Photo of the Week 2020-07-06

Scanning though the library for files captured with a particular camera, I came across an image that I had marked for processing and never got back to ... that was in 2014 ;-)

Well, this weekend it was time. I recall the outing with a couple of friends where we explored the trails around Spencer Gorge in Dundas. I'm not even sure if the trails are still accessible as I'd heard part of the route was closed after landowners finally got fed up with the nonsense taking place in and around their home. (that is another story entirely and you can read about it here if you like). But when we explored on an October morning back in 2014 it was lovely.

I recall working to find the right composition of a scene with a fence skirting the edge of the trail with large overhanging branches for an old maple tree. It was during a time when I was experimenting with camera modes and setting and I screwed up a number of shots, overexposing by almost 2 stops ... talk about expose to the right. I really liked the scene and one composition I processed for an B&W sketch effect, marked it and others for further processing and that was it ... until now.

With the original capture overexposed,  I got the idea (from my recent buttercup image) to work with it an create a higher key, more ethereal version of the image and eventually worked up a B&W image and finally one corrected for the overexposure (ain't the new processing tools wonderful ;-)

I like 'em all. You decide if you like one better than the others.

Grand Old Maple (as captured)

Grand Old Maple (B&W)

Grand Old Maple (recovered)

DJE

Photo of the Week 2015-04-20

into the light

I've been finding it all too easy to just sit, have coffee and relax in a peaceful setting on those mornings when I'm at the cottage. While this is a welcome change form the usual morning routine of a work day, it doesn't do much to help me get the photographs I want to capture. So I've been trying to find motivation to get out early in the morning for some photography, while the light is still good.

This time of year, sunrise comes around 6:30 am. The weekend was here and after getting out of my weekend morning ritual, it would have been easy to to just say "screw it, there's always next week". Having to catch a flight on Sunday evening for a business trip next week, I had not gone to the cottage and had not committed to a morning photo outing ... until I got up.

It was 5:30 and I could either settle in at the computer or start getting ready to haul my butt out to a location and get back into what has brought me much satisfaction. It was an easy decision, I made some coffee, got dressed, decided on Dundas Valley as a location and packed a waist-pack with some gear.

When I started out from Guelph, the morning was clear and sun had already crested the horizon. My thoughts of catching early morning mist evaporated but I continued on to Dundas. Along the way, traces of mist over farm fields came and went, with one location giving me cause to stop and make this image "daybreak". Back in the vehicle after a the quick stop, I continued on to a parking spot that would provide access to Dundas Valley Conservation Area without having to worry if HRCA had open gates before their stated 8:30 opening time. Obviously they're not photography minded, parking opens at 8:30 - well after sunrise and street parking is not allowed anywhere near the formal entrances to their facilities.

I set out on the trails with the hemlock grove as my destination, still hoping there may be some lingering mist. Along the way, there were many scenes and subjects that greeted my eye, meandering creeks, old apple trees, backlit pines and morning shadows everywhere ... oh how I've missed photography at this time of the morning.

DJE

Photo of the Week 2013-04-15

There would be no need for rushing to get to my destination before the magic morning light disappeared on Saturday. Daylight was filtering through heavy cloud cover and would provide strong, soft, glowing light for my entire morning hike on the Dundas Valley Conservation Area trails.

My previous outings to the area around Dundas / Ancaster had been mostly in search of waterfalls and related creeks or streams to photograph. Although both Sulphur Creek and Ancaster Creek flow through this conservation area, this outing became more about the undulating trail network and remote feel the valley provides.

The Main Loop trial climbs up a section of the escarpment where the fallen rock (talus) was covered in green moss glowing in the strong soft light. 

Tranquil Trail

Now that I have experienced some of the very picturesque location, I will be making a point to return ... though it won't be regularly unless I can find another access location with convenient parking. I'm all in favour of supporting locations like this through user fees but they charge $9 for parking ... too bad. That's OK for a visit now and then but a little steep for a weekly or even monthly outing. The annual pass at $100 doesn't make it any easier to swallow.

While I'm on a bit of a rant, the fee only applies to vehicle parking. Hikers and bike riders do not need to pay the fee (as per the sign at the entrance). WTF? Hamilton Conservation Authority clearly likes to keep it's treasures to itself since the only ones hiking or biking in would be locals, anyone travelling a distance is likely to have a vehicle and pay for parking. From my experiences visiting and photographing waterfalls in the Hamilton-Dundas area, City streets are well signed for "no parking" so you're forced to use their lots ... and most lots are closed until 8:30 am which gets another WTF from me because that's far too late to arrive and capture the good light when the days are longer ... rant off. 

DJE