Rocky Saugeen Mill

Rocky Saugeen Mill

Each of the past three years, photography has taken me on a trip up the Bruce Peninsula to Tobermory. Each year I pass this scene on the way up and the way back ... this year the light was magic.

On the way up this year it was greay and dull, but ...

...On the return trip, just as we were driving across the Saugeen River, sun was pouring through a break in the cloud onto the mill and tree lined river necessitating a quick left off the highway to park and walk back to the highway's edge near the bridge (not much room there to keep out of the way of traffic rushing along Hwy 6).

DJE

Photo of the Week 2011-12-26

edge of darkness


... my recent obsession, trees. This image from a walk on a new (to me) section of the local trail network.

Whenever I am out hiking through or near trees I find myself stopping to look at patterns, textures, shadows and losing track of time ...

DJE

Merry Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas
and
Happy New Year

Photo of the Week 2011-12-19

Clark Clan - Christmas 2011

This past weekend it was time for the 2011 Clark Clan Christmas get together at my sister-in-laws. As with most family functions these days, it is difficult to get everyone in the family in the same spot at the same time. Nonetheless, a number of my wife's family gathered to share some seasonal cheer.

An idea to take the opportunity and get a group shot of everyone with Audrey, the matriarch, grew into setting up a backdrop for a "silly or serious" portrait session for anyone who wanted to get in front of my lens. I thought there might be a little more silliness but a few faced the strobes for impromptu portraits and I was able to get a great shot of everyone who was still around after dinner.

One of those who wanted a serious portrait was by brother-in-law Bill. He'll be retiring from the Toronto Fire Department next year and wanted a formal portrait of him in his uniform. I was glad to oblige and he was quite willing to cooperate as I tried out different lighting setups in the rather tight quarters of the basement where I had set up a temporary studio.

Portrait of the Chief


Wendy dropped by, as she usually does to say hi and wish everyone well. Lynn told her she had to come downstairs to have a portrait made to show off her festive hair style.

Wendy


... and Jessica was there again this year. Who can resist the little ones this time of year. Once she warmed up to me she played to the camera.

Jessica's Eyes


DJE

Photo of the Week 2011-12-12

winter's advancing grasp

With temperatures of -6*C at 7:00 am as we set out for a local conservation area, it felt more like winter than any day so far.

We decided to check out the west side of Mountsberg Reservoir in the hour or so before the gates opened. Wandering the trails as sun rose in the sky, I came across this scene and knew it had potential for an image. I moved around to examine different vantage points to get the best composition. Although I wish I could have placed the rock more off-centre in the frame, I think this works well with the cat tails in the foreground grabbing the viewers attention.

I particularly liked how the ice appears to be moving out from the shore to grasp the rock and envelop the open waters.

DJE

Photo of the Week 2011-12-05

after the frost


On Saturday morning the first hoar frost of the season made for some great photo opportunities while hiking the Speed River Trail west of Guelph. I didn't end up hiking any significant distance but it did take me a few hours because of all the time I spent stopping to capture the landscape painted with a sparkling layer of ice crystals.

All of the images with the frost aside, my favourite from the outing came on the return trek to the vehicle. I was working hard to find images after the frost was lost to the growing warmth of the morning. Then I noticed the chaotic patterns of the wet golden grass in sunlight ....

DJE