds depth to the scene but it definitely creates a sense of mood or mystery. This photograph was taken while I hiked a trail that started at the Stamp River Provincial Park (14Km’s/8.5 miles north of Port Alberni, on Vancouver Island). The park features moss covered rain forests, rapids, a waterfall and a substantial fish ladder (which allows half a million Coho, Sockeye and Chinook salmon to pass the falls). I parked my RV there for the night and was on the trail well before sunrise; I wanted to get out there before the fog would burn off. Their was a cool and misty breeze that followed the river, and the smell of decaying salmon was noticeably strong. This was bear country, and I knew they’d fattening up for their long winter’s nap so my bear spray was close at hand. What I love about this photograph is it’s sense of mystery and how the cool and warm colors are in harmony throughout the scene. I too love the focal point; the tree and how it’s leaning over the cliff’s edge.
As mentioned previously, I’ve started to hone in on some more intimate scenes, like this one. Being so very visual, I tend to notice smaller scenes and with more practice of late, I’m starting to feel much more confident in pulling it all together. Although this photo may not resonate with everyone, I'm drawn to it's mystical qualities. I’ve often pondered, what takes an image from being a “snapshot”, to a piece majestic piece of “art”? It’s starts with the photographer observing the elements. That said, before composing this photograph, I considered these five things: 1. Geometry (the placement of the tree in the frame) 2. The color or colors (I loved the monochromatic look). 3. Luminosity (I loved the addition of the fog). 4. Contrast (soft light results in low contrast). 5. Mood (what was the general mood I wanted to capture). This photograph was taken in an ancient forest on Vancouver Island, BC. The cascading hairs are often referred to as “Old Man’s Beard” or “Grandfather’s Beard” but I’ve known it as “Witch’s beard” (hmmm......). They’re in the lichen family and are known as “Bearded Lichen (Usnea Longissima). They can grow up to 20 feet in length and with this tree hanging over a ridge, these beards were darn close!
The desert can be beautiful, dangerous and downright eerie sometimes too. The desert wildfires I’ve seen in the past, have always been on hillsides, and never on a sandy plain like this here. That said, I was quite surprised because very little tends grow on the plains... yet here was a stand of sparsely spaced and blackened trees. I stopped to take a look around and as I did, I noted a dust cloud across the way; little did I know that I’d soon be engulfed by it... but I got this shot! ;-) From time to time, the desert can feel eerie; I can walk for miles in the desert, and never see a single soul. It's tranquility is lovely; but I know snakes are lurking. I’m at awe by its night skies; but the howling coyotes remind me that I’m not alone. Yes, the desert can be eerie but I’ve never thought of the desert as "ghostly", until I came across this scene. Note the smaller tree in the background. I chose to include it in this composition to give it an overall sense of scale; without it, one could think that the subject tree was simply a shrub.
Each time I take a photo I consider it’s composition, which simply put is the arrangement of the elements in the viewfinder. Unlike a fine art painter, a photographer doesn’t have the luxury of moving that tree, or that mountain so considering all compositional aspects before I press the shutter button, is extremely important. There are many compositional grids and guidelines but generally speaking most use “the rule of thirds”. In this photograph however, I used a diagonal grid guideline and it’s actually that pattern that drew me to this scene! Take a moment to notice the many triangles in this photo (including the trees). Then notice too how I placed the two prominent trees in dead center, and how many of the triangular lines lead your eyes to those trees. It’s not very often that such a unique composition will present itself; Mother Nature did a great job composing this shot for me…. all it took was noticing it. :-) “Beauty can be seen in all things. Seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph”.
“Art, is in the eye of the beholder”. The "art" in photography is much more than capturing what I see, it's truly in the art of observing. The way in which light interacts with the scene can make a mundane scene, absolutely exquisite. That said, I’m always searching beyond my first glance for the unique and prized image, such as this one. I love abstract art but not necessarily just the typical obscure type. It’s the photographic pieces created by Mother Nature that I love and when it comes to composing, I don't just consider placement but light, form, colors and textures too.
This is one of my all-time favorite photos, in all regards. Forest scenes are generally busy, in that there are so many trees and distractions. That said, Mother Nature made this composition, I just had to see it. Trampling through the forest looking for compositions is not easy but I don't have any complaints because I finding one is truly like being on an Easter egg hunt! I particularly LOVE this photo because it has so many of the compositional elements that I look for, and the light perfect (soft, not harsh). I particularly love the lead in line and how your eye goes around (and around) the tree and not out the frame. I also love this photograph's balance in that it's weighted equally with the central tree being the anchor. There's also a great sense of perception; notice how the background drops off. I named this photograph "Embraced" because the tree appeared to be embraced by the forest and because of the embracing circular path around it. I too noticed that it was flourishing, more so than the other trees, so Mother Nature must be embracing it too. May we all feel, (like this tree) "Embraced".
The difference between taking a photo and making a photo is the intent, the vision and passion (or in my case, sometimes my obsession, lol!). A lot of effort that goes into a photo-shoot, yet sometimes I don’t get single shot. That’s the reality of the photography but I enjoy the challenge, and the rewards. Often times, my capture just doesn't seem match my vision, while other times my it exceeds my expectations (that's always a bonus!). There are many types of thought-provoking photography but lately I’ve been aspiring to more expressive photography, that have an emotional attachment. Bright, warm and colorful images are generally happy, gleeful images that put a smile on your face, while the more dreary, foggy and cool images are more calming and peaceful. On the other hand, many dark images evoke a sense of melancholy or even dread (which I’m not a fan of). This photo was taken at Little Qualicum Falls, on Vancouver Island, and although it was beautiful, I found it difficult to find a composition. It was raining, and I thought I got skunked until I came across this smaller, more intimate scene. The highlighted green moss caught my eye first, and then the cool mist; which adds depth and a calming and mysterious mood to the overall image. This image belongs to Mother Nature; it's her composition, just waiting to be noticed. 🙂
"Winter's Beauty Rest" In -38F (-39C) weather, I ventured out in the comfort of my Jeep, on some snow drift covered prairie back roads in search of “cold” images. Not only was it cold but the wind was incredibly piercing too! I was enjoying the sun filled day when this scene caught my eye. I loved how the highlight of the snow defined the branches; thankfully there weren't any leaves blocking the tree trunk and branches. Both my camera and my hands don’t work very well in those frigged temperatures, so I didn’t doddle! I love how abstract photography makes you look more intriguingly and inquisitively at it an image. The "art" in abstract photography however is much more than capturing what I see; it's first in observing beyond a first glance and then composing it in an artistic manner. Mother Nature produces some of the best abstract art!
You may be wondering why on earth I would I name this photograph “Companionship”, and what does "companionship" have to do with this image? Let me explain.... First of all, this image is what’s referred to as a “minimalist” photograph, which is distinguished by it’s extreme simplicity. Simplistic images tend to focus solely on one subject, and they don’t have any distractions (including colors and tones). They can be abstract, portrait or landscape in nature but they all have one thing in common, they’re simple. I tend to notice trees that stand alone; I consider them as singletones (being single), in the vast beauty of the landscape. I always wonder, “Are they lonely?”. So, when it came time to name this photograph, I noted that there were two trees (not just one). Together, they’re entangled in each others arms; supporting each other, relying on each other and thriving because of their “companionship”. *FYI: this image looks great in a square AND rectangular format.
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.
The Western Red Cedars of “Ancient Forest National Park”, typically grow along the northwest coast of North America,. Oddly enough though, these were located in the interior of BC! Many of the enormously tall trees are well over 1000 years old; thanks to the perfect weather and soil conditions, and the ability to survive past droughts, storms, insect outbreaks and fires too. Knowing that the early morning fog would add “mood” to the overall composition, I arrived before sunrise, The little bit that was there however quickly dissipated but I did manage to capture this moody shot. That said, it's very indicative of what I felt; all alone, at peace and at awe with nature. As I meandered along the manmade boardwalks through the forest, I could feel myself depart from the world outside, in both in time in space. I certainly was in my element and for a moment, I was a child again, without a care it the world. I hiked around with my camera gear on my back and with my puppy Arlo by my side for almost 5 hours. He's only five months old but I started training him early to sit and be still when I set up my tripod. Although he can't go on all of my photo shoots, he’s such a good puppy and great companion. What I love about this photo is its overall sense of mood and when I look at it, I feel a sense of mystery, yet I feel the tranquility and calm too. I actually saw this scene from quite a distance so I carefully chose where to positioned myself and then I changed my lens and camera settings… and so on, and so on! I remember thinking that photography is a lot like golf! Just as there is a lot to consider and remember before you swing, well, there’s a lot to consider before you press the shutter button too! Do this, do that, don’t do this… and so on, ha ha! As I neared the end of my hike, Arlo (with an alert stance) came to a dead stop…. hmmm, this was a first! Suddenly I heard what he heard; a rustling noise but it was a noise that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. As I stood in the stillness the strange sound slowly got louder, and louder. When I looked up, I realized a strong wind was blowing above me (only) and the noise was from the thousands of leaves blowing in the wind. I chuckled…. and breathed a sigh of relief (lol).
This photo was taken at Bartlett Lake, a reservoir lake located north-east of Scottsdale and slightly north of Rio Verde, Arizona. Popular with anglers and campers, it’s quite unique lake with rugged mountains surrounding it and saguaros growing along its shoreline. Sometimes, we photographers have to be very persistent; I went to Bartlett Lake 4 times to get this shot! It was a 45 minute drive from my RV so I left early (in the darkness of night) so that I’d be there before the sunrise. The first time I went, I chose to go on a day when there was snow on the mountain tops but unfortunately the combination of cloud cover, rain and the (icy cold) winds made it impossible to get any kind of shot. On my second attempt I didn’t have much luck either. I was disappointed by the dark and dreary sky so I spent the morning hiking and searching for future compositions; so it wasn’t a total loss. Eventually I found this one and vowed to come back on a sunny day. The next time I went, everything was perfect until I had a run in with a *Cholla, and it won…. Ouch! So, that quickly ended that photo shoot! Regardless, I wasn’t going to give up and with visions of this pre-planned composition in mind, I head out there for yet another visit. Finally, I got the shot I was hoping for! A Chollas are a desert plant that are completely covered with barbed needles. They are also known as a Jumping Cholla, for its habit of jumping (rolling) along the ground in the wind. They easily fall off their mother plant and then have a tendency to “jump” (if you will) on to the skin or clothing of a passerby…. it’s pure 100% OUCH! I must say this was on of my most “painful” shots! LOL
"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.
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 but 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 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 my 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 we all had helmet hair; lol ..you can imagine the looks we got when we walked it.... Too funny !:-) That said however, being an off-grid community, everyone was more interested in our travels than our attire! Such fun! Such GREAT, great welcoming and embracing community! 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.
In a previous fall photograph, I had made mentioned how difficult it was to find a fall woodland composition. Imagine then, my surprise when I happened upon this scene! “Wow”, I thought, “Thank you Mother Nature, you truly made this composition exceptional!" I absolutely love the vivid colors and how they are somewhat segregated (rather than in a mish-mash, as they usually are). Together, these elements create patterns and although there isn’t a particular subject, the red bushes in the middle certainly draw the viewer’s eye; ultimately the settling point. That said, I chose to crop out the sky because your eyes would have been drawn towards it (the brightness), and out of the photograph. This photo looks amazing on a wall. To view it on a wall, see the "SAMPLED Framed" section.
Light is an important component of all photography, and to me it’s the MOST important element in landscape photography. That said, searching out unique lighting conditions often means I'm up early and/or up late (I bundle up!). I camped in a provincial campground near Clearwater, BC, were the heavy morning fog typically covers the valley floor. When I woke up, I immediately peeked out the window to evaluate the weather conditions and noticed the sun was just starting to break through. I knew I had to hustle, and within 5 minutes my RV was packed and I was on the road. I headed to a local the golf course, where I hoped the open fairways, fog, trees and the (peak-a-boo) sun would produce some interesting lighting conditions. I was drawn to this simplistic composition (love it!), The tree definitely dominates the scene and demands the viewer's attention. I love how it stands out so beautifully against the many cool colors of the morning fog. The tree trunks on the left, add balance, contrast in an interestingly an abstract way. I called this image “A Foggy Start” not only because it's a foggy morning scene but because of its location (a golf course).