Photo of the Week 2018-12-03

Keady Trees - 2018-11-30

A recent question on a photography social media page prompted me to think about my own choices when it comes to aspect ratio. With that prompting, I decided to more thoroughly evaluate one of my my recent images using a variety of aspect ratios.

"Aspect Ratio ? What is Aspect Ratio?" you ask. Well here is the explanation of Aspect Ratio according to Wikipedia.

In responding to the question online, I commented that in choosing an aspect ratio, it obviously it begins with the aspect ratio native to, or selected on the capture device. Since I shoot primarily with a DSLR, my initial compositions start with 2:3 and I change in post processing to suit my vision for the image, either preconceived or determined after evaluating in computer screen.

There are any number of factors that can enter the decision process of what aspect ratio to use for a particular image. Since I begin with 2:3 in camera and compose accordingly, the majority of my work remains at this ratio. I also print a good amount of my work and have standardized on this ratio as a matter of economy considering printing and framing materials. When I decide that an image will significantly benefit from another ratio, I'll crop to suit, though I seldom if ever crop to arbitrary ratios, it's just how I roll. If I use a "custom" ratio, it's usually based on the "golden ratio". The panoramas I shoot are all cropped to suit the scene after images are stitched together.  

In the end, it's the personal preference of the photographer and what they select to represent their vision.

Below are examples of this week's image cropped to various aspect ratios. The main image above is custom and presented in the "golden ratio" that is somewhat less in height than the 2:3 crop. This allowed for removal of what could be considered an excessive amount of empty sky, and still allows for emphasis of the wider expanse of field around this croup of conifers, which is what always catches my eye when I drive past.

aspect ratio 2:3

aspect ratio - custom

aspect ratio 5:7

aspect ratio 4:5

aspect ratio 1:1

Looking for another perspective on this topic, here's a short article from DPS you may find interesting:
Aspect Ratio: What it is and Why it Matters - Andrew S. Gibson 

DJE

Photo of the Week 2019-11-26

Huron Shores - Huron Skies

While on reconnaissance in advance of visiting MacGregor Point for skating on their woodland trail this winter, there was time for a hike along the shoreline. The overcast day and placid waters contributed to the overall muted feel of this week's image ... so much so that I think the result is quite painterly without any "help" in post processing.


DJE

Photo of the Week 2018-11-19

A recent visit to Ottawa offered the opportunity for the first snowy winter hike of the season (although it's still technically fall) and the chosen location was Parc de la Gatineau / Gatineau Park across the river in Quebec.

Freshly fallen snow painting the landscape in marshmallow white and crisp cold air tingling exposed skin awoke familiar sensations. We set out from the Meech Lake head of trails (P11) with the idea of a short outing to enjoy the fresh air. Along the way, a side trail sign indicating "ruins" piqued my interest and just had to be explored ... and what a treat was in store.

Wilson Ruins

We came across the "Willson Ruins" at the end of Little Meech Lake where the water flows out and tumbles down a steep sections of rapids. The impromptu encounter provided an intriguing opportunity to learn about yet another tidbit of Canadian history. You can follow the link above to find out more for yourself if you desire.

Subsequent reading on Parc de la Gatineau has placed it on my list of "must return to" sites. Fantastic fall colours, wonderful waterfalls and the MacKenzie King Estate all remain to be explored ...

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 2018-11-05

A recent post by a friend, sent me into my library catalogue to search images from 6 years ago. I knew I had photographed the same location and wanted to check dates and other specifics before commenting on their post ... but while browsing the library, as often happens, some images now speak to me more powerfully than they did initially, those years ago.

I found it difficult to explain why the image below had been sitting, just sitting in my library without being shown ... until now.

standing in the mist

I recall the experience of making this photograph, as vividly as if it were just recently. The silence of a lonely road, interrupted periodically by the sound of an approaching vehicle. The dampness of the mist floating over my bare hands in the cool morning air, seeing the steam from my breath and feeling the loving embrace of nature.

DJE