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With my camera in hand, and Arlo (my 9 month old Australian Doodle) by my side, I set out by foot on a photoshoot in the desert plains of Death Valley. It wasn’t a particularly nice day but I viewed it as an opportunity to challenge myself by taking and using “just” my super wide angle lens. With an enthusiastic attitude, I searched the dry desert landscape for an interesting ground level compositions. I had visions of a gnarly mesquite lying on the ground (as in this image) which would work well with my wide angle lens. To capture this image however, I had to lie down on my stomach, then squiggle around the ground until I found a composition I liked, and then hold my camera steady; mere inches away from the branches. It wasn’t the most comfortable position to be in but I was determined to get that shot I envisioned. Making things more difficult however was that Arlo thought I was lying on the ground to play with him; excitedly licking and jumping all over me. Oh boy, I’m sure that was quite the sight to see, lol! I love both the composition and perspective in this photo, along with the way your eyes are led through the Mesquite tree and the way the sky points to the gnarly tree.
My recent travels included a visit to my late husband's family in Mission, BC. and being an early riser I set out before sunrise to explore the many back-roads behind Mission and Deroche, BC. I didn't have my Jeep with me (I often pull it behind my RV) so I cruised around in the comfort of my RV. I sit quite high in it, so I see so much more than most in their vehicles do; including this silhouetted fisherman. There were well over 100 people fishing on the shores of the Nicomen slough, and they all seemed to constantly reeling in their lines with catches.... Hmmm? Being curious, I stopped to chat with a gentleman and he proceeded to tell me that they're all fishing for Coho Salmon and that their limit (government enforced) was two. "I got my two", he said. I then asked him, "Being that they're spawning, are they any good to eat?", to which he replied, "The Coho are fine, but you don't want to eat the Chum salmon, we release them". This photo was a bit tricky to take and to process (raw file) because the scene is both brilliant and dark. I enjoyed the challenge, and love the result! We can learn much by exploring, asking questions and stepping outside my comfort zone. Where to next!?
"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!
