Photo of the Week 2010-07-05

On our way out to shoot this Saturday a friend and I ran into another local photography enthusiast at Tim Horton's. We stopped to chat for a while and he told us of a location with an old iron bridge that crossed the Grand River just west of Elora. We thought it sounded like the place had some potential so we decided to check out.

The morning sun had risen well above the horizon and was providing some strong back-light on the trees bordering the river edge, the grassy meadow , the thick swarms of bugs over the river and the lone fly fisherman casting his line.

the cast


I now know the fisherman as Al. He and I chatted before I left to return home. We have since exchanged emails and I have provided him with a couple images from the shoot.

DJE

Photo of the Week 2010-06-28

red 'n wet


... a little more of the "Dreamscape" effect I was introduced to by Andre Gallant. Lynn and I were in Toronto to visit family on the weekend and I thought it would be a good time to visit Edwards Gardens for some shots of rain soaked flowers and the misty grounds.

before appplying the effect


Some other examples:


DJE

Photo of the Week 2010-06-21

There is a wooded area beside the highway that I pass nearly every day on my way to work. It takes on a different character as the seasons progress. Lately I have been struck by the lush green foliage backlit by the morning sun as I begin my commute. Sunday was the day to stop and take a walk in ...

morning green


The story behind this week's image:

I had an opportunity this past week, to hear Canadian freelance photographer Andre Gallant give a presentation on his images, style and inspiration in photography. Several of my friends and I attended the event and were treated to an engaging, entertaining and enlightening evening. It was particularly interesting to listen to Andre speak of his creative journey and how he is currently inspired by certain techniques.

I decided to give his "Dreamscape" technique a try. It's basically his personal recipe for an Orton Effect using 2 original images and layering in Photoshop. There are many actions available for Photoshop to apply an Orton Effect to a single image and I have played with these a bit in the past. In an attempt to see if I could capture some of the excitement that Andre described that evening, I tested it out.

DJE

Photo of the Week 2010-06-14

Albion Falls 2010-06-13

On a suggestion from a friend, this weekend we set out for one of my favourite waterfalls to capture it with high water flow after the recent rain.

When I think of making images of this waterfall, I envision clear water cascading over the multiple rock terraces and long exposures to create a silky water texture. I have shot at this location several times before and inevitably end up picking out various details with a longer lens. The same urge arose on this trip but in the end, the image I like best from the shoot is one that I shot at 24mm from the side of the gorge looking at the base of the falls with the silt laden water crashing over the rocks.

Getting something different at a familiar location is always a challenge; I’m pleased with my results from this weekend.

DJE

Photo of the Week 2010-06-07

Some of the best images are made possible by simply keeping a (photographer's) eye out for something other than the main focus of your shoot and being ready to capture a scene as it unfolds.

This past weekend I visited Battlefield Park in Stoney Creek to attend a re-enactment on the anniversary of the Battle of Stoney Creek, June 6,1813. Re-enactments are always great for learning more about our history, capturing interesting portraits of the participants and of course getting dramatic shots of cannon and musket fire and smoke.

As I walked around the park, waiting for the participants to assemble and re-enact a skirmish from the War of 1812, I noticed a couple of young ladies in period dress walking along the forests edge. They sat down and seemed to be content to share a quiet moment, then one got up to stroll off by herself. It was almost as if I was watching a youthful spirit from the past, immersed in her thoughts, lost in time.

yesterday's spirit