Photography

The Dramatics of Lighting

14 Comments

This post continues my series of works dealing with the French River in the French River Provincial Park,Northern Ontario.With rainfall the previous night the early morning lighting is intensified as the rocks and vegetation are wet.There was heavy,dark cloud cover that morning.The sunrise was to my left.There was a small amount of mist on the water.Not a breath of wind to be had.

Suddenly a beam of light broke through the clouds creating the effect you see above.Golden yellow in color, it highlights the morning mist,illuminates the vegetation and creates an awe inspiring composition. These type of shots do not come everyday.But it sure makes for some interesting photographing when it occurs.It is just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.It also helps to get splashes of lighting on the trees on the far shore to create the extra dramatics to the composition.

Well that is it for this week.Thank you for visiting.Until next time happy trails

 

Photography

Capturing The Moment

5 Comments

Every once in a while you capture a scene that really catches your eye.With a combination  of color,mist and mood imparted before you.The lighting highlights on the trees,the soft mist to create the overall feel.There is a beached canoe on shore suggesting a campsite.As I was about to take this composition a small flock of Canada Geese flew in and landed.They quietly swam into a little cove.If you look close you can just make them out.I had to wait until the water calmed down again before beginning to record this shot.I had been walking the shore line of the French River at the Flat Rapids Campsite early one morning when I happened upon this particular site.

Now this was a large scene before me,so I took two shots overlapping about 40 % to create a small pano.This composition will most likely end up being a 20 x 50 gallery wrap.I am always happy when I can produce a scene as shown above that exemplifies  the beauty of our land.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This is one thing that I hope that through my work in our wilderness that I can show people the  pristine conditions of our many wilderness locations and what our Provincial Parks have done to preserve these special locations.The two Provincial Parks that I have explored come to mind.Killarney Provincial Park and the French River Provincial Park.To be on location to observe those special moments,when there is not a breath of air to be felt,calm waters reflecting and the presence of mist that so alters the scene before you into one of a calming mood at the start of a new day.Here you are away from the hustle bustle of civilization.Just you one on one with nature.So let us keep it this way, so many more can enjoy.This is our land so lets preserve it.

That is it for this week.So until next time happy trails.

Photography

Didn’t Make it

7 Comments

This is a photo that I had taken the Labor Day weekend.I had decided to hike the trail down to the  historic Recollet Falls located in the French River Provincial Park .I left the visitors center late that evening to catch the warm lighting that you get at that time of day.For some reason I had difficulty  staying on the path and I kept loosing the trail.I managed to get back on track a number of times.Now the sun was getting below the tree line and I had still not gotten to Recollet Falls. I noticed an easy drop to the river shoreline  so I made my way down to the ledge and composed the above photo.There was a yellow cast in the sky that was just visible and the horizon had a pink tinge.It was a very quiet still evening.The way I like it.

In the background is Recollet Falls.The rock detail and reflections were wonderful.It was now starting to get darker and I figured It was time to head back.I made it back to the visitor’s center with plenty of time.

I was chosen as  One Life Featured Photographer by Artist Wanted on Facebook,

You can check this out here.

http://www.facebook.com/ArtistsWanted

So until next time happy trails.

Photography

Rugged Shorelines

5 Comments

While exploring the shores of the French River early one morning I happened upon the above scene.There was some small white flowers in front of me along with a fern growing on the rocks.With an island before me,mist and calm waters.The sky was unique with good cloud formation,There was a lovely pink color to the clouds.

When I processed this photo I enhanced the yellow part of the fern along with yellow highlights on the far shoreline.If you want to take your work to the next level this is what you have to do.It brings the artist out in you.Mind you it is supple, but that is all it takes.

My work is been featured at Upstream People Gallery

http://www.upstreampeoplegallery.com/exhibition/default.asp?XD=9/1/2012&AN=Bennison%2C+Ken

Well that is it for now.Thank you for visiting and commenting.So until next time happy trails

Photography, Poetry

Out of The Mist

6 Comments

Morning is slowly evolving

From the darkness of night

The wind is calm

A heavy mist is present

Over the ever flowing river

Islands and rocky points

Can barely be seen

The strains of song

Muted in the mist

Becoming louder and louder

With each passing moment

The dip of paddles

In rhythm with song

Can now be heard

The sudden parting of mist

Reveals the misty outline

Of an elegant Montreal canoe

Paddled by stalwart voyageurs

Singing to the rhythm

Of their glistening paddles

The mist suddenly closes

The sound of voices

Receding in the distance

Ghosts from times long past

The sun has crested

Chasing the far shadows

Sunlight pierces the mist

A refreshing breeze blows

Dissolving the morning mist

The river having revealed

Its ancient history

Leaving one spellbound

To have been part

Of that long ago past

The idea of this poem came to me when I spoke to a number of local people on the French River.They talked of almost hearing voices on the French River on certain days.With that in mind I created this poem.

The French River is steeped in history.This river was the main transportation route by the First Nation people,early explorers,Jesuit Missionaries,Voyageurs and much later the lumber men.
Well that is it for now.Thank you for comments.So until next time happy trails.

Photography, Poetry

I Am

5 Comments

I am a White Pine

Perched high on a ridge

With a panorama view

Of the pristine waters

That flow below me

I am a prodigy

Of Mother Nature

I am old before my time

Stunted,bent and twisted

By the ravages of time

My roots like tentacles

Struggle to gain hold

On the rocky ledge

I am deprived of nutrients

In the shallow soil

I am a perch

For my feathered friends

A squirrel feeds on my seeds

But I am strong in spirit

With the will to survive

The above photo was taken at the Cranberry Bog in Killarney Provincial Park.The small pine tree attracted me along with the granite rocks.Using the grass and Lilly pads as a lead-in I created the above composition.

I would like to thank everyone for visiting and for those who have left a comment,thank you.So until next time happy trails.

 

 

 

Photography

Something Unique

3 Comments

I had my eye on that little clump of grass you see on the black rock the evening before,while I was exploring the French River.The next morning dawned as I was going about photographing scenes I kept my eye on that clump of grass.When I noticed the sunlight appearing in the vicinity of the grass clump I quickly set to get the above composition.

I used part of the rock above to get the golden glow from the sun.The eye is lead into the scene from the right with the reflection.The clump is not the main subject but part of the overall scene.The small black rocks appear to be floating in space.I did not notice the coiled rope until I got home.
Well that is it for this week.So until next time happy trails

Photography

The French River Provincial Park

11 Comments

Friday August 17 With all my camping gear,easels and my art work I finally got on the road by mid morning.I stopped in Sudbury to pick up some last minute supplies as was soon heading South.I was on my way to the French River Provincial Park visitors center.

I will give you a little bit of history of this large water system.The French River flows for 110 km from its Lake Nipissing source to Georgian Bay.For thousands of years the First Nations people followed the river system fishing and hunting.The French River was a major highway for explorers,traders and Jesuit missionaries as they pushed into the West to open up the country.Later the timber barons sent rafts of White Pine South along the river.Today many people paddle and boat on the French River camping and fishing.In 1986 The French River was designated Canada’s first Heritage River.A prime example of a glaciated Canadian Shield river environment.The above info was taken from the French River Visitor Information Guide.

My first stop would be the Flat Rapids Camp on the French River.Turning off the highway onto the Hartley Bay Road. Arriving at the campgrounds I checked in and soon had the camp gear set up.The Flat Rapids Campsite is run by very wonderful down to earth folks.I truly enjoyed my weekend here.I had a quick supper and soon was back on the road.

I crossed the bridge over the French River and turned off onto the road leading into the French River Provincial Park Visitor Center. This is a magnificent building that is well worth a visit.The layout inside is very well done.There is a lot of history to learn here as well as enjoying the visual display.The people that work here are wonderful folks and they go out of there way to help you.I can not thank them enough for their help and hospitality well I was there for the weekend.

Returning to Flat Rapids Camp that evening I hiked along the river shoreline looking for photographic opportunities.It was not a good evening and it was soon dark.

I awoke at dawn and was greeted by some spectacle scenery on the river.On this section of the river there are islands and exposed rocky shoals.There was mist to be had,heavy cloud cover.I set up for the above shot by using the point of one island in the foreground  and keeping another island in the middle ground.I then had the far shore and sky for my background.The sunlight was highlighting various sections of the scene when it would pop out.This is very important in getting that special composition.Just be aware of your surroundings.You will also note the position of the far island and the point were by I have created a S curve to lead the eye.At this time of day with the cooler morning temperatures that creates mist over the warmer water temperatures you can create mood in your composition.The rocks were wet and along with the reflections in the still waters created wonderful detail in the rock structure.All in all it was a great morning to be there.

Well that is it for now.So until next time happy trails.

Photography

The Cranberry Bog

2 Comments

As I was driving South to Killarney Provincial Park late yesterday morning,I decided to hike the Cranberry Bog trail.As I was making my way along the Killarney highway a black bear  dashed across the highway,disappearing into the bush.

Entering the Park I drove down to the parking lot at George Lake.The parking spaces are at a premium at this time of year,but I managed to get my vehicle parked.Being near lunch time I grabbed a sandwich and bottle of water and sat at a picnic table on the beach.

The Cranberry Bog trail is a 4 km loop trail that is about 2.5 hours in duration.I decided to start at the hike by going up to A Y Jackson Lake.As I approached A Y Jackson Lake I noticed a couple sitting on a rock enjoying the afternoon scenery.Continuing on I turned off onto the left trail.A ruffed grouse ran across the trail ahead of me.The neck feathers were ruffled out,so this may have been a male.I was soon going uphill again.This end of the trail is the most rugged to traverse.The forest here is covered with large White Pine,Maple,Birch and oak.Another couple was hiking towards me and I was asked if I had seen any deer.They informed me that they would like to see a deer.After further discussion I continued on.As I was walking along I noticed acorns on top of flat rocks now and then.There was an abundance of chipmunks to be seen along the trail.The acorns were broken into pieces.Another critter that was quite common this day were half inch or smaller frogs hopping to the side of the trail.All told I must have seen four or five of them.

The trail was now skirting the Cranberry Bog.This is a very large wetland.The first thing I noticed was the beautiful Granite rock outcroppings situated here and there.This would be a great place in the Fall for fall colors.The North side of the bog is pretty much all Oak and Maple.You can also see a bit of the La Clothe Mountains in the background.

Following the trail I came across two ladies from Hamilton sitting on a rock outcrop painting.After a brief chat I continued on until I came upon a small wooden bridge running parallel to a beaver dam.The scene before me is what you see above.But taken in the evening.Heading back out the trail was easy going.I spotted a clump of mushrooms growing at the base of of White Pine.I setup the camera and tripod and produced a series of photos.

The trail exited near campsite 103 of the main campgrounds.It was now 3:00 pm.With time on my hands till evening I headed into the town of Killarney for a coffee.There is a restaurant on the waterfront that serves good coffee and fresh cinnamon buns.Returning to the park I set up my chair on the beach and read my novel

By early evening I was heading back into the Cranberry Bog.I went in by campsite 103.Upon arrival at the bridge I set up to take the above photo.There was heavy cloud cover moving in and the wind as not letting up yet.As I waited lily pads started moving in front of me.There was something moving underwater.I was able to follow its movement by watching the disturbed lily pads.Then in a small opening among the pads I made out the form of a turtle.I could just make out the moving feet.You never know what you will see.Around 8:00 pm I had a window of about 20 minutes to work with.With that said I set up and composed the above photo.The bridge is to my left out of sight.As you come up to the bog there is a rise of rock which I used for may foreground.Some of the beaver dam is seen on the left.This is a very nice rock structure here.It had caught my eye when I was first here.The wind was soon causing problems and it was time to head home.

While that is it for this week.I will be setting up my art work at the French River Provincial Park for two days this weekend.If you have time come for a visit.That is it for this week so happy trails.

 

Photography

Blue Skies and Rocks

7 Comments

I will continue discussing my day trip into Killarney Provincial Park last Friday.One of my goals was to do some shooting in Little Shageleander Lake.I love this location for its rock structures along the shoreline.I have also produced some award winding photos here.

I set up for this composition at the only campsite on this lake.I added shoreline in the foreground and the left side of photo.There was a beautiful blue sky along with nice white clouds.This composition was a two shot pano.I darken the sky a bit to enhance the tree line for better effect.When you have reflections in the water you will find very interesting patterns with a rocky shoreline.Being well into summer there are now lily pads floating on the surface.Some folks may consider them a nuisance in this type of photo.I consider the lily pads a part of the scene and at a later date you will know that you took this photo during mid summer.

Well that is it for this week.Thank you for visiting and I enjoy the comments.So until next time happy trails.