Finally out in Clarington

In photography inertia is a terrible thing - so drastic action was required.  I asked a friend, Jim, to help me discover some photo opportunities around Clarington.  He has been taking me around to the lesser known areas ( at least to me) in my quest to force my cameras out of the closet.  I think I have finally made a beginning. I have even begun to log locations on my GPS so I can return to the same places in different lighting and weather conditions.

The early growth of canola is adding a lot of colour right now and its been a good week.  However our first outing was in early May to the Second Marsh but with limited photographic success.

Second marsh Walkway area

A early start got a sunrise, here enhanced with an Orton effect. There were a couple of good light opportunities in the deep marsh and close to the lake.  A B&W version of this had some potential, but stretching the tonal range, however, often creates image noise, especially in the sky.

B&W high structure conversion with Silver Efex 2.

Bottom of Second Marsh

Driftwood here is interesting but this piece seems out of proportion, despite this the light and tones were very pleasing.


A second trip took us to Hampton, a place reserved now for repeat visits.

North of Hampton, all stone classic Ontario home

A small cemetery in Hampton has a unique semi-circular layout.

This week was a panoramic opportunity for the landscape north of Courtice and Newcastle and included quite a surprise location.

Jewel Road, Newcastle

From Taunton Road looking north

 Couldn't resist this barn, north from Taunton with nice yellow contrast.

Enfield Road, north of Taunton

In this view, in the hills north of Newcastle you can see the Bowmanville Cement factory on the horizon about  15 km away.

  

Finally on our way back to Newcastle a surprise on Mill Street just north of Town -  a privately owned Western-style village  - complete with hotel, sheriff's office, and a general store.  This little gem is going to be worth further investigating.

Added some atmosphere with low light filter from Nik's Col Efex Pro.

Carriage company in HDR

Why Vermeer? Its all about Light

The light was low and sparse along the France's Biarritz shoreline. It  is a windy place being off the Bay of Biscayne so I used the fencing to give a sense of the wind and found a dash of pink for interest.  Vermeer was all about  careful, planned composition and the use of light to create the story and impact. The best in landscape photographers involve these elements.  Similarly, I planned to rise early to get this one of Courtice road.

But then the light catches you by surprise.   After an hour of nothing,  taking the camera off its tripod and packing up the gear you turn around and you see this... no time for careful adjustments and composition - the light creates the image for you. Snap.

The Fell above Derwentwater, Lake Distict, UK.