Photo of the Week 2023-10-30

One week ago I had just returned from the shores of Lake Superior where I joined a handful of other photographers for several days of shooting immersed in the outstanding Algoma District of Ontario. The Lake Superior Wild & Scenic Photography Retreat hosted by Andrew McLachlan and operated out of Rock Island Lodge had long been on my wish list, or rather it's predecessor had. Since travelling to the area for work over a decade ago, then researching the area for solo photo exploits, I found it was home to an organized photo workshop and the seed was sewn.

 

The weeks and days preceding my return to this stunningly beautiful part of Ontario, had me struggling with my photography, feeling uninspired. Though it's happened before, given the time of year when fall colours were vibrant, I was in an odd place creatively and hopeful that the coming experience would see me through it.

 

The drive up Highway 17 from Sault Ste. Marie to Wawa, provided opportunity for stops at Chippewa Falls, Sand River and Old Woman Bay to test the waters and whet my appetite (puns intended). Though we would return to two of these locations in the coming days, I was able to get the creative wheel turning again ...

 

... then after arriving at the lodge, meeting our hosts and the other photographers, it was time for a first sunset shoot out on the shore.

 

' magenta moments '

You can find the images from this outing in my flickr album "Algoma" along with photos from my previous visits to the area. Most recent images will be added at the top of the album page and expect a few more over the coming days and maybe week or so. Yes the trip was that successful, I'm still working through the captures.
 

DJE

Photo of the Week 2022-05-16

 

Every sunset paints a different scene

 

' sunset serenity '

 

As the seasons change and the sun's trek across the sky slides, near the summer solstice it reaches far enough north to set just out of sight, beyond the mouth of our little bay. The next few months will see the sun's orb will drop behind the trees and out of view before sliding under the horizon each night.

 

DJE 

Photo of the Week 2017-06-12

Calm waters on Hay Bay are a special thing. They always draw my attention for their clarity and reflections ... and when we arrived Friday night, the air was still, the water smooth. After unpacking the car, I spent some time along the shore and let the serenity wash over me ... 

floating clouds

... what a great way o decompress after the work week.

DJE

Photo of the Week 2015-03-02

There is something about the forest, winter, summer, any season. There is just something calming, soothing, rejuvenating about being in touch with the forest.

The Japanese have a phrase, shinrin-yoku, that roughly translates to forest bathing.
According to the Wiki article, "It has now become a recognized relaxation and/or stress management activity in Japan."

When we spend time at our cottage on the Bruce Peninsula, Lynn has often said to me "you're different up here". It's more than just getting away from "the city", more than just leaving work behind, more than a change of scenery. I truly feel a change in body and mind, a calm, clear wellness. My "photo buddies" feel it when we go out for our weekend treks in the forest closer to home too. We've commented on the feeling, the need to get away and how it makes us feel more "alive".

For those interested in reading more, there is a longer article here: Your Brain on Nature: Forest Bathing and Reduced Stress.

through winter woods

"It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air, that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit." —Robert Louis Stevenson 

DJE