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.

Part #2 of my Alberta Adventure

After our arrival it was soon time to head off to Jasper National Park and our 2 day stay at The Maligne Resort . Our fair weather presented beautiful views of the Mountains and Athabasca River. Wildlife abounds along Highway #16 and the need for adding salt to their diets will cause for some pretty insistent Sheep. This Ewe was oblivious to the large transport trucks who blew their powerful horns repeatedly, in hopes of making them move off the highway. She finally did and to my relief we soon moved on. Sadly just a few kilometers ahead there were remnants of an animal that was not so lucky.

We stopped at the Bridge that crosses the Athabasca to capture the river in the remaining low light, but we soon discovered the sun at that time of year always stays low in the sky. So after check-in we headed for Patricia Lake in hopes of capturing the sunset light as it hits the peaks of the mountains. What a treat to be able to walk on the entire lake, giving us perspectives that only hard water would provide. Soon the light was too weak to get decent captures and by then we were ready for our dinner.

Early next morning after a quick breakfast we headed down the ice field parkway in hopes of getting to The Athabasca Falls, but heavy clouds and snow soon fell upon us and we decided to turn back at the Edith Cavell lookout. We captured a few colourful moments as the sun rose behind this front but heavy snows soon made our return a slow process. We had decided to return to the Maligne Lake access Rd. and came across a herd of Elk grazing. As we turned around to head back into town I spotted a Mule Deer up on a hill and I requested we stop. Highway traffic was heavy so we noticed a driveway that would give us a safe pull over area. It was a parking area of a cemetery and it was surrounded by a high fence, so with my 500 zoom in hand, I worked my way around the fence to the clearing and the Mule Deer under a tree. I soon hear a grunting noise and noticed to my right a very large set of antlers and a pair of eyes and black nose peeking over the snow bank. My heart just stopped and after a few shots knew I had to make a move to my right to clear the obstructions that hampered my shots. Would he bolt? or would he keep his curiosity and stay? I was lucky he kept his stand and allowed me to place myself in a better location. After a dozen shots I heard the cars below blowing their horns and behold another huge Buck, standing at the edge in hopes of crossing. Wow 2 of them. The second Buck decided against crossing so he turned and came up the hill just as the first Buck headed down to check out the traffic situation. He as well made the right decision and returned up the hill, which gave me more shooting possibilities....What a "Gift" never thought I would get 2 mature Bucks together and in such a pretty snow falling setting.

The snow fall soon ended so we decided to take advantage of the good light and headed to Patricia and Pyramid Lakes. How exciting again to access both lakes for amazing perspectives of the surrounding Mountains and the setting sun. It was soon time to return and prepared for our special celebration meal at the Athabasca Inn.  By 8:00 pm we grabbed my gear in hopes of capturing some Christmas light displays. Sadly the town was not dressed up as I had hoped, but the snows became lighter and we enjoyed our walk anyway. We both looked forward on returning to Pyramid early the next morning.

After a nice breakfast we headed back to Pyramid Lake with high hopes of capturing that magical morning light, The light was ever changing and there were scenes all around us that gave us great shooting opportunities, but the clouds would drift in and out and we were afraid the moment we anticipated was futile. Just too many clouds moving in so we decided to head back to town. Just as we approached Patricia Lake the sunlight appeared and started to light up the mountain peaks . What a thrill to slowly watch the mountain being painted with that glorious golden light. Exactly what we were hoping for. Soon the light became too harsh so on our return to town we came across a few Elk grazing along the winding road. Thrilled to capture such intimate close-up shots we were soon on our way back toward the Park boundary and our return to our Daughter's ranch.

Another wonderful day of light for capturing the scenes of mountains and rivers, as well as a small heard of Big Horn Sheep with mixed Rams, Ewes and this year's Lambs. Again their obsession for salt made for a bit of a traffic jam, and opportunities for capturing close images.

Was an amazing fun getaway, our special Gift to ourselves, but we both looked forward to our return and preparing for our Christmas feast that was our special Gift to all who attended The Ekdahl  Family Christmas Gathering.

Thank You for reading and soon Part #3 will feature the special Horse interaction shots, Northern Lights and other fun experiments with blowing frozen bubbles, nighttime ghost horses and mornings of thick hoar frost.

Remember our workshops offer you the knowledge & skills we both have developed over many years of shooting . So come join us in an intimate class-room setting for a fun filled 5 hours of instruction on technical skills as well as on how to develop " the eye" for photography.

Since there are so many images I wish to share...there will be several posts.  They will be titled under the three different dates...starting with Dec. 17th.