Bathed in Light ~ Wide Angle Wednesday!

"Incorrigible Path"

I love autumn. The light alone this time of year makes any scene or subject glow. I find it very difficult to stay stuck behind my desk when afternoon rolls around, because the light is magical. In fact right now I'm duct taped to my desk so I can't leave the work I have to finish this week instead of traipsing around the escarpment with the Nikon.

It's painful. You have no idea how it's killing me to be stuck inside right now.

The next best thing is to post images from my latest romp over by Albion Falls. This is how I'll have to get my fix. Both images are centered around how the light looked along the trail. Sometimes we forget to make the light the subject, the star of the show. It seems it'd be easier to remember to use it considering that light is the very basis of any photography. Without light, there's nothing to see.

Sounds simple but you have no idea the amount of comments I get where someone says they want to know what caused me to stop and see a certain subject or scene. My answer? It's almost always the light.

"Canopy of Light"

In fact if you review your own images and find yourself consistently thinking something's missing, you may need to pursue better light. More interesting light. Creative light. Pursue the light and you'll find your photography will improve vastly. It's simple but too many try every other solution first. Instead they just need to return to a scene when it's bathed in interesting light.

All this talk of light and photography is making me fidgety. So I must sign off before I run into the street with my camera yelling "I'm free at last!!!"

The sooner I get my work done, the sooner I can get rid of all this irritating duct tape.

Have a groovy day gang, and thanks for the ramble.

When Trees Are Enough ~ Mono Monday!

"Hidden Forest Paths"

I love the Bruce Trail. Ask me how much. Go on. Ask me. No, don't even ask me cause I'll tell you anyway. I love it more than pizza. I love it more than Harry Connick Jr. I love it more than reruns of Bob Newhart. "Geez," you think, "she must love it a lot!" How'd you guess?

Because Hamilton and beyond is anchored along the Niagara Escarpment, it means I and my Nikon have access to the many threads of the Bruce Trail on a whim. Yesterday was so warm and sunny for the end of October that the whim was, shall we say, overpowering. So out I went with the camera, and it wasn't long till I was surrounded by trees, trees, and... oh yeah, more trees.

"Escarpment's Edge"

I long ago decided that anyone who could photograph a dense tangle of trees and still make it look like it was deliberately composed and executed, was a photographer to be reckoned with. And I also decided long ago to isolate what one needed to see past the forest and photograph the beauty of the tree, no matter where I was. Over time I began to learn that besides good light, you need to be able to really see layers, shapes, groupings, and the way all those things relate to one another to form a composition. When you can do that, then you find the vantage point that emphasizes that composition, and adds interest to the space you're visualizing in the lens. What you wind up with is a photo that the viewer can imagine themselves stepping into, or at the least, a photo that still draws the eye through every area of the scene.

The Bruce Trail lets me hone this skill, stretch this skill, and learn new things about it all. Focusing on trees as a subject alone is enough to strengthen my craft. Don't know if I'll ever fully master it but that's okay. I like the "trying" to attain it! The process is so darned enjoyable when it's about something you love and are passionate about. And I'm passionate about nature AND photography.

I love them both. Go ahead. Ask me how much.

When Contentment Is Enough

"Out On A Limb"

(1/40 sec.@ F/8, ISO 125, 18mm fl, late evening sun, ancient Oak @ Princess Point)

I'm a mom, wife, AND and fine art photographer. It's an interesting mix.  As of right now, my photo explorations with regards to nature and landscape extend merely to the reaches of Ontario, with the odd ramble through another province once in a while, and out of country even less. In the future I'm anticipating that to change, but for now it has to do. Suffice it to say that I have learned in the last few years that it's possible to be content pursuing photography right here at home. "Elated" to always being at the mercy of limited travel while I still have other responsibilities? Not exactly... My ability to photograph certain subjects or scenes is incumbent on whether this is the week we get groceries, whether the kids need to have friends over, whether the dog needs her nails clipped today, and whether seeding the lawn takes precedent. All things I'm not bitter about taking care of because I am a wife and mom, and that job really is priority one.

And sure, it'd be lovely to photograph France, Turkey (didn't know I have this intense desire to visit Turkey did ya?) Scotland... heck, some days I'd be happy just driving into New York... but right now I can love and care for my family and STILL head out for two hours with a pal and our cameras, and return happy with getting images that still stimulated me creatively, artistically, and spiritually. It's called being content. Do I still wish to visit all those places (trust me, the list is loooooong) sooner than later? Yes. Do I want to put a plan together that'll help me get there sooner than later. Of course. But I think there's a trap for us artistic types that our pursuit of expressing ourselves must consume us every waking minute. And we confuse contentment with complacency.

This is a simple oak tree in the post today. I loved it's textures, I dropped to the ground to get the wide view of the canopy in direct late day light, and I knew I would convert it to B&W. I find trees on their own magical. And shooting it made me feel great. I guess I'm posting today because I hear a lot of discussions on pursuit, and pushing yourself, and eyes on the prize type of pep talks out in the photography world and beyond, even in the business world in general. But how will we ever enjoy what's possible, what's achievable in the distance, if we can't enjoy the now? If being content here isn't enough? Just something I've been mulling over, so you get to hear about it, lucky you... and in the meantime am very content to get shots of oak canopies if it means I get to enjoy the whole process of growing a photography business AND being there for my family and my community. Desires, dreams, goals, and visions are wonderful to be sure.

But sometimes contentment is enough.

Into the Sun ~ Wide Angle Wednesday!

"Scots Pine in Sunshine"

Have been feeling under the weather today so this will be more "short and sweet" than normal. Trees for me have a mystery about them right now. I'm in love with this elderly Scots Pine at the RBG posted above. In fact, I think any tree's line, and shape, and texture are fascinating in spring. Leaves have yet to bloom fully, so the full light can hit the gnarled limbs, the papery bark texture, and you can photograph their shape in warmer light than in winter.

The trick is to find an angle and create a composition out of the chaos of branches and trunks... and it's not always possible, but when you do find a tree that seems like some ancient sculptor carved it out of some equally ancient material, then you work all the harder to present it as whimsically you can. I ensured I got the high sun into the shot, displaying it's dainty star burst in tandem with the rough tree. Something draws me to it every time. Even as I hack up a lung. Where'd I put my lozenges?

Have a great night folks! Thanks for the ramble...

Can't See The Forest for the Trees ~ Mono Monday!

"A Whisper Off the Beaten Path"

(1/160 sec.@ F/9, ISO 200, 19mm fl, 18-55 kit zoom, handheld, bright shade)

Still using images this week from my personal challenge. Last week I mentioned tightening my focus. Breaking down the bigger picture I'm usually prone to seeing. Not to say that there's anything wrong with the bigger picture if it speaks to you, and is so powerful it moves you. But sometimes you look back over your shoulder on your artistic journey and realize you're just following the exact same trail over and over with the same results. If growth is your destination, better switch your approach. And the photographer or artist who can recognize that for themselves will find ways to make that happen, and find inspiration along the way.

When I saw today's subject, I knew two things instantly. The first, that the final image would be B&W. There was a bit of sidelight, which enhances texture and outlines shape wonderfully for a mono shot. Second, and more importantly, that the tree alone, was the subject. This is rare for me, since my tendencies run towards using trees to fill out the scene of a landscape. Basically I use them as filler. This time, I got my camera as low as possible under the tree that hangs over onto the trail below. From a few inches off the forest floor I tilted my D80 upwards to stretch the perspective as much as the kit lens would allow. This allowed me to include the root system that runs over and through the bed of karst throughout the trail. In fact, when I return to this spot, I already know I'll try to scootch even closer to the gnarly base and shoot up. For a more extreme perspective. But hey, baby steps right?

(And for those who have asked me to dissect my processing, this image was taken into PSPx2 into the B&W filter, after I did some dodging and burning and the clarify filter applied only to the main tree and karst in a separate layer. Before I flattened the layers I used the eraser tool to reveal the work I did to the tree and rocks without the overall tones in the background changing to ensure the tree stands out nicely the way the side light lit it that afternoon.)

I am still pleased with the result. Dissecting the big picture to see more interesting subjects and details much closer, with better impact, is already paying off. No, it's not as close a shot as the birch bark posted last Thursday... but it's a different kind of subject isolation, for me anyways. Hence the title of the post today! Ignored the forest, and looked only at the trees...

Thanks for the Monday ramble gang! And for journeying along with me as I grow again. And for being so encouraging with your emails and comments and tweets... have a good one! And maybe spend this week finding a way to break out of your routine.

Repeat Performances ~ WideAngle Wednesday!

"Aging Gracefully"

(1/200 sec.@ F/9, ISO 160, 20mm fl, 18-55mm kit zoom, bright hazy light)

I've spent a lot of time photographing this public park. I won't lie. I've been photographing Gage Park for over 5 years. And I keep returning. You'd think I'd have covered it all by now. But things keep changing, growing, dying off, weathering more storms etc... and the challenge of seeing something new in such a familiar place is one practice I continue, it makes me a more observant and creative photographer.

The apple tree above is a perfect example. I've always shot the flowering trees lining the rose beds from a vantage point that shows their color. They're the epitome of spring for me. But this year the weather had delayed their blooming and now they're already dropping petals and color in the harsh sun and strong breezes we're suddenly getting in Ontario. The display did not last long. Knowing I needed a new approach anyway, I started to focus on the trees themselves. Twisted trunks with withered bark, gangly limbs that spread out low, looking at least 100 years old and very wise.

I began to drop down low, shooting wide and upwards using my wide angle to accentuate the spread of the old trees. My point of view gave me a different perspective on why their so interesting, so full of character. And they transform into a scene that could be out in some old orchard instead of a park in the heart of the city.

All this took in editing was the Nik Efx plugin called brilliance/warmth and a slight adjustment in curves to bring out darker details on the trunk which the bright sun light was washing out a bit as it got too high in the sky.

I believe I'll return to this same spot at sunset and see what the light coming from the opposite side does.

The more you revisit a spot, the better you can envision what might be aesthetically interesting. And the more you use a particular lens, the better you'll know what it's best features are for what you're shooting. Repeats and revisits are never a waste.

Thanks for the ramble ladies and gents! Have a great day... and put that camera in your hand!

Leafy Impressionism ~ Exploration Thursdays!

"Concert of Color"

(1/25sec @ F/13, ISO 125, 23mm fl into zoom, 18-55mm Nikkor kit lens, remote shutter, overcast)

Welcome to Exploration Thursdays! This will be the one day of the week I can let my hair down and explore the more creative sides of photography. There will be anything from playing with slow exposures and playing right in the camera, to experimenting in the digital darkroom, to having guest bloggers and new tips for you all to be trying at home! Sound good? Cool. So let's have our first fun Thursday!

My first image featured for these Thursdays is a personal fave, and I don't think I've really had a chance to showcase it yet... I'm considering having it printed on canvas actually. I took this while scouting for photo ops for my Parks job this past fall. The light that day was very bland, but it was great for macro/close-up type shots of the flora and fauna just flourishing in the beds. But you know me, I HAVE to look up too... and I happened to be standing under a blazing Maple Tree. It's leaves were barely moving in the whisper of a breeze but I could tell one good stiff wind, and down they'd come. It doesn't matter how old you are, falling leaves evoke days of jumping in crunchy piles being raked, and pressing the biggest most colorful ones into crafts or into big books for safe keeping.

Looking up into the giant canopy, I decided I needed to portray how I felt, and not just how all the leaves "looked". I also knew to do that, that I needed to think outside the box on this one. One of my favorite Canadian nature photographers is Freeman Patterson (I know, I've mentioned him before) because he sees nature as something to explore emotionally once he understands the intricate ways it grows and lives. His images convey energy, motion, and poetry. And I think his in-camera manipulations are some of the most beautiful and inspirational I've ever seen. So I looked up into the tree and thought, "now how would Mr. Patterson approach this?"

One of the most fun things you can do with your camera is to create a sense of motion, and you don't need photoshop or special gear for it. All you need is a slower exposure time and a sense of anticipation, cause you never know what your lens is going to capture! There are several ways to achieve these cool abstract effects - slow your shutter speed down and while taking a picture swing the camera around, jump up or down, or use your zoom lenses. Zoom in or out as the shutter snaps to

 accentuate length or height, to emulate something speeding by, or something rushing towards you as I did above. Then do it several times, changing your speeds, your views, and your lighting.

I used my tripod and remote shutter release for this shot, simply because I wanted my hands free to carefully zoom up into the leaves overhead with my kit lens without the camera wobbling. And it took a few tries before I realized where I liked seeing the branch peeking through the composition a bit, as well as one or two more discernible leaf shapes in the mix to hint at the subject. All that was left to do with the shot when I got home was improve the saturation levels a bit more so the color was bolder and that was it.

I now officially have a "theme" for every day of the week! I'm excited to see if I can find ways to challenge myself every week... and I'd love if you folks out there wanted to practice each different theme with me! Send me links to your best results and I'll post them here! Let's inspire and motivate each other! Thanks for letting me ramble on about all this, and make sure you all have a fabulous day! See you tomorrow for another "Floral Friday".