Photo of the Wek 2026-02-02

  

' Singing Horizon I '

' Singing Horizon IV '

Digging into the archive this week for a couple of images made at Singing Sands, BPNP, Northern Bruce Peninsula, back in February 2020 ...

 

I've been reviewing the image catalogue lately, particularly shots that I've processed and marked ready for posting. Some go back over a decade and it's interesting to revisit these waypoints from my journey. Images selected for this week suggest what I might find when I get to the cottage in a few days. Ice stretched far out from shore over the shallow water of Dorcas Bay at Singing Sands, the textures, patters and tones mirroring those in the sky.

 

While locating the image files and seeing the collection of shots I made that day, I encountered of some personal favourites that are now printed, framed and displayed on walls at the cottage. Actually, some of my all-time favourite work. 

 

DJE 

Photo of the Week 2025-03-10

 

' Moody Skies at Burnt Point '

A Black & White treatment seemed appropriate for the moody skies over Georgian Bay ... well it did given I've been working to keep B&W as an option when shooting and processing.

 

As I work my way through captures from last year, I came across this image that I liked but lacked something in colour. I decided to flip to B&W and process to the moody feel that I had when viewing the scene in person.

 

DJE

Photo of the Week 2024-01-08

A couple of months ago I decided to visit Halfway Log Dump in Bruce Peninsula National Park. The road in is not maintained during winter and is closed from early winter to late spring. I thought I would take the opportunity to go before the road was closed.

The shoreline along Georgian Bay at this location has provided many photo opportunities since my first visit over a decade ago. This time I would continue recent work on ultra-wide angle compositions, this time with my RF 14-35mm.

Though ultra-wide angle focal lengths can be used for stunning compositions, it requires practice to become proficient in their use, as I am experiencing while I work with focal lengths of 11mm and in this case as wide as 14mm. I made a number of successful images during this outing and in some cases worked a particular subject or view in various ways as I gain more comfort shooting this wide.

 

At one location, an old weathered cedar on a rock ledge caught my eye. My first instincts for a framing had me too far away, surprisingly so and I moved to the edge of a crevice using the lens zoom a bit to frame a shot (version A below).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not satisfied, I moved back a step, zoomed back out to 14mm and included a spruce standing above the background treeline as another point of reference. When I reviewed the images on the computer, this ended up being my favourite version.

' old cedar on ledge '

Before finishing with this scene, I moved even closer to the point where I had to remove and set my back pack and tripod down to step off the main cliff onto a ledge in the crevice. Even then I braced my foot on the other side of the crevice to lean slightly more towards the cedar (version B below). Upon review, this wasn't what I was looking for either.

 

' old cedar on ledge -B '

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm enjoying the challenge of working ultra-wide and have made some satisfying images but that first stand out image is yet to be made.

 

Oh yes ... as things turned out and real winter weather yet to arrive, Emmett Lake Rd. was still open when I passed by most recently. Perhaps I will change another visit.

 

DJE

Photo of the Week 2023-10-23

 

From the series ' 2023 Bruce Autumn Roads ' featuring favourite roads near our cottage in their fall colours.

 

' 2023 Bruce Autumn Road - XVIII '

Hoping I had not missed peak colour, I made the drive along a favourite, soon to be (seasonally) closed, road near our cottage. Catching autumn foliage at optimum colour and in optimum light is all about timing, part yours and part mother nature's.

 

On this outing, I felt that my timing was slightly off getting the most colourful display and the lighting, though it began with some spotty strong sunlight, ended up being a fair bit more flat than I would have preferred.

That said, a group of three maples I knew of did not disappoint. They were a lovely hue of rich orange when they came into view. The rest of the nearly 10km trek in and out was lovely too, just not as vibrant as the spot captured in the image above.

Last week I wrote about my process of capturing sunset and highlighted that there can be a lot more that simply snapping off a single shot. That was the case for this outing as well. Between the two roads I travelled, I clicked the shutter nearly 80 times. At each spot I pulled the truck over to the roadside, parked with the 4-way flashers on, checked for other vehicles approaching, got out and walked to frame my composition and returned to the vehicle.

Not all of the images I made passed the initial edit. But a lot did and I processed over 2 dozen which are being posted to my online flickr gallery which you can see via the link in the opening line of this post.

DJE

Photo of the Week 2022-09-26

 

' Afternoon at Halfway Log Dump V '

It's good to have some images in the 'back pocket' for those times when you suddenly remember that you need to prepare a post ahead of time and schedule publication while you will not have full access to your files and the internet. Fortunately I have tagged a number of images "for posting" in just such and event.

 

Almost a year ago, I visited Halfway Log Dump after a considerable absence during COVID lock down and the resulting BPNP closure. While working with the images I made that day, I gave luminosity masks a first try. This image, made late afternoon, had some deep shadow along the forest edge and luminosity masks allowed me to bring more of the actual feel from that day to this rendition.

 

Now that autumn has arrived to 'the Bruce', I really must plan a return visit for some more photography ...

 

DJE

Photo of the Week 2022-01-03

 

WELCOME TO 2022 !!

 

Here starts another calendar year for the blog ...

 

With a snowstorm hitting areas of the province south of us, Tobermory was getting just a dusting of the 'white stuff' as the second day of the new year got underway. It was however getting colder (-10*C) and while time will tell if winter is truly ready to settle in, I decided that I needed to get out in the fresh air, so I asked Lynn and Murphy to come with me for a hike to Indian Head Cove. It wold be our fist visit in almost two years.

 

Indian Head Cove 2022-01-02

For the outing, I packed up a variety of photo gear and included the 14mm Rokinon f/2.8. It's not a lens that has seen a lot of use and I intend to work with it more in 2022. Ultra Wide Angle lenses can be utilized to provide some dramatic perspectives and exceptional compositions. They can also be quite challenging to wield given their expansive field of view. Unwanted elements like branches, feet, and tripod legs tend to creep into the edges of the frame when the photographer is not watching 'the edges' closely. There are a host of other considerations a photographer must keep in mind when a UWA is mounted and perhaps I'll discuss these in future posts as I encounter and utilize them.

 

As a beginning, I figured it could inject some interesting creative changes to my process and push me to see and create differently. What a great way to start a new photographic year!

 

DJE

Photo of the Week 2021-11-01

Welcome to November ...

 

It was last month when I ventured into Bruce Peninsula National Park for the first time in 2021. It had been a couple of (long) years... with "stay home" orders, park closure and overcrowding, my visits to BPNP had been nonexistent. I decided it was time to see if the area still had a place in my heart and the ability to stir the creative spirit ...

 

It started with an afternoon visit to Halfway Log Dump. Short though it was, the location definitely speaks to me and I managed to capture a set of images showcasing the spectacular shoreline and waters along this section of the Bruce Peninsula.

 

Later in the month, I made a point to visit Singing Sands one afternoon to enjoy the spectacular skies over calm waters and the sandy shoreline. The outing produced a set of 12 images that I've begun adding to an album titled mid-day medley. The series is the result of an exercise in altering position, POV, placement of horizon, foreground interest an portrait vs landscape aspect ratio that showcase the sand, shore and sky in concert.

 

I've chosen one from the middle of the series as this week's POTW.

 

mid-fay medley - VI

 

DJE

Photo of the Week 2020-10-19

An image was selected and queued up for the P.O.T.W. ... then the weather cooperated on a Saturday hike with cousin Steve who had come to spend some time with us up at the cottage. We had selected a trail that would show him the Georgian Bay shoreline from an escarpment lookout and from water level. Halfway Log Dump was the perfect spot to offer both views, and the weather cooperated for just long enough for us to get the hike in ...

 

Rock Overhang & Cave Point

West to Cave Point and Bear's Rump Island

East to High Dump and Cabot Head

West end of the boulder beach

It was great that Steve got up to our place for a visit, and that the weather was decent for our hike. It took a while but now he's seen autumn on the Bruce ... we want to show him winter.

 

DJE

Photo of the Week 2019-06-17

heading home

Sometimes it just takes a little patience and the needed element will make an entrance into the scene ...

DJE

Photo of the Week 2018-12-17

My love of the Bruce Peninsula Landscape began several years ago with a visit for some winter photography. The plan for the first 'Bruce' trek likely sprouted from numerous photo outings to sections of the Niagara Escarpment closer to home. Niagara Falls, Hamilton, Dundas, Burlington, Milton, Limehouse etc. all cultivated my fascination with the limestone cliff that stretches hundreds of kilometres.

The winter 'Bruce' trek became an annual event and perhaps because those memories, winter remains a favourite time to be on 'the Bruce'. Though Mother Nature has yet to lay down this season's winter blanket, encountering some of those earlier images on a journey through the photo library brought back that crisp, quiet fee of winter mornings on 'the Bruce'.

Winter Morning at Little Cove - IV

Avisit to Little Cove back in December 2010 provided the "crisp'. A tripod and slow shutter speed calmed the waters.

DJE

Photo of the Week 2018-11-12

Last in a series of 'Fall Tamarack' images from Singing Sands, BPNP that I've been releasing on social media over the week. I saved this for the finale as I think it's the best of the bunch ...

'Fall Tamarack VIII'

Go back through the D J England Photography Facebook page, to see the previous images and let me know what you think.

DJE

Photo of the Week 2018-09-24

Adding a human element in a photo can provide a point of reference, a connection that helps convey mood and emotion. The lone figure in the image below was intentionally included for just these purposes.

'watching sunset'

Even an image comprised of 15 separate captures, merged in Lightroom to create a sweeping panorama of the view from Singing Sands as sun sets out over Lake Huron can benefit from the inclusion of a lone, unidentifiable, solitary figure, sitting contemplating the wondrous view.

I waited until the person, who had been walking along the shore, sat back down on the picnic bench at water's edge so they would be in the same position over multiple frames before staring the capture sequence. Small as they are, when the viewer notices them, the image takes on new meaning.

DJE

Photo of the Week 2018-01-15

Winter on 'the Bruce' is magical ... I'm sure some of the full time residents may have a slightly different view, particularly when the have to slug to work through the winter storms and snow squalls ... but for me as one who visits regularly to get away from the daily grind and recharge, it is truly magical.

Late Afternoon - Indian Head Cove to Overhanging Point

With sun beginning it's descent in the sky, our snowshoe trek out to Indian Head Cove began from the winter parking lot in BPNP. Following the groomed well travelled trail, we trekked through the campground until it turned toward Cyprus Lake and then hugged the shore until we crossed the bridge where the lake outflow cascades into Horse Lake.

From the bridge, we followed the Georgian Bay Trail to Indian Head Cove where we took off our snowshoes and wandered about exploring ... my companions on this trip, Matt, Claire & Jordan, had not seen this area in winter before and it was great to hear that they were not disappointed.

DJE

Photo of the Week 2017-07-17

Morning Sun at Dunks Point

It was a great hike with Lynn, Tracy, Murphy and Indy ... although the rain started to fall as we arrived at the parking area, we all were prepared with WP jackets and headed out towards Mermaid Cove. The connector trail to the Burnt Point Loop is a great point to access this trail and quickly get to the beautiful views from Burnt Point & Dunks Point.

With the sun hidden behind heavy cloud, the views from the first two lookout areas were washed out and lacking atmosphere. Had it been pouring rain, there may have been some mood to capture, but as it was, we just continued along the trail with the dogs.

Arriving at the third lookout spot, Dunks Point, the sun was breaking through the clouds and I was able to capture it spilling over the shoreline with heavier skies in the background.

DJE

Photo of the Week 2016-11-28

I've been wanting to hike to Overhanging Point for some time and finally made the trek this weekend with Jordan and Lynn. We took the Marr Lake Trail to Georgian Bay for something different and what a pretty little trail it is. Our 'little' hike provided some unexpected wonder when we decided to take a route along the shore rather than the Bruce Trail that climbs up the escarpment to Overhanging Point. We scrambled through a couple of cave openings and around several large fallen limestone boulders to find wondrous views and formations.
 

wondrous view

Jordan was our leader and thanks to him pushing (pulling actually) Lynn and I along, we were able to pass under the overhang and scramble up the escarpment to connect with the Bruce Trail and take it back. Along the way we were treated to nature's fresh, moist smells, forest floors cushioned with cedar duff, natural limestone steps along with the gorgeous lookouts.

I'm glad I took my phone with me as I had forgotten the backup battery to the camera I was using and .... yes, the battery died, just as we arrived at the most picturesque spot. The image above ws made with my iPhone and pushed hard in Adobe Lightroom.



DJE

Photo of the Week 2016-10-10

On a rainy fall day, Jordan and I decided to hike the Burnt Point Trail, BPNP/FFNMP, Tobermory in search of mushrooms and were overwhelmed. There were more types and sizes all along the trail ... so many in fact that I had to stop making photos and finish our hike or I would still be there ...

lil' puffers

... and here's a collage showing many of those I managed to photograph.

DJE

Photo of the Week 2016-09-12

"waves of blue' ... a new series

waves of blue X

 Halfway Log Dump, mid day, clear sky, direct sunlight ... no time for photography, or is it?

For the second time, a mid-day trek to Halfway Log Dump has proven rewarding. Productive beyond expectation in terms of my photography and as always some time spent admiring the blue waters of Georgian Bay along the escarpment washes away all that matters not.

On an earlier visit, waters were calm and I managed a number of images that made the cut, and from those I crafted the series 'hues of blue". One from that series has sold multiple times as a fine art print and was licensed to Parks Canada for use in one of their displays. Waters this time were more agitated and with the sun just a bright, images were bore abundant with more making the cut for a follow up series 'waves of blue'. Following are a few more from the still growing collection.

DJE

Photo of the Week 2016-04-04

... very pleased to have been contacted by Bruce Peninsula National Park / Parks Canada recently, regarding my photography.

After seeing some of my recent winter images of the Grotto and Indian Head Cove, they wanted to know what else I had that might suit their need for a wall display at the visitor centre and an upcoming project that I'll keep quiet until it's launched.

I attended an open house at the visitor centre this past weekend, where staff provided updates on the changes planned for BPNP / FFNP.  And was surprised to find one image they had licensed, already printed and displayed.

The park had a record year for visitors in 2016 and many had to be turned away from Cypress Lake, the Grotto and Indian Head Cove as the location can't take traffic at the level of demand experienced. This was part of the reason for the open house as park staff discussed potential improvements and plans to address the increased popularity while protecting the natural environment.

Along Burnt Point Trail

My image above of Burnt Point, was selected for display to show arriving visitors some of the other scenery accessible along the trail network in the park.

DJE

Photo of the Week 2016-02-22

Following up on last week's post, I've continued to work through the series of images I created during my winter trek to Indian Head Cove. I also visited the Bruce Peninsula again this past weekend, but oh how conditions had changed. Temperatures were more spring-like than winter-like and instead of snow, it rained during one morning hike. So, it's back to the image collection from last weekend for this week's image. 

After spending some time photographing the grotto and cove areas with the shallows showing off the iconic Georgian Blue waters, I wanted to have Lynn make a photo of me standing out on the escarpment edge to use as my facebook cover. I got her set up and trekked along the trail a bit before bushwacking through some deeper snow and up the rocks where I posed for the shots (you can see those on my DJEngland Photography facebook page at least for a while). As I turned to leave, I was drawn to see what was around the corner. There's always something just around the corner you know, or at least that's how it can feel sometimes. Not far from where I had been, this was the view ...

cold cliffs II

... so I turned my camera to the cliff faces for a few more shots before we left. I was glad to have worn my snowshoes, or at least to have the crampons digging into the ice on top of the escarpment cliff for secure footing when I made this image looking south-east near halfway rock point.

DJE

Photo of the Week 2016-02-15

Good 'ol Canadian winter finally arrived in Ontario, with temperatures of -27*C showing on the outdoor thermometer at 0-dark-thirty Saturday morning at the cottage. The snow was making that familiar 'crunch' under foot as I took Murphy out for his morning routine, after getting my day started with a couple of mugs of cottage brew ... and then there was the sensation of nasal passages freezing as I inhaled the fresh, clean, crisp morning air .... ahhhh Canadian winter ... where have you been? I've missed you :-)

Sunday morning, temps were on the rise and were a balmy -13*C when I finally made the winter trek to Indian Head Cove to be rewarded with scenes like the one below, for a mid-day photography session.

frosted shores I

This is a trek I've been wanting to do for a couple of winters and I just never got around to doing it until now. Conditions were not ideal for photography, with bright mid-day sun beaming off the fresh white snow, but I was able to compose to exclude shadow areas which made exposures manageable.

... next, I want to visit here when winter waters are angry and lashing at the shore :-)

DJE