Nature’s beauty captured
There are times when I get into a photographic rut I’ll go for a long walk and just see what I can come across. Sometimes this lets me try new techniques that I’ve learned or break the photographic rules. Mostly I’ll just shoot what catches my eye that will help me get out of that rut.
The city where I live is small and at one time was an industrial power house. But with the decline of industry and the growth of the rust belt much of that power is now gone. However if you are in reasonable shape and are use to walking then Brantford makes for a good walk with a number of trails or along it’s streets. With the Grand River cutting Brantford in two you can see wild life close to the down town as well as get a number of interesting panoramas. I’ve shot this section of the river many times and each time I can find something a little different in the vista.
Today I found myself wondering around the old canal near where I live. I’ve photographed the area and the canal a few times but it’s nice to go back and look at it again with different eyes. Today was over cast so the light was soft with the threat of rain. I wanted to experiment with some long exposure photography as well as self portraiture. I also have an idea to combine the long exposure and portraiture so I wanted to work out a few bugs and to make sure I could get it right. These are the result of the walk and the experimentation. I was once told that every good photographer should be willing to experiment and push the envelop. I may not have pushed the envelop today but I gave it a nudge.
Went for another walk around not looking for anything in particular. Sometimes those are the best of times having no interest in the spectacular, just looking for something you might find interesting.
I’ve always found a touch of spiritual quality to winter and at times a sense of mystery. Most of us simply try to survive the cold, wind, and snow. But if you look a little more deeply you can see something else just hiding there something that can touch the soul.
This afternoon my wife and I took a walk along the bike trail east of were we live. Trail was slippery and the country side was quiet. It began to snow and we’d walked a fare distance so we walked back to the car and headed home.
App’s Mill is an old 19th century flour mill that is now in the middle of a conservation area. Very quiet and peaceful place to walk through. The old mill is still standing and the remains of the old mill race can be followed to the river that flows through to property. My wife and I went for a walk around the place and spent the afternoon with our cameras.
Just north of Brantford is a woods that’s administered by the Grand River Conservation Authority. Very quiet piece of country side to walk through.
Walking is one of those activities I enjoy. One of the reasons I enjoy it is because you can see so much more than riding on a bike or in a car. Little things, those small things that you would normally pass by without a second thought.
On my walks I always take a jug of water with me to stay hydrated. Simple thing really but it helps. I headed out on the east rail trail something that I’ve done before and photographed the trip. It’s interesting that one can always find something new and interesting.
