You can never take too many pictures!

Oh! Christmas Tree Oh! Christmas Tree

2011-11-30T16:37:00.000-08:00

We finaly have a tree tall enough to put lights on this year...in fact when you look closer there are 4 little trees all growing along side of each other. The snow was quit heavy today so some of the lights were pulled down...causing some blank areas....but I still think it's pretty!

First Snow- Arrowhead Park- Huntsville

2011-11-18T18:20:00.000-08:00

Our first so called heavy snowfall and I was joined by a good friend to venture out and hike the trails around Mayflower Lake in Arrowhead Park. Perfect weather, first snow then sun then clouds then snow then sun.....wonderful changing light for photography.....I was grateful for having the afternoon off work to enjoy this experience, and with a Great Friend!

Dorset Falls, on Kawagama Lake Road

2011-11-07T06:50:00.000-08:00

A pretty little set of falls but I was hoping for a stronger flow of water. Also it would be nice to shoot at peak fall color time next year. A very peaceful spot and I loved the solitude I experienced as I enjoyed a deeper connection to nature!

A frosty morning on Dwight Beach, Lake of Bays

2011-11-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

I was on my way to a shoot for a new waterfall location, but decided to stop by this beach to see how it looked at this hour of the morning. Wow! what a lovely surprise to see calm water, a bit of mist and such gorgeous color in the sky.I'm so grateful for taking the time to take that little detour!!!!!

Yankee Falls in November!

2011-11-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

Well it was a dull dreary day....Hooray!!!! the best conditons for those silky waterfalls shots....so off towards Algonquin Park to help a fellow photographer learn the tricks and tips of shooting these amazing falls and getting this effect. I had to do some real Monkey climbing to get to this angle of the falls, but I sure was Pleased with my results.

An Algonquin's Mistical Morning in Oct.

2011-10-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

Up way before dawn to drive the 50 minutes to the West Gate of Algonquin Park, quit a scary experience in such thick fog and never knowing if a huge Moose or Deer will be standing in the middle of the road. I headed to my two favorite shooting spots along Hwy. 60, Smoke Lake and Lake of Two Rivers, and was pleased to find the mist starting to rise, allowing the mysteries of the Lake to show themselves. There were even some spots along the way with fresh fallen snow, a reminder of what is to come! I also enjoyed the quiet solitude as I sat for awhile to breath in the Beauty of this Park and noticed the many animal tracks as they came down to have a morning drink. A young muskrat swam by and many birds greeted me with a morning song! It's moments like this, why I am so grateful for my life here in the Muskokas!!!!!

Fall Sunny day Paddling the Frenchmen's Creek, Niagara

2011-10-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

Well I carted mine and my friend Barb's Kayaks down to Niagara for one more paddle before we had to tuck them away for the winter. My daughter Wendy was in Barb's Kayak and my friend Catharine had her little 10 footer. The weather was truly a blessing since the week prior was so cold and wet!!!! I debated if I should load them up and travel so far with them, but I am so grateful I went ahead with my decison to take them anyway!!!!!We paddle a small tributary off of the Mighty Niagara, and enjoyed the wildlife and fall colors. We witness a Red Tail hawk that tried to capture a small Grebe that was fishing in the Creek! It was a close call for the Grebe, but it dove just in time to prevent those deadly talons of the Huge Red Tail. There were also many fish hunting for we witnessed many small minnows trying to escape by jumping out of the water, at least 10" or higher! It was a Great experience that I Loved sharing with my daughter and Good friend Catharine. We posed for a " Hey Look we Made it" shot at the end of our 2 1/2 hour paddle. it sure was a Fun Girl Time!!!!!

Some other shots from Arrowhead Park, Huntsville, Ontario

2011-10-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

Just a few other scenes from Mayflower Lake, Arrowhead Lake and Stubbs Falls. I'm so blessed to live so close to such an Amazing Park....most of the leaves are down now and the grey hills have very sparse color....Looking forward to some nice heavy frosty mornings, makes for great shooting!!!!!

Mayflower Lake, Arrowhead Park

2011-10-17T18:34:00.000-07:00

When we still had most of our fall colors in Sept I took the opportunity to venture out to do some shooting in a provincial park nearby. This lovely little natural spring fed lake was so calm and peaceful that afternoon, I just enjoyed discovering her lovely shorelines and reflections. Our hills are now almost all grey except for the late colors of gold from Poplars and Silver Birches. The Tamaracks will be the last color to splash against the dull grey bare branches. Then we await the first blanket of snow! and the fun begins again!!!!!!

Our favorite way to view Fall Colors

2011-10-02T05:39:00.000-07:00

My friend Barb and I have purchased touring Kayaks and we have both fallen in Love with them. Wow! how we love the silence as you glide so quietly on the surface of the water and you have total control of where you want to go!!!!! We were on Horn Lake, where my trailer is parked and it's one of Ontario's cleanest and clearest lakes in the area. We just started to discover all of her nooks and crannies and so much more to explore!!!! Sad to say our Kayaking season is coming quickly to an end, but I will be travelling down to the Niagara area in Oct. and getting use of them there on The Mighty Niagara River....Well above the Falls of course!!!!!

How Lovely a frame can be!!!!

2011-09-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

I've always been a big fan of how frames just make a picture Pop!!!!!The new frameless giclees are ok but I still love a wide mat and wood frame. Here I was playing around with Picnik on my Picassa account and added this frame and mat!!!! It just makes it look classier don't you think?

Algonquin Park Star shot!

2011-09-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

This has got to be my favorite shot from my 2 day course with Steve Elms, but it sure is a challenge to try shooting in such pitch black conditions. If I ever attempt this again I'll make sure I'm on scene alot sooner before the light is gone, so that I can point my lens in the right direction and make sure the subject matter is all in the frame. There is a little waterfall in the far left bottom corner, and It would have been nicer to have it over as part of the composition. Lessons learned!!!!! Look Steve up on his blog at SteveElmsPhotography.com if you ever want to experience an exceptional course in Algonquin Park, and he is so reasonable!!!!!

The Mystery of Mist!!!!!

2011-09-21T21:35:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I experienced an amazing photography workshop with Steven Elms, and highly recommend this fine Professional photographer from the Waterdown area. We tried to do an early morning sunrise on Lake of Two Rivers, but the mist was so heavy and thick. But later after 9:00am we finaly started to see the sun burn through and I was able to capture this peaceful scene!

A misty Sunrise on Smoke Lake, Algonquin Park

2011-09-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

I just Love this point on Smoke Lake along Hwy 60 in Algonquin Park, I'm sure there has been thousand upon thousands of tourists, photographers and passers by who have stopped here in all 4 seasons. This was our first day of a 2 day workshop with Steve Elms Photography. The weather was amazing, and the cameras were in hot pursuit of the best shot possible, even in the heavy foggy mist, there was always something interesting to capture!!!!

Pandora's Sphinx Moth-caterpillar

2011-09-08T05:22:00.000-07:00

This very interesting creature was feeding heavely on the wild grape vine we came across in the Southern Ontario Region. Take note in the image where it is a light green color, the small curved horn. The next day when we came across it again we noticed how much darker it was and it's shed skin with the curved hornstill attached. When I returned home I did some research and they verified the species as the larvae of the Pandora's Sphyinx Moth. They go through many stratas or molts , ending with a black colored stage and no longer with a curved horn. It then goes into the pupa stage and hibernates in a subterranian shelter for the winter, transfers itself into the Moth stage in spring.....

Along the shores of Eagle Lake

2011-08-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

My Sista! Buddy Barb and I wanted to get her brand new canoe in paddling mode before her trip to the Yukon, so we loaded her Swift, Muskoka 16ft., on the roof of her Sonata and off we headed to Eagle Lake, just West of South River, Ont. She paddles like a dream, and we enjoyed watching a Mama Loon and her two fuzzy brown chicks, there's a picture of them up in my header shots....

We explored one of the many rocky Islands and a remote beach shoreline where we took this shot, it was a fun day to enjoy an August sunny day and a swim at our main landing....Thanks Barb for some great memories...may we make many more!!!!!!

The Forest Banded Snail

2011-08-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

Please stand to correct me, but I beleive this is a Forest Banded Snail...he was just cruising along our trailer park road on a damp chilly day.....he looked at me several times, probably wondering what that big black thing with his reflection showing.....Was?

In pursuit to the Night Bite!

2011-08-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

Our Trailer Park is exclusive to this wonderful clear body of water near Burk's Falls called Horn Lake....The deep blue waters are home to resident Lake Trout, Whitefish and Smallmouth Bass. Therefore most anglers leave the dock at sunset to pursue these species of fish, which hunt in the lower light conditions.

Who's allergic to peanuts???? Not me!

2011-08-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

This little guy is our resident Chippy at the trailer. He is a much younger little guy than our chipmunk from last year, but not as fearless and friendly as our Little Stubbs. He would take his peanuts right out of your mouth or climb into your pockets...so much entertainment!!!! I'm not sure what their life span is, but I'm afraid Stubbs was very near to his end.

All that's missing is a Bee!

2011-08-10T19:11:00.000-07:00

I have almost a hundred shots of BeeBalm but this has got to be my favorite!!!! I Love the soft glowing late evening light, around 7:00pm is my favorite time to shoot florals these days....of course this is with my favorite macro lens and as I said...all that is missing is a nice fat Bumble Bee!!!!!

The only way to watch a sunset!!!!!

2011-07-21T17:44:00.000-07:00

This is Horn Lake, just East of Burk's Falls Ontario. We have a modest little trailer there and enjoy it for 6 months of the year. My favorite hobby is shooting the magnificant sunsets we are blessed with. I never tire of them and this evening my friend Barb posed as my model...with a fine cup of tea in hand. I'm sure with this heat wave something cooler will be a better choice!!!! The waters of this Lake are the cleanest in central Ontario, crystal clear, spring fed with wild lake trout and smallmouth bass. I am going to spend the next 10 days there with family and friends...the only place to beat the heat!!!!!

Mystery Bug, What Are Thou????

2011-07-19T15:37:00.000-07:00

We were quietly sitting around our campfire this past weekend and suddenly I notice some movement on my left, and behold is this very interesting and unusual little Caterpillar on my camp chair. Now has anyone out there seen such a creature before and know what it is or what it turns into????? I was amazed by it's little white raised lumps and bright red head, it was so cute to shoot as it kept raising it's head towards me. When I zoomed in it did look a bit scary at first.Would appreciate any feedback, and Thank You in advance.....

A Hidden Little Gem

2011-07-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

This wonderful set of Falls is nicely hidden away when the foliage is full, if you were not aware of it's existence you would quickly drive by it, on your way to two Algonquin Park Access Points on the West Boundary Line. I was told the locals call them Yankee Falls, but others have referred them to Magnetewan Falls, and other names. They are part of the Magnetewan Watershed system, and whenever we are in the area I "Must" stop to do a shoot or just breath in their Beauty!!!!! This Monday's weather was dark and misty, perfect for shooting with a slow shutter speed....and since I forgot my NDx4 filter I was hoping the sun would stay away....The waters of this system are very dark and a tea stain color, therefore giving it that yellow hue.

Pride of The Pond

2011-07-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

There's just something about waterlilies that just draw me to them. I believe it is a sweet memory from my youth when we visited our Quebec relatives on their Lake. I was always thrilled to pick the waterlilies closes to the shore and save them as a centerpiece in a glass bowl on our dinning table, but Mom would not like some of the tiny creatures that would fly off...I would just giggle and tell her we now need some the frogs to eat those bugs...and she would show me her look of distaste!!!! Mom never was an outdoorsy girl!!!!

Special Effects Peonie

2011-06-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

I just Love some of the settings on my Nikon D5000 SLR, this is called a Low Key effect, it's slightly underexposed, then I increased the contrast and saturation. To me it looks like I used special lighting and a black backdrop, but this is the flower on the original bush. I used my 85mm macro lens on a tripod ....it was about 7:30 in the evening with heavy overcast skies. What do you think of it??????

Yumm! you look good enough to eat!!!!

2011-06-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

Was fascinated with the eyes of this dragonfly, and he or she looks like it's sizing up that bug as a meal! This is on a Lovely Lake near Havelock, Ontario. Unfortunately they just experienced a fairly strong Tornado and there was much damage done to the shoreline and trees. So we could not find a single Loon nesting, which was so sad. I have in the past have found up to 4 nesting pairs but I'm afraid there maybe no chicks to raise this season. With their nest so close to the waterline I can see how the waves and strong winds would wash away any unhatched eggs....Their lonely calls at night touched my soul with sadness....

2011-06-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

There is no bloom that affects me the most than The Bleeding Hearts!!!!!They are a symbol of the Love I hold Dear for my Late daughter Leanne Alward. She Loved her gardens and could spend hours tenderly tending to her florals and plants. This shot taken in my Best Friend's Garden has to be one of my favorites so far.....so I dedicate this image to Leanne's memory and send all our Love to her....we all miss you so much Honey ox ox

A season for Critters!!!!

2011-06-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

My Dear friend Joan has the most amazing garden I've ever had the pleasure to shoot in, her florals are so diverse and so are the little creatures that habitat there. The bearded Purple Iris had a little guy that was shy I guess I could not get it to show it's head, so never could identify it. I Love how my prime macro lens sort of invades their world, so I can show the rest of their world to my blog viewers.

Sunset on Old Nipissing!

2011-06-07T12:24:00.000-07:00

This was our annual Walleye fishing trip for our 26th yr. on Lake Nipissing near North bay, and we were treated to one of her amazing sunsets. The Lake was quit calm most of the day and made for pleasant fishing. The bite was on, as they say and were pleased with a total of 9 perfect eating size fish for our table. The sad part was another motor breakdown, after spending over $400.00 on it last fall...I'm afraid it may be time for a replacement...It does not owe us anything at 23 years of great service!!!!! I guess it's just worn out!!!!!

A close-up look at Miss Lily

2011-06-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

These Lily-of-the-Valley blooms are so cute and very hardy, I was amazed how solid the pedals are. Following my Macro theme I found this shot to be my favorite from a series I took, of blooms in my garden, after a heavy downpour this morning. Quit a feat to shoot this upside down since they all point downward!!!!

Pink Lady Slippers

2011-05-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

This delicate wild orchid is one of my favorites, and grows just next door in our neighbor's garden. Would Love to find a Yellow specimen but so far no luck in this area!!!!

Crabapple Blossoms- a spring time favorite

2011-05-26T18:00:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine has three huge Crab apple trees in her front yard, and was kind enough to notify me they were in full bloom. The light was a bit poor that day but in some ways it saved me from dealing with the harsh shadows you get from bright sunlight. These delicate blossoms are short lived, and will soon blanket her yard in a soft pink covering.

Their Time is at it's end

2011-05-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

The short season of our beautiful Trillium's is quickly ending, the White Trillium is starting to turn pink then withers away to a brown, the Red Trillium turns a deeper purple then also withers away to a dark brown. The Painted Trillium is already a thing of the past. With the leaves filling out and cutting off the sunlight the forest floor becomes totally shaded with only little peaks of sunlight coming through. It will soon be time for the fungi.

The Birth of a Fern

2011-05-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

I Love the stages of a fiddle head as it first uncurls into a silky layer then finally releases the most delicate little soft green leaves I've ever seen.This species of Fern is not very edible but I love the ones that my husband makes Fiddle Head soup with....Yummmmm!

The center of their world

2011-05-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

Macro Photography has become my passion, and my goal this year is to capture the best macro floral shots I can. Starting with our gorgeous wild spring flowers. I attended a seminar on Macro shooting by Mark Degner at The Henry's Camera Trade show yesterday, and gained a wealth of information on achieving the best images I can capture. Always a trial and error when using such large f-stops. So happy with my horizontal tripod, can now get down to the nitty gritty without any movement. So what do you think of this one?????

Don't forget to Look both ways!!!!!

2011-05-06T05:39:00.000-07:00

This Young Bull was a delight to watch just as we approached him. He stood there and actualy Looked Both Ways before he crossed to the other side. I guess him Momma taught him well....We saw a total of 18 Moose on this year's Moose Shoot. Some were very spooky and did not stick around long enough to even turn on the cameras, but we did get a few good shots. My photo friend Brandon from Windsor had a huge 500mm lens and he could take gorgeous shots from hundreds of yards away.It's always such a fantastic experience to view these animals in their habitat, just being in the Park just" Awakens My Soul!!!!"

Good Morning World from Algonquin Park, Smoke Lake

2011-05-03T17:32:00.000-07:00

There's something about an early morning sunrise that rejuvenates my soul!!!!! This is God's Palette and I consider myself Blessed to receive such a Gift!!!!! My other Photographer friends were beside themselves to be shooting such a magical Time of the Day....I've shot from this site before but never with such stunning colors!!!!!!

Threads of Silk- on the Magnetewan

2011-05-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

Had a special guest this weekend up from the Windsor area, a excellent young photographer, Brandon Broderick. We visited Brooks Falls on the Magnetewan river in the afternoon, and found the sunlight way too overpowering. So we returned later in the evening and enjoying a much softer light. He instructed me on the fine art of silky water effects, and I'm very Pleased! with some of my results. Still much to learn, as example cleaning up your picture area if possible, of stray branches etc. But I Love the dramatic flowing water and it's textures...

A spring surprise!!!

2011-04-14T18:10:00.001-07:00

It was so warm yesterday after my work day, so we decided to head off for a ride out to my husband's Old Hunt Camp area. We spotted a Cow Moose & her Twin Calves but way off in the distance, till I heard a funny little noise just below the car window. Here this wonderful little Beaver was busy chomping away without a care in the world, and never noticed us. Usually with a flip of the tail they are gone if you try to get close...so this was a real treat, to shoot in such close proximity.

Spring Sunrise in Algonquin Park

2011-04-10T00:08:00.000-07:00

She awakens from her long winter slumber, the days warm, the snow retreats and the ice becomes thin and rots. Soon we will hear The Call of the Loon on her lakes and streams. The fish will run the streams and rivers to spawn. The shaggy Moose will seek the mineral rich salty water and new growth. Soon many will return to breathe in her Beauty & Serenity. I have returned home.

Where Two Rivers Meet

2011-04-03T09:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in posting new images....as they say! Life Just Gets in The Way...plus I Lost a very Dear Photographer Friend who was such an inspiration, I wish to dedicate this image to his memory! Martin Hale 1958-2011 May his Love for Life reflect in all my images that I capture of this beautiful world he Loved so Dearly!!!! This shot was taken in a very small town called Mattawa, just East of North Bay. The two rivers of the Mattawa and Ottawa meet here and play an important part in our history. They have an annual Voyageur Days celebration and the population just triples. It's such a cute town and has no traffic lights, just one stop sign! After experimenting with ISO settings and shutter speeds I finally got the perfect exposure, love the ice flows along the foreground, breaking away with the spring time thaw.....

More Snowy Shots of Algonquin Park

2011-03-12T16:50:00.000-08:00

I hope the beginning of this paragraph starts at the right point this time....here is another series of shots taking last Monday, March the 7th. Some are from the Big Pines hiking trail, one is of the kids who were Ski Joring and the others were just scenes taken along the corridor near the West End of the park. I don't think we will see this kind of snowfall again for this winter....but I am just so thrilled to be in the right place at the right time to shoot on such a perfect day!!!!!

I do not understand why my write ups are showing up in such weird formats.....so sorry!!!!! I also forgot to mention about that little log cabin. It's the warm-up cabin the Park prof ides for cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiast who want to warm up after a run...it's has a wood stove and picnic tables inside....a Great! place to enjoy a lunch or snack after your winter activities. In the summer it's used for the mountain bike trails....

The dogsled trail and along Big Pines hiking trail

2011-03-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

This is something new I'm trying, I have never posted more than one image at a time so Please bear with me....I hope this works out!!!! Last Monday as we drove through Algonquin we stopped at the parking lot which accesses the dogsled trails and one of the many hiking trails. The fresh fallen heavy snow fall was just too gorgeous not to shoot. I took a short walk along the hiking trail and was lost in the beauty of the deep forest covered in it's late winter blanket. Also the contrast of white blanketed trees and blue sky were breathtaking....Our winter will soon come to an end as I look out to a heavy rain fall today, I will enjoy looking back at these images and remember that Special Day in my favorite Park " Algonquin".
I'm sorry there seems to be a typo at the beginning of my paragraph....more to learn I guess!!!!!

Ski-Joring

2011-03-09T20:18:00.000-08:00

We travelled through Algonquin Park on Monday after a stormy weekend, and what a treat!!!!It was another Winter Wonderland and when we stopped at the parking area where the dogsled teams usualy start their tours we were fortunate to meet up with a couple who were Ski Joring with their teams of Huskies and Golden Retriever. The Golden was just a pup in training, but the Huskies were so vocal and excitied to get on their way. I'm sure you must be strong and fit to keep up with these energetic dog teams!!!!

The problem seems to be solved!

2011-02-28T10:40:00.000-08:00

My image for this post has already been posted below, I was just testing to see if the post editor had fixed the problem....the image is much smaller than usual, So Sorry about that!!!! Our Camera theme for this month is quit a challenge, I'm not sure if I got this Wabi Sabi thing....does anyone out there have any experience with this subject?????...to see image just go to Older Post....Thanks!!!!!

Wabi Sabi.....???????

2011-02-28T10:33:00.000-08:00

This is a test....to see if my images are uploading....Thank You for your patience!!!!

A Collage of Memories

2011-02-19T12:06:00.000-08:00

I entered a local contest which was titled" My Algonquin", so I dug up my favorite shots from the park from this past spring, summer and fall....This frigid cold return of winter today makes me long for our spring time hikes and fishing adventures, then our Moose Hunting with cameras in May and the hunt for spring florals. Summer time there's more hiking and getting up at the crack of dawn for sunrises, then the glorious fall colors on our favorite trails and misty mornings on her gorgeous lakes. It won't be long now...as long as I don't look outside at our 80 kilometer winds and blowing snow

Busted

2011-02-10T11:47:00.000-08:00

This young Fawn, it could have been a Buck or Doe, kept trying to catch my scent. She/He could see the odd movement when I would reach up to make an adjustment on my camera, but still wasn't sure what she/he was seeing.....then Bang!!!! I was Busted!!!! she/he picked up my scent and in a flash was off bounding away, with White Flag swaying to and fro...I Love how swift and sure footed they are even in belly deep snow....

Winter's small surprises, Milkweed pods

2011-02-07T17:02:00.000-08:00

Went for a snowshoe jaunt in our local sand pit today, and Wow! is the snow ever getting deep!!!! All the little dried up weeds from last fall were lightly covered with a fresh topping of snow....As I looked around the sand dunes little treasures could be found, and this was my favorite....

Let's Find Waldo....The Deer!

2011-02-07T11:41:00.000-08:00

I was out to our local deer feeding yard on Long Lake, and was safely tucked under some heavy pines....for in this heavy snowfall my camera would have been covered in no time. The people who own the property spread out broken bales of hay for the deer who come across the lake to feed. Unfortunately being a Sunday afternoon there was heavy snowmobile traffic which would scatter the herd of almost 20 deer back to the safety of the woods. In no time at all they slowly peak out from the snow covered pines and start across the lake to the feeding area....the snow was fallen so heavily I could barely see it in my viewfinder...but was so excited when I downloaded this shot, for I knew I could show people how heavy our snow falls can really be.....

A cold Day at Yankee Falls

2011-02-05T13:08:00.000-08:00

Brrr! it was only -24 as a high today but the skies were so blue and the air so crisp....just had to venture out for a shoot....Had to convert this shot to B&W with such strong sunlight the tonal values were really blown out...and the monochrome tuned everything down...I love this little set of Falls, these are the upper rapids just above the actual falls....With the snow so deep, venturing below the first set of falls would be a deadly undertaking....some very big boulders to maneuver, nasty ankle twisters for sure! So this was my only safest approach.

Shadows of Winter

2011-01-28T16:18:00.000-08:00

There is something so artistic in long willowy shadows on snow... may it be in color or B&W...I just Love the flow of lines and the black trunks of trees....I Love Winter and really don't mind the cold....there's always enough wool, fur and amazing synthetics to keep you comfortable!!!!

Winter's Treasurers

2011-01-27T14:05:00.000-08:00

I love playing with my fixed Macro lens, and it's not just for close-up shots. It's a challenge when you are in the field since you must move to and fro for there is no zoom, but I Love the crisp images this lens gives me. This was late in the afternoon, so the sun was starting to cast her golden glow rays of the day.

A Frosty Weed

2011-01-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

I am always amazed how frost will grow on everything, even on snow. It was a clear, sunny morning and the frost glittered everywhere, it presented a challenge for the camera and photographer.

A sleepy little Red Pole

2011-01-19T12:45:00.000-08:00

I took this shot in Low Key, and just Love how dramatic the low light gave a special life to this sweet little bird....he seems to be asleep, but I guess I captured that moment just as he blinked....for he soon flew off. Just Love the bit of sunlight on his little topknot and how the snow stands out against the dark background.....

Snow, Ice and rushing waters

2011-01-15T09:49:00.000-08:00

Again I chose a monochrome effect for I found the wonderful textures of the snow were more stronger.....and stood out better against the silky flowing water....

Bubbles frozen in time!!!!!

2011-01-15T07:10:00.000-08:00

I would have Loved to be able to get closer but the ice covered rocks are very dangerous...Again I love how the shadows and textures of snow and ice come alive in B&W....we plan on returning in Feb. to see if the wild artistic ice formations will form as they did last year....I have a posting in my older posts from there......

Mysterious Ice Circles

2011-01-15T07:01:00.000-08:00

At the base of the falls there is quit a current....sort of a Whirlpool effect and I guess these little round ice formations were molded from constant spinning and rubbing against the ice...I've never seen that happen before...it was quit a marvel!!!! I Love how the sunlight is lighting up the ice just under the snow covered chunk of ice, just before the ice circles. I chose to present this shot in B&W for the brown stained water of the Little East does not make for pretty water.....

Our Snowshoe adventure to Stubbs Falls

2011-01-14T13:59:00.000-08:00

Well the falls is a bit hidden here but you can see a bit of the rapids above.....this little set of falls in Arrowhead Park is a popular spot in all seasons...but we were a bit disappointed not to see the wild and artistic ice formations we saw last year....but the winter is not over....we will come again. I also was disappointed to see the Park Management use snowmobiles to groom the snowshoe trails....I may as well just have walked in with my boots.....I thought snowshoe trails had nice deep snow on them for that calorie burning workout!!!!!....What Gives?????

A drippy New Years Day

2011-01-11T17:08:00.000-08:00

We experienced a very wet start to our New Year and as I was out exploring the ice covered rock cliffs In Algonquin Park I got quit Wet!!!! but found the water dripping from these ice formation, made interesting lines in my composition...I also converted this shot to B&W to make them stand out even more....but it was a challenge to try and keep my lens clean and clear of water drops.....

A Moment at Dawn

2011-01-08T07:11:00.000-08:00

So sorry for this long absence in posting.....this Christmas rush was the busiest ever......anyway we are approaching a small Brook Trout lake at dawn, and this shoreline caught my eye and I just had to stop to capture it.....of course the other fishermen left me behind....but moments like this are too rare at times and I wanted to save it not just in my mind but through the eye of my lens.....for those days when I will no longer be physically able to venture out at dawn on a frozen lake...with camera and fishing gear in tow!!!!

An abstract point of view!

2010-12-15T13:47:00.000-08:00

So sorry for not posting in quit a few weeks now.....been so busy with Holiday preparations, and still not caught up.....but was playing around with a method of turning my lens during a long 2 to 4 second shutter speed....so this is my Christmas Tree!!!! With all the snow that has been fallen south of our area, I've been disappointed that we don't have that lovely heavy laden snow everywhere....it's been so cold with a nasty wind....so there goes my lovely trees!!!! Hopefully will have some Great winter shots in a few weeks

Early signs of winter slumber

2010-11-23T13:10:00.000-08:00

The brown crispy leaves, blanket the forest floor. The lakes are starting to freeze over, trapping fish and crustaceans below. Soon the skies will open up and cover our world with fresh fallen snow...bringing on a clean white canvas for my camera to capture...in the variety of light and colors of the passing winter sun.....An exciting time to look forward to......

The National Art Gallery

2010-11-11T15:22:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed a weekend away in Ottawa visiting my Sister and Brother-in-law and capturing some architectural shots for our photo club's theme. This one appeals to me the most, this amazing sculpture of this huge arachnid compliments this stunning glass building...wished I had clearer skies but then the shadows would have been so harsh.....

Reflections of Frost

2010-11-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

It was a glorious morning, trees were thick with frost and not a breeze to be found....one of our local lakes called Fish Lake was as still as can be...it seems this dock was left free floating for the winter and ice season....was a gift to be out and about with the camera!!!!!

Life still prevails......in late Fall

2010-10-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

I Love the world of Mushrooms, which are actually the fruit and not the actual plant. The mycelium is the actual plant that can grow and spread underground, in huge areas....I would Love to take a course on how to identify the edible species, we have such a variety in our part of Central Ontario....

Turning Cans! in Peers, Alberta

2010-10-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

My daughter Chris, puts on Barrel racing jackpots in the small community of Peers, Alberta....so I had a blast shooting in continuous mode as these girls raced around the barrels...of over 180 shots this was my favorite...the sun lite up the dry scattered earth as these horses cut around the barrels, hoping of course not to knock them over....I'm just amazed how these huge animals can cut so sharply around an obstacle...some came so close but never touched that barrel...it's a timed event and if you can accomplish a run in less that 18 seconds...you are flying...the pros at the big rodeos do it in less than that.....we had an action theme for our camera club last night and this was a huge hit!!!!!

Chaos!

2010-10-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

I'm sure anyone who has travelled through Algonquin Park, has stopped for a so called" Kodak Moment" at this very spot on Smoke Lake, it's right before you turn to go on Arrowhon Road and the ministry float plane hanger....Well my last visit over a week ago was a sad one, a huge white pine at that very point has fallen to it's death....one of my header shots above shows the way it use to look ( the 3rd. header down) there is still a single pine but it just doesn't have the fullness now.....I love the chaotic tangle of these roots and I believe the B&W version is the best format to appreciate them......

On Golden River

2010-10-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

Here is another fun abstract...what do you think????? Thanks in Advance!!!!

colored silk in motion

2010-10-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

This is a little different...I'm preparing for a natural abstract theme contest and played around with one of my brook's falls shots....and this was the end result....what do you think????? of course it was boosted with some saturation to give it life and a colorful canvas....All comments Welcomed!!!!

Frosty Milkweed

2010-10-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

Well I knew my camera would not rest for long....we had a fairly good frost this morning and I wanted to capture it on these silky milkweed pods.....they don't last for long when the winds start to blow.....they always fascinated me as a child!!!!!

Death of a Leaf

2010-10-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

Our colors were short lived and the leaves dried up so quickly this Fall....but as I walked through a Golden Forest, and enjoyed the amazing canopy and colorful carpet, I truly appreciate the changes we enjoy here in our region...soon we will feel the chill of frosty mornings and the first dusting's of fresh snow....and again I will feast on the beauty of another season through the eye of my lens....and Thank my Maker for the scared gifts he provides.

Fall Serenity

2010-10-04T17:32:00.000-07:00

Now this is why I Love The Fall!!!!! Nature's canvas stimulates our senses beyond our lenses and captures your soul.....I can only completely surrender!!!!!Breath in the Beauty !!!!!

Brook's Fall

2010-10-04T00:32:00.000-07:00

I've been playing around with a ND filter and slower shutter speeds, trying to perfect my silky water effect....I still see how important a gradient filter plays in such a shot....the upper falls still has too much light....in a matter of just a few days the colors are now gone, especially the reds....I wish they could have lasted a bit longer......

My pretty little Bride

2010-09-28T17:05:00.000-07:00

My youngest daughter was married near Algonquin Park on Sat. to her Best Friend....the day was cold and wet but it did not dampen her joy and enthusiasm.... shooting people as opposed to landscapes and wildlife is much more challenging and the need of a good speed light & diffuser was very apparent. I tried to capture the softness of the light from the window and her natural look....

Sunset activities

2010-09-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

Well I presented a slide show at our photo club this week of a selection of sunset shots I took over the summer....and this one had received the most responses....Enjoy!

A Passion for Fishing

2010-08-31T18:26:00.000-07:00

This beautiful little girl reminds me of myself as a young child, always down on the dock fishing. I could spend the whole day there and never get bored....I guess if it's in the blood it's there for life!!!!!

In Low Key

2010-08-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

I Love challenges, and at my neices wedding I tried different settings to see what dramatic results would unfold...this experiemnt with a Low Key setting was a wonderful surprise...one of my favorites from this fun shoot.

A Kiss for a Peanut

2010-08-18T16:43:00.000-07:00

I've seen many a chipmunk beg and sit on your knee waiting for a free handout....but this little guy, who we call Stubbs, for his short tail, has to be the friendliest little creature ever....There are several families in our trailer park who feed him and has given him several other names....note the little hole in his ear....a confrontation with a nasty Red Squirel.....

The Power of Yellow

2010-07-31T05:34:00.000-07:00

There's just something special about the color yellow!!!!!I beleive it's the green background that gives it such a warm glow, as a painter we sometimes put a bit of purple behind yellow to enhance it's vibrance.....I never tire of shooting these gorgeous blooms!!!!!

The Willmore Wilderness Reserve

2010-07-21T18:34:00.000-07:00

My kids were saying it is unusual to see snow up in the Mountains in early July, but it made the scene that much more spectacular...our ride lasted about 1 1/2 hours in to our destination...and being such a green rider....that sure was long enough for me!!!!

Alberta Sky

2010-07-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

One of my daughter's horses was always so curious as I tried to capture his silhouette...I was always amazed with that Big Alberta Sky...

A not so perfect Swallowtail

2010-06-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous butterfly had a chunk broken out of it's one wing....maybe from a confrontation with another Butterfly? Sorry to see very little Monarchs this year...hopefully in July....

? Does anyone know the type!

2010-06-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

I beleive it is the female of this species, but couldn't find it in my referrence book...would appreciate it if someone could let me know!!!! I love how it is wrapping it's wings around...and I'm Loving this Micro lens....seeing a wonderful world around me

A Nesting Common Loon

2010-06-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

This Male/Female Loon will soon be releived of it's laying duties as we noticed the mate nearby....they try and give themselves a low profile as we approached....I am always amazed on how wide these birds are, no wonder there can be twin chicks riding on Mama's back, to keep them safe from underwater predators.....

Reflections on Oak Lake

2010-06-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

We waited 3 days for a beautiful sunny, calm morning to take these gorgeous reflection shots....and were awarded with many!!!!

White Waterlily

2010-06-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

Among the many plants that grow rooted to the bottoms of small lakes and ponds...this one is the most beloved...with their bright floating blossoms and deeply notched green shiny pads...they are sought after by many a photographer or amphibian as a resting surface...when the flower fades, it's stalk shrinks,submerging the hard-cased fruit while the edible seeds mature. Then the case opens, and the seeds float free until they become waterlogged, sink, and take root

Our precious frogs

2010-06-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

There's just something special about frogs!!!!!I've been fascinated with them since childhood, when we would hunt for their eggs, then try and catch the tadpoles and watch their legs develop and then lose their tales....their mating song is the sweetest music to my ears in the spring, and at one time we used them to catch the biggest Bass ever....but now our poison atmosphere is killing them off...since they breath through their skin as well as their nostrils, they are affected by the pollutants more than ever....not a very good sign for our eco-systems...this little guy took up residence in my friend's new rock pond....he sure didn't waste time claiming it for his own...and I warned her about putting in goldfish...those Great Blue Herons just Love snacking on them.....

paddler at sunset

2010-06-15T16:43:00.000-07:00

How fortunate I was to have this canoe paddler go by as I sat and awaited the end of the day, of the 6 shots I took of him....this was my favorite.Every chance I get when we are at the trailer I try to capture the amazing sunsets that we are blessed with, this one came with a bonus!!!!!

Blue eyes of Wonder

2010-06-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

I Love shooting little tots, and this little guy was so amazing!!! His name is Bastian and he is the grandson of my good friend Catharine. Baby boys always seem to have the longest eye lashes I've ever seen, I love that little curl in his hair...Thank You Bastian for giving me the opportunity to experiment with my new lens....

Sunset on Horn Lake

2010-05-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

We always look forward to another fun season at our trailer, and I try to capture as many Great Sunsets as possible that we are so blessed to enjoy!!!! By October the sun will have shifted farther to the south, so on the summer solstice it will be in it's most northern position...I Love shooting after the many summer storms....they give you the most dramatic skies.....

A colourfull tent caterpillar

2010-05-20T05:20:00.000-07:00

Wow! what a fantastic little-itty-bitty world we have.....I never thought a tent Caterpillar was so colourful....just loving this new micro lens....and seeing a hidden world all around us!!!!!

The Beauty Within

2010-05-07T19:39:00.000-07:00

Even on a dark cloudy day, there is still so much Beauty in Algonquin..I capture some distant light on the emerald green mountain sides of new spring leaves. Mood shots are so exciting to capture....

Red Trilliums

2010-05-04T17:43:00.000-07:00

They are also referred to as Stinky Benjamin's or as Muskoka locals call them, Stinky Jacks. The smell is an attractant for the Carrion Fly who will them pollinate them. I was fortunate to find one pointing straight out instead of it's usual downward direction, and the rain drop was a wonderful bonus.

Another Magical sunrise with a surprise of Mist

2010-05-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

I never tire of shooting the beginnings of a glorious day....it is a special moment where I reflect on the blessings given to me...and I should give Thanks for that Precious Gift!!!! Especially a sunrise in Algonquin....this past Monday was another perfect day to spend it with my Best Friend, my husband! Doing the things we Love, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking and enjoy our hobby of Photography.....it just dosen't get better than this!!!!!

Dutchman's Breeches

2010-04-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

I Love the little delicate wildflowers of early spring....these beauties are from the dicentra species and are related to Bleeding Hearts...they are found in rich wooded areas, along shaded moist ledges.....I love their humorous name Dutchman's Breeches...little baggy trousers.....

They are so fearless!

2010-04-24T17:28:00.000-07:00

I just Love Gray Jays, or as some have called Whiskey Jacks! the camp thief.....Wouldn't it be fun if all birds would come and feed from your hand.....I love his expression in this shot....so curious!!!!! as I spoke softly to him or her!!!!!

This is Our Algonquin!

2010-04-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

Well we experienced The Mizzy Trail, an 11 kilometer long challenging trail of roots, rocks and mud, but well worth it all to capture scenes like this. The morning started with dull drab overcast skies but opened up just in time to shoot some images on the best part of the trail!!!! Must return when the lily pads are in full bloom and the chances of more Moose.

A Magical Momment

2010-04-08T16:25:00.000-07:00

There is no time of day as Magical as during a Sunrise in Algonquin Park....the changing colors, the symphony of song birds and the possible sightings of many of Algonquin,s Mammals. What " A Gift" to live just a short hour away.....Our goal this summer is to take in as many trails as we can, we bought a summer season's pass...so I will be dedicating a whole album to this beautiful Provincial Park!!!

Where's your Antlers?????

2010-04-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

We've seen many a Bull Moose in the spring...but never one that had absolutely no growth with his antlers...I was told they need the nutrients in the salt rich new growth of cattails growing along the ditches....and lots of it!!!!! The schrubs and browse that they feed on during the winter just dosen't give them what they need. We first mistook this guy as a Cow....