The Intense Greens of Spring

In Canada the winters are long and we wait for spring with much anticipation.  And, after all that waiting, our springs are short with not enough time between the first hint of green in all its lovely shades and the harsher hues of summer.  This year the spring colours seemed more striking than usual.  These images were taken in Grey County, just below Owen Sound, the last week of May.  Spring had arrived and green was everywhere, vibrant and intense.

I was going back to a place I'd visited last year to see if the colours were the same, to hopefully improve on the images I'd taken then, and to find some new locations.

Walters Falls and the Bruce Trail

Walters Falls is a small village named after the pioneer John Walter who established the first sawmill there in 1854 using the power from the falls.  The falls continue to provide power for a gristmill today.  Walters Falls is the only double waterfall in Ontario.  The Bruce Trail - an 885 kilometre trail that runs from Tobermory to Kingston, following the Niagara Escarpment, and one of the few UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves - runs through the area.   

Rocks, Moss and Trees

Below the Bruce Trail

Branch abstracts amid the moss and stones

This image of the falls was taken last year.  Unfortunately the water was exceptionally high this year and access along the river to the falls wasn't possible.  Disappointing as photographing the falls again this year was one of the reasons for the trip.

Double cascading waterfall at Walters Falls

Trees and a Small Brook Along a Country Road

How to find places to photograph?  Never easy, especially when you don't know the area.  And harder to find scenic imagery in the middle of the day.  These shots were taken mid-afternoon in bright sun.  But the greens were lovely and waiting for a bit of cloud cover helped, as did using a polarizer.

Trees in spring along a small brook

Trees and dead branches in the flooded marsh

Bognor Marsh

Another place visited on last year's trip.  This time not so easy to photograph.  The light wasn't good and finding a decent vantage point to shoot from was tough.  Another reminder - not that I need one - that nothing stays the same, change is constant, and I need to stop and get that shot when the light and the composition are there because waiting to come back for it often doesn't work.  These are two images from this year that I did like.

Lilly Pads and Blooms

Bognor Marsh

A couple of days travelling in Ontario with a friend who's also focused on photography is always a good thing to do.  I see new things, revisit a few places I've been to before, make mistakes, learn a bit, and come back home rejuvenated and energized.  I'm now thinking about where to go next.

Winter's Trees

Trees have a different look in winter.  Stripped of foliage their shape and structure becomes visible, less flowing, more architectural.  Standing in fields or by the side of roads and outlined by winter light they add a lot to our winter landscapes.  I can identify many trees by their leaves, but far fewer once those leaves are gone.  

A willow tree, standing in the snow with its fine branches flowing in the breeze.  Full of grace and beauty.

These two majestic trees sit in the middle of a farmer's field.  In the summer they are surrounded by growing crops, usually soybeans.  It's less efficient to harvest around them but the farmer has decided to allow them to stay.  It's a gift to the community and to all who travel past them.

Each tree is different.  Some grow straight and narrow, others - like the willow - retain their flowing look without their leaves.  Some can be found in clusters, others alone.  Winter is nearly over and soon these trees will take on their spring and summer finery.  But until then I find much to enjoy about their winter look.

Seeking Inspiration

From October through to the end of January I took no photographs.  I was uninspired and had no motivation.   Life was full, there were other things going on, but little creativity.   I believe we need to create to feel alive and present in the world, and that was missing for me.  Early this month I felt that shift, partly through effort, but partly - I think - because life sometimes just ebbs and flows, moving to its own rhythm.  Whatever the reason I'm back out with my camera.  

The Pinery

A day in The Pinery, a provincial park close by.  It's early February and there's no snow.  The day was warm, the birds happy to be fed, and the colours more like fall than winter. 

Thin Ice on the River

Leaning Over

I'm Not Listening….

Fungus and Oak Leaves

Storm Damaged Trees

Deer in the Cemetery

A family of deer in an old cemetery.  They live both there and in the ravine below.  They are beautiful.  It's peaceful just to be around them.  They're not always visible but when they are it's a real gift.

Winter Beauty

I'm drawn to the colours of winter.  And the wonderful soft light.  I find it magical.  These images were taken just before sunset two days ago at Kettle Point. 

Frozen in Ice, Bathed in Light

Trees Along the Shore in Winter

Gazebo at Kettle Point

It's good to be back outside, seeing the beauty in the land around me, and getting lost in the making of photographs.  It feeds my spirit.  I hope you enjoy the images as much as I enjoyed taking them.