Fall light for photography is magical due to its low, warm angle, which creates golden hues at sunset. However, this time of year it gets dark by 4:30 p.m. I had to work quickly, before the sun went down, to get this photo of a Pacific Great Blue Heron perched on one leg which helps it to conserve body heat. Click on the image to see a larger version.
When I’m out exploring this beautiful province that I live in, I’ve been trying to use my drone more. As a photographer, you have to change your perspective because you are seeing the world from a Bird’s-eye point of view. Just like you need to look at things differently when you are shooting black and white vs. colour photos, you also need to think differently when you are taking images with a drone. I took this picture of a road that leads to a ski resort. It actually goes up a steep hill, but it doesn’t really convey that from above. Ideally, I should have included a cyclist or a bright red sports car, which would have made for a stronger composition. Click on the photo to see a larger version. Comments are always welcome.
In October I look forward to chasing colours with my camera. The shorter days and cooler temperatures signals the trees to stop producing chlorophyll. At times, my hands were cold, but it felt great to spend the day in nature. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Click on a photo to see a larger version and then use your left and right keys to scroll through the gallery.
One of the best known mountains in the Garibaldi Ranges of the Coast Mountains. It’s considered to be the remnant of an extinct andesitic stratovolcano which formed between 1.1 and 1.3 million years ago. To the Squamish people it’s T’ákt’akmúten tl’a Ín7inyáx̱a7en which means ‘Landing Place of the Thunderbird’. The jagged shape of the mountain and its black colouring are said to come from the Thunderbird’s lightning. In my photo, just to the left of the mountain you can see the rock formation the ‘Bishop’s Mitre’ which is a challenging and technical climb. Click on either photo to see a larger version.
This time of year I look forward to photographing Bald Eagles ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) who gather to feed on salmon that have reached the end of their life cycle. I came across six Bald Eagles in a tree and I had to wait patiently for just the right moment when they were all looking in my direction. Click on one of the polaroid images and then use your left and right keys to scroll through the gallery. Comments are always welcome.
At sunset I spent some time photographing a juvenile Red tailed-Hawk ( Buteo jamaicensis ) hunting for small animals. With the sun just above the horizon it created this beautiful golden sidelight. The buteo’s eyes were fixed on the ground looking for any movement. Then it would attack in a slow and controlled dive. Click on one of the Polaroid images and then use the left and right keys to scroll through the gallery. Comments are always welcome.
This small cemetery had a beautiful wrought iron gate. What made me stop was the colour of the rust on the gate. Have a fun and safe Hallowe’en everyone. Click on the image to see a larger version.
The Thanksgiving long weekend is a great time to photograph the trees turning brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red. I love the light and colours at this time of the year. The air is so crisp and it’s a joy to be outside with my camera all day. My intention was to get there early in the morning when there would be little wind. The calm conditions would allow for nice reflections in the mountain lake. Please click on an image to see a larger version and comments are always welcome.
I was quite surprised to come across three Turkey Vultures ( Catharses aura ) when I was out for a walk with my camera and telephoto lens. When you see these raptors in the distance you know they are Turkey Vultures because their wings are raised in a V and when soaring they make wobbly circles. They sometimes fly low to the ground to pick up the scent of dead animals and also use updrafts to carry them into the sky.
The Turkey Vulture eats carrion or fresh carcasses which they find by using their keen sense of smell. Their stomach acid is extremely acidic which allows them to digest just about anything. By taking care of carcasses the Turkey Vultures provide an essential service by preventing diseases that would spread from rotting flesh.
They have a featherless red head and a hooked pale bill. Some would say they are not the most attractive bird when seen up close, but they have evolved with traits that make them unique. Please click on a photo to see a larger version.
This scene immediately caught my eye because of the orange colour, beautiful sidelight, and simplicity. I don’t always have my camera with me, but luckily I had my iPhone in this situation. Click on the image to see a larger and sharper version.
