Sweet memories of a rewarding Winter....

Well I am sure most of us are more than welcoming the coming of Spring. We sure have had our share of snow, ice and freezing rain conditions in our areas in Central Ontario. But for all our adventures in Algonquin Park, we were always rewarded in one shape or form, with amazing  captures of her winter residents. As well as gorgeous landscape opportunities.

It takes a special effort to get going on those chilly winter mornings, but I am always amazed how some photographers travel for hours from the south of us, to be present for a sunrise and to view her many winter birds and mammals, on their daily struggles for survival. My hat is off to them.

Winter shooting can be challenging at the least, with varied light densities, cold tempts, brutal winds and never knowing what animals will be present. As my long standing rule applies, it's by chance and not by choice.

Sadly we also witnessed way too much interference with signs of baiting and harassment towards some of the mammals, just so these unethical photographers can get their shots. Education is the key but unfortunately that will not stop the problem completely.

Anyway here  are some of my favourite Bird, Wildlife and Landscape shots that were acquired over the 4 months of an Algonquin Winter.

Winter doesn't seem to want to let go in this part of the world.
We attended the annual Kearney dog sled races recently and the snow made for interesting photography and at the same time challenged our equipment. It snowed so hard at times that
the flakes were getting into everything. Certainly lens hoods saved the day to keep those flakes off the lenses.
It just goes to show that there is no bad time or weather to take pictures. We've also made a couple of trips, with more to come, into Algonquin Park. Even in winter crowds of photographers are evident during weekends so weekdays are best.

As the second half of Double Visions Muskoka I also need to apologise for my lack of regular postings. As I enter a New Year with a new vision, my aim is to reach my goals of capturing even more Light in my compositions. Trying out new techniques and attempting to master them. The fun is in the trying. Also the fun is in the sharing in our workshops and or outings.

 Dreamscapes were so inspiring last Fall and with a very experienced photographer at my side, we so enjoyed the variety of image results from light intensity, colour variations and contrasting forms.

I have tried these same techniques with a Winter Landscape, and have found some serious challenges with settings. Dealing with more harsh light, it was harder to find a balance, but that surely will not stop me. Still tweaking the process.

Here are a few examples with using a variations of speed in lens movements, causing some delightful results. I found lens choice was a big factor in the end product, so posting settings will not always give you the same results.

To say we have been remiss in updating this blog is an understatement and we apologize.

2016 was a good year for photography for us with many trips to Algonquin Park as well as other locations to photograph wildlife and  landscapes as well as  to conduct workshops.

I made another successful trip to the Rockies in December where each day provided exciting light and lots of wildlife, especially bull elk.

Our most recent outing was a fun shoot with friends at Stubbs Falls in beautiful Arrowhead Provincial Park. An image from that shoot is attached.

We are planning on doing several workshops in Algonquin Park this year and will be posting dates.

My wife and I recently returned from visiting our new grandson in Canmore, Alberta. We spent two wonderful weeks in the Canadian Rockies. The time spent with our enlarged family was priceless.
I also had time, mostly in the mornings to visit some of my favourite photo spots.
The weather was outstanding as it was warm and sunny most days. The area has had another mild winter and heavy clothing and boots were not needed. An added bonus for me  was that some lakes had partially open water which  allowed for some reflections photography at some locations.
I spent most of my time around Banff but ventured as far north as Bow Lake on the Icefields Parkway and as far south as the road allowed in Kananaskis country.
The light was different every single day and provided such visual stimulation that it was hard deciding each morning where I should await the sunrise.
It was hard leaving our new grandson and it was hard leaving the mountains.
However, now

 I am awaiting the many spring opportunities for photography that Muskoka provides from macro photography of wild flowers to telephoto shots of moose to the release of the ice on our lakes.

We are doing two workshops in Algonquin Park on April 22 and 26. We still have room available for anyone interested in those dates. We  are  also flexible in our scheduling and can customize to your needs.

My last album on Dec. 19th and our return home to my daughter's. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed my images.

Another album of images from our jasper adventure from Dec. 18th.