Travel off the beaten path sometimes means visiting places that can only be reached by other means. On a beautiful, wandering adventure through the Inside Passage along the eastern shore of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, one such experience was found on a tiny island in the south end of Johnstone Strait.
Reachable only by small boat, this densely wooded island with rocky shores looks rather unassuming from a distance. A glimpse of a tower tucked in the trees at the edge of a cliff is the only clue that something unusual might be found there.
Yorke Island is strategically located in a section of the Inside Passage that must be passed if one is sailing from the north to Vancouver. It was determined in 1938 that this rocky island would be an ideal location for fortifications to protect Vancouver from any “backdoor” attacks by sea. It was a difficult site, with no natural drinking water sources and long periods of isolation for the personnel stationed there. Water was brought in by tanker from nearby Hardwicke Island. The men who lived in the island garrison were faced with a lack of action and minimal outside contact, which resulted in disciplinary problems with some conscripts described as having “gone yorkie”. The fort and garrison were decommissioned by 1946 as the threat of invasion waned and the site was abandoned.
Landing by zodiac on the small beach visitors are welcomed by a sign marking the trailhead before heading uphill into the forest. I did not know quite what to expect, but being no stranger to decaying military infrastructure, I knew that it would be an interesting hike.
One of the first structures encountered was little more than a shell, with moss-edged windows framing a view of the trees and surrounding mountains. The island has been protected as a conservancy by BC Parks, with volunteers providing cleanup and trail maintenance. The buildings however are left to decay, weathered by the elements and the regrowth of the lush coastal forest environment.
Some places offer the opportunity to experience a profound sense of “after” and Yorke Island was certainly rich with this sensation. I have explored many abandoned sites and photographed examples of urban decay, but the way in which so many of the man-made structures were being consumed by moss and ferns was uniquely beautiful.
In some spots it was difficult to discern the hulking concrete structures, revealed only by the punctuating angular shapes of rusting orange metal components.
Inside the locations for the gun emplacements rings of bolts remained in the circular rooms, while overhead the lacy fronts of ferns created peaceful green skylights in the rusting roof.
It was very quiet on the island, our small group thoughtfully exploring the empty rooms and underground passages. A soft breeze came up from the water, rustling tree branches as birds sang from the bushes. The juxtaposition of the rough, purpose-built structures of war against a backdrop of serene natural beauty was a pleasant reminder that nature abides.
Bright pink salmon berry flowers were in bloom throughout the forest undergrowth, and where larger trees had fallen or been cut down, young saplings grew from their stumps.
It was a unique experience to be so immersed in a place that bears both the marks of wartime activity and nature’s relentless regrowth. Every broken window framed a lush forest view, every brick wall was blanketed in large patches of green moss.
Even down in the underground tunnels, sunlight found a way to illuminate the passages, punctuated by the swaying shadows of the trees as they filtered across the rough concrete walls.
Places like Yorke Island provide valuable opportunities to connect with the idea that the world goes on even after we have made our mark. I enjoy the imprint of time on such a place, where even concrete and steel can be rendered temporary as the green growth of a vibrant forest ecosystem reclaims the site. If you ever have the chance to step into a space that is going through this process, you will find that there is always a kind of unexpected beauty in the decay as it becomes something new.
To see more of my photo from Yorke Island, British Columbia you can visit my archives here. Prints and licensing available upon request.
The coldest days and nights of winter on the Manitoba prairie are marked by the relentless howl of powerful winds. Sweeping down from the arctic and across the snow-covered landscape, these gales leave their mark in the rippled textures known as sastrugi.
As a photographer with a strong interest in textural abstracts and natural forms, I find these particular winter details to be quite captivating. Even more so when the sunlight falls across the ridges and whorls in dramatic ways, creating deeply contrasting shadows and highlights, often making the fine icy texture of the wind-driven snow more apparent.
I tend to think of these textures as fingerprints left by the winter winds. The patterns sometimes resemble the rugged terrain of a landscape viewed from above. They are also shaped by the movement of the air around nearby structures, such as buildings or plants and trees. Beneath the crusty, ridged surface there may be deep drifts of soft snow.
In many ways these sculptural shapes resemble the patterns that water creates when disturbed by the wind. I find it fascinating that in all of its forms, from frozen to liquid, this essential element finds its way into the shape of breaking waves with the help of the moving air. And likewise, the impression the wind leaves on the snow or water is a way for us to see something that is otherwise invisible, despite its incredible power.
Sastrugi are an ephemeral example of erosion, shaping delicate drifts of snowflakes into stone-like textures. While the winter wind may make conditions more inhospitable for venturing outdoors with a camera, there is so much beauty to be found in the sculpted shapes it can leave behind.
Out on the Manitoba prairie winter can be harsh and inhospitable. Blowing snow, frozen lakes and relentless winds make it difficult sometimes to enjoy the beauty of the landscape. Sometimes catching a place at its most beautiful means looking for the unexpected moments.
One quiet morning in a rural part of the province I woke before sunrise. In the stillness of the predawn hour, I could just make out a fresh layer of frost in the nearby trees. As the sun rose, the snow and sky took on delicate pastel hues of pink and purple.
I quickly pulled on my coat and boots, camera in hand, to head out into the colourful kaleidoscope of winter light illuminated the frosted forest. Low on the horizon the bold yellow and orange colours of the emerging sun made it appear as if a cold fire burned in the distance. The branches overhead seemed to almost glow with the cool lavender tones of early morning blue skies.
I’ve learned that enjoying winter in this climate requires an acceptance that the daylight hours will be short, but at the edges of each day there is the possibility of some extraordinary beauty. I really enjoyed my morning walk in the frost-covered woods, basking in sunrise colours that I am rarely up early enough to see. The quiet of the calm morning air and the soft crunch of deep snow underfoot added to the magical atmosphere.
I have shared some previous stories about the joys of winter light, which you can read here. Now as the seasons shift again toward longer days and new angles of sunlight, I will treasure the memory of these special technicolor sunrise moments in a quiet Manitoba forest.
Churchill, Manitoba is a small town with a population of fewer than 1000 people located on the windswept western shore of Hudson Bay in Canada. The community shares the subarctic landscape with fascinating animals including beluga whales and polar bears. Ecotourism brings visitors from around the world hoping to see these special animals up close. I was lucky to have a chance to make the journey to this unique place in early November of 2023.
Snow blows across frozen tundra lakes near Churchill, Manitoba
A land where three ecosystems meet
The weather conditions were below freezing for most of my visit. The sun sat low in the sky all day, and blowing snow created surreal atmospheric scenes. It was my first experience travelling so far north. Three distinct ecosystems converge around Churchill; boreal forest, arctic tundra, and arctic marine habitats support highly-specialized plants and animals. Many aspects of these ecosystems felt otherworldly, and as I photographed the landscape I often felt as though I had been transported to another planet.
Clumps of boreal forest and trees dot the tundra landscape, Churchill, Manitoba
The trees of the boreal forest near Churchill are a mix of black spruce, white spruce and tamarack. Their branches are often seen growing predominantly on one side of the tree trunk, sculpted by the strong winds into “flag trees”. The locals joke that it takes two trees, each appearing as half, to make one full christmas tree. The lower boughs of these hardy plants grow close to the ground, creating a natural skirt that traps insulating layers of snow and provides shelter for small animals and birds.
A spruce tree growing in a rocky ridge of Canadian Shield, exposed Precambrian igneous and metamorphic rocks, Churchill, Manitoba
The arctic tundra landscape is a mix of boggy land, boulders, and countless lakes. Many of these shallow bodies of water were already frozen, their surfaces blown by the wind into icy ripples. What at first glance looked like moving water was revealed to actually be waves frozen in place.
The surface of a shallow lake, waves frozen in place, Churchill, Manitoba
Aerial view of the arctic tundra landscape in Wapusk National Park, Manitoba
The arctic marine habitat was perhaps the most striking, as at the time of my visit it was undergoing a dramatic seasonal transformation. One day the waves were crashing on the reddish sandy beaches and muddy shoreline, the next a thin layer of “grease” ice had begun to form. The waves took on a slushy texture, with ice crystals cascading ashore and building frozen ridges.
Waves of grease ice breaking along the beach of Hudson Bay in early November, Churchill, Manitoba
The formation of winter ice on Hudson Bay is part of what makes this time of year more favourable for seeing polar bears near Churchill. The bears gather along the coast, waiting for the ice to become thick enough for their winter season of seal hunting out on the bay. Within a few days of my arrival, the grease ice had shifted from an aquamarine blue-green colour to the solid white of thicker ice sheets extending nearly to the horizon.
A rugged & resilient community
The town of Churchill occupies a narrow peninsula between Hudson Bay and the mouth of the Churchill River. Nearby forests have historically supported plentiful caribou herds, which along with abundant fish and game provided several indigenous communities with the resources needed to survive in such a harsh climate for thousands of years. With first contact and the arrival of the European fur trade, forts and outposts were established in the region, dramatically altering how the local people lived. Now a small grid of modest houses, apartments and hotels make up the tiny footprint of the town, with a large community centre that houses the hospital, school and several other recreational and social services.
A sign indicating the indigenous cultures and local place names, above a map of Churchill streets and points of interest
The grain elevators at the nearby port dominate the horizon to the North of town, and many of the older industrial buildings have been decorated with dramatic and colourful murals.
A large mural of a polar bear on the exterior of a building in Churchill, Manitoba
Because of its close proximity to dangerous wildlife, the town of Churchill has had to establish some unique community services and social norms. It is a town where cars and buildings are generally left unlocked, in case a bear comes wandering down the street – as they often do – and someone needs to quickly seek shelter. Bears that prove to be a nuisance or pose a particular threat are captured and taken to “polar bear jail” where they are kept until they can be released far from town.
Exterior view of the Churchill polar bear holding facility at sunrise
Looking for bears in harsh arctic conditions
Wildlife sightings are almost guaranteed around Churchill. Heading out on a tundra buggy tour is one of the better ways to safely view the incredible landscape and its animal inhabitants.
A tundra buggy travels across muddy terrain near Hudson Bay during a snowstorm
On one particularly blustery outing, with blowing snow causing low-visibility, it was quite difficult to find the well-camouflaged animals we’d travelled so far to see. The first animals spotted were birds, plump ptarmigan in their white plumage that were visible only when they moved, darting through drifts of snow and fields of grass.
There are four ptarmigan in this photo- can you find them all?
A bear that had been spotted earlier in the day napping beneath a bank of willow was later buried in a blanket of fresh snow, while tundra buggies motored past in the distance. These conditions can make for challenging nature photography, but I found the unexpected juxtapositions and dramatic weather elements to be enjoyable subjects.
Looking for polar bears in a snow storm, Churchill, Manitoba
In clearer conditions, spotting bears still proved to be difficult. The landscape offers many hiding places, with swaths of brush and shoreline embankments deep enough to hide even the largest bears. Our tundra buggy tour came across one bear relaxing in the willows near a frozen lake, occasionally lifting its head above the branches and nibbling on leaves in the late afternoon light.
A polar bear resting in vegetation, Churchill, Manitoba
When lucky enough to see a bear on the move, their large feet and long stride show clearly how they have evolved to walk long distances in a frozen environment. Once the the surface of the bay freezes, most of these bears will stay out on the ice hunting until the spring thaw, when they return to shore and fast until the next winter freeze.
A polar bear walks along the shore of Hudson Bay, near Churchill, Manitoba
The arctic foxes were also waiting for the sea ice to form, as they will often feed on the remnants of the seals killed by the polar bears. During a particularly stormy day on the tundra buggy I was able to photograph a small arctic fox curled up behind a rock as snow blew sideways in the howling wind.
An arctic fox shelters from a snowstorm behind a boulder on the beach of Hudson Bay, near Churchill, Manitoba
An environment endangered by climate change
This once-in-a-lifetime experience was bittersweet, as the scientists guiding the tour made it clear that the environment that supports these unique animals is undergoing rapid and dramatic change. The sea ice is forming later in the winter and breaking up earlier in the spring than it used to, shortening the time that the polar bears have to hunt seals and build up their energy reserves for the rest of the year. The changes currently being observed are happening too quickly for the animals to effectively adapt, and populations of nearly every species in the area, from lemmings to bears, have been on the decline.
It was a privilege to see such a special place at this pivotal moment in time, and an experience that I will be thinking about for years to come. You can visit my site to see my full gallery of Churchill, Manitoba photographs. If you are interested in experiencing Churchill for yourself and supporting ongoing research in the region, check out the Churchill Northern Studies Centre and their amazing tours.
It starts with a deepening of shadows as the daily path of the sun passes closer and closer to the horizon. Vivid fall shades of gold-yellow and crimson start to appear at the edges of the green late-summer leavers.
Geese and gulls pass overhead well into the evening hours, calling to each other in the settling darkness with a cold northern wind at their backs.
The garden slows, enormous summer leaves of the rhubarb parting further with each frost, revealing bowed scarlet stems as they settle toward the waiting earth. Bulbs are planted beneath a blanket of fallen twigs and foliage. Flowers go to seed and the hibernating bees choose their dens for the winter.
Sunsets soften and linger in the treetops, where the last bright green leaves flutter in a cool breeze. The tree canopy transforms into an almost architectural experience. Trunks and branches are revealed through colourful patches of thinning leaves, like stained glass suspended within the cathedral framework of urban forest arching overhead
All of the photos in this post were taking in September and October of 2022 for a personal project. As I followed the beautiful light and details through the autumn season, themes of transition, loss, and regeneration emerged. Portions of the work I created during this time have become a study of a particular kind of moody fall aesthetic.
This is a season as much about colourful leaves as it is a time of deep preparations; migrations or shifts to dormancy are measures taken to survive the coming winter, while the fallen leaves are beginning the process of decaying into nutrients needed for new spring growth. Without these changes and periods of hibernation, the raucous energy of spring would not be possible. Just as necessary is the abundance of summer, providing the raw materials of fall when it arrives again.
Subscribe to my newsletter to follow along with future personal work, as this seasonal study and many other projects continue to evolve.
From California to Manitoba, I have photographed monarch butterflies in their caterpillar and adult butterfly forms over the years. I had yet to photograph a Danaus plexippus chrysalis, and was hopeful that this year I’d get the chance to do some macro nature photography of a chrysalis.
Luckily, 2023 turned out to be a banner year for butterflies in the garden. The milkweed was covered in voracious caterpillars as adult butterflies danced through the flower beds.
Finding a chrysalis can be difficult, as their jewel-like and gold-flecked forms disappear into the foliage, tucked under branches or overhanging ledges. I was lucky to spot a monarch chrysalis on an old window screen, providing an opportunity to get extra close with a macro lens.
It was very difficult to balance the focus across the textural details I wanted to photograph. The green structural “plates” of the chrysalis, raindrops, and iridescent gold spots all felt important to include in the composition. This image took several attempts, crouched in a shaded corner of the garden to take advantage of the soft, indirect light.
A couple weeks later, I noticed monarch butterflies appearing several times a day on the arching stems of the milkweed and sedum. These newly hatched adults hung upside down, turning gently in the warm breeze as their wings unfurled. Their colourful wing scales, sensory body hairs, antennae and proboscis all appear in delicate detail.
To view these images in larger detail, check out my full gallery of monarch butterfly photography. Prints available upon request.
“Increasing levels of abstraction and complexity frighten those for whom art is a means to attain a comfortable expression of calm, luxury, and delight.” – Bernar Venet
On a leisurely walk along the waterfront of Vancouver a few years ago, I noticed the sunset light illuminating the sculpture on the beach in the distance. I like the scale and resemblance of this piece to an organic form, like the rib bones of a whale. The title however refers to the precise mathematical specifications of the sculpture.
‘217.5 Arc x 13’ by Bernar Venet, photographed in fading sunset light, Vancouver, British Columbia
I quite enjoy large, abstract sculptural works and the ways that the natural light, landscape, and details of the setting can bring new perspectives and meaning to the piece. It is wonderful to encounter an opportunity to photograph such a scene when the conditions are right for an especially atmospheric sculpture study.
In the realm of fine art photography, the choice of print media plays a pivotal role in how the artwork is presented, perceived, and preserved. Different types of print media can enhance an image in different ways.. Taking a selective approach to print production can be a reflection on an artist’s unique perspective and skill.
Printing on high-quality print media supports my artistic vision, bringing out nuances in colour, tonality, texture, and detail. These visual elements are often what has inspired me to create a photograph in the first place. Carefully chosen print media ensures that the artwork reproduction is visually stunning and retains aesthetic appeal for years to come.
The print mediums I offer have each been chosen for their ability to enhance the experience of these photos in print. In the following sections, we’ll explore three different options available for my open edition fine art prints:
Archival paper prints Giclée canvas wraps Mounted acrylic prints
This article will provide an overview of benefits and considerations for each of these print media options. Whether this information helps you choose one of my prints or make an acquisition from another artist, I hope these tips give you confidence in curating your own unique art collection.
Fine Art Prints vs. Regular Prints
When it comes to fine art prints, they stand apart from regular prints in several significant ways. These differences lie not only in the materials used but also in the level of craftsmanship, longevity, and artistic value they offer. Let’s explore these distinctions:
Materials: Fine art prints are created using archival-quality materials, yielding nuanced colours, tonality and contrasts that enhance an image. On the other hand, regular prints are produced on standard photo paper resulting in dull colours, harsh contrasts, and poor detail.
Longevity: Fine art prints are designed to be long-lasting, capable of retaining their vibrancy and integrity for generations. The use of archival inks, coupled with acid-free materials helps to minimize fading and deterioration. Regular prints, while visually pleasing initially, may not possess the same level of durability. These prints can undergo dramatic colour fading or degradation over time, regardless of how they are displayed or stored.
Artistic Value: Fine art prints are more than just reproductions of an image; they are considered artistic works in their own right. Artists carefully select their preferred printing techniques and materials to enhance the visual impact and convey an artistic vision. On the other hand, regular prints, while serving a more functional purpose, may not carry the same artistic significance.
My fine art prints undergo a meticulous printing process, in collaboration with a trusted printing lab. This partnership ensures that the final print captures the intended aesthetic of my original photos. This combination of high-quality materials, masterful production, and artistic merit sets fine art prints apart from regular prints.
Exploring Different Fine Art Photography Print Media
Archival Paper Prints
Definition and Characteristics: Archival paper prints are produced on acid-free, museum-grade paper. High-quality inkjet printers and archival pigment inks ensure exceptional image quality and longevity. This style of fine art photography prints offers a classic and timeless aesthetic that can be further enhanced through your choice in framing.
Importance of Archival-Quality Paper: The choice of paper is crucial for the longevity and preservation of fine art prints. Acid-free paper prevents yellowing and degradation over time, ensuring that the print retains its original colours and quality.
When selecting archival paper for my fine art prints, I tested several styles and finishes. The standout choice for my work is Hahnemühle FineArt Baryta Satin paper, known for its smooth surface, excellent colour reproduction, and deep blacks. I have found this paper to be suitable for a wide range of subjects, from atmospheric landscapes to moody abstracts. Critically, this paper is made to withstand the test of time, ensuring longevity and preservation of the artwork so it can be enjoyed for years to come.
Giclée Canvas Wraps
Definition and Characteristics: Canvas wraps involve printing the image directly onto canvas fabric, which is then stretched and wrapped around a wooden frame. This creates a three-dimensional, gallery-ready artwork. Because of their beautifully wrapped edges, you can display Giclée canvas prints without the need for additional framing. This style tends to be lightweight, making it very useful for larger-sized prints. The texture of the canvas adds a unique tactile quality to the artwork, enhancing the visual appeal and giving it a handcrafted feel.
Suitability of Photos for Canvas Prints: Landscape, nature, and abstract images translate beautifully onto canvas. The textures of the print can enhance the organic and textural elements of a photograph. It is important to consider the resolution and level of detail in a photo, as finer details may not be as sharp on canvas as they would be on paper prints. For this reason, some of my older lower-resolution images may not be available on canvas.
Benefits and Considerations: Canvas wraps offer several benefits, including their ready-to-hang nature, durability, and the ability to display artwork without the need for framing. Canvas prints have a painterly look, adding depth and dimension to the photograph. They add a contemporary and artistic touch to any space, making them popular choices for modern home decor. It is important to consider the dimensions and display placement of canvas wraps. At larger sizes they require sufficient wall space to showcase their full impact.
Mounted Acrylic Prints
Definition and Characteristics: Mounted acrylic prints start by printing the image onto high-quality photographic paper. The paper is then face-mounted to a clear acrylic sheet. This process creates a sleek and modern artwork with vibrant colours, incredible depth, and a glossy finish. Acrylic prints offer a contemporary and luxurious aesthetic, suitable for displaying high-impact photographs.
Durability, Depth, and Vibrant Colours: Acrylic prints are known for their durability, and the acrylic sheet protects the image from UV damage. The printing and mounting method enhances the colours, contrast, and sharp details of a photograph.
Benefits and Considerations: Acrylic prints create a stunning visual impact in any room. The acrylic sheet adds depth and luminosity to an artwork, making the image appear particularly vibrant and captivating. Their durability and modern feel make acrylic prints a popular choice for both home and commercial interior decor. Careful cleaning of acrylic prints is strongly recommended, using a soft, dry cloth.
Additional Factors to Consider When Buying Art Prints
Print Size and Display Options
Along with considering your fine art photography print media options, it is important to be thoughtful about sizing and placement. The your ideal choice of print size and format depends on many factors. You will need to consider the intended display location, size of the wall, framing options, and your personal style preferences.
Consider the space where the print will be showcased and take measurements to determine the appropriate size. Make sure to consider matte and frame if needed, and include some negative space around the print to help enhance the visual impact of the artwork. For example, larger prints can make a bold statement when featured alone on a wall. Small prints can be grouped tightly to highlight interesting juxtapositions and similarities.
Conclusion
When purchasing fine art photography prints, there are several factors to consider. The use of specialized, archival materials ensures longevity and artistic value. The best art photo prints will be of a high-quality, contributing to the enhanced experience of the artwork.
It is important to consider print size and display options when selecting an image and preferred print media. This helps ensure that you acquire a print that fits your display preferences and requirements for its intended location.
In summary, I hope this article has helped to clarify and define the advantages and considerations for each of these print media options. Archival paper prints, with their acid-free paper ensure excellent image quality and longevity of a piece. Canvas wraps provide a textured, painterly aesthetic that adds dimension to an artwork. Mounted acrylic prints offer a sleek and modern look with vibrant colours and incredible depth.
I encourage you to explore the full range of print media options if you are considering an open edition or custom print from my collection. With the information covered in this post, you can be confident in choosing the perfect medium that resonates with the artistic intent of the images and complements your personal style.
On a warm May afternoon aboard a small ship I watched as deep, swirling currents formed whirlpools in the channel ahead.Little did I know,I was about to have an unforgettable Seymour Narrows travel experience.
We had been fighting the tide for a while and making slow progress. As we reached Seymour Narrows, where the current can reach 15 knots, conditions warranted a cautious approach. Our ship anchored in a sheltered cove and we went ashore for a safe view of the treacherous channel
Top: Maud Island Trail leads through dark forest to an overlook of Seymour Narrows Bottom: Abstracted twater details of strong tidal currents
After a short zodiac trip to a small dock and a trailhead, we were welcomed by a bright grassy path leading toward a dark forest. The cool air of the shade on Maud Island Trail offered relief from the heat. As we hiked up the rocky path. a view of water gradually appeared through the trees. We had reached a mossy bluff overlooking Seymour Narrows below.
Top: A mossy trail through the forest with a glimpse of Discovery Passage beyond Bottom: Seymour Narrows and the surrounding mountain landscape
Seymour Narrows & Ripple Rock History
These waterways and the surrounding landscape are the traditional territory of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation. It is noted in their background & historical information that “The regularly treacherous waterways and passages of places like Seymour Narrows, Race Point and Arran Rapids were utilized strategically in warfare to successfully defend against raids by northern tribes of the Haida and Bella Coola.” It has been fascinating to learn more about the rich regional history and modern-day presence of the Wei Wai Kum indigenous communities here.
Seymour Narrows is a short and powerful stretch of water in British Columbia, Canada. It is part of the Discovery Channel, along the Northeastern coast of Vancouver Island. Along with being an important shipping channel, it is known for being the site of an enormous man-made explosion. In 1958 the underwater mountain Ripple Rock was “moved” to make transiting the narrows safer. If you are curious, there is an excellent short film and more information about this bit of Ripple Rock history here.
Meditations on the Tide
We spent some time resting on cushions of deep moss along the top of the bluff, watching the rushing water below.
Snowy mountain peaks rose in the distance as small boats rode the tide South through the channel. Whirlpools swirled across the glittering dark blue and silvery water. An especially frothy patch of water churned where Ripple Rock lurks beneath the waves.
Strong tidal currents flow over the site of Ripple Rock
Returning to the ship, our skipper decided that the timing was right to catch a sunset slack tide through the narrows. Our overnight anchorage was just a little further North at Deep Bay. By the time we entered Seymour Narrows the whirlpools and rapids had calmed. A cold wind swept down from the mountains. I particularly enjoy these moments on the bow, quiet and contemplative. I had read about Seymour Narrows, but experiencing it firsthand has put into perspective just how powerful the changing tides can be in this part of the world.
This was an especially memorable afternoon and a fun travel photography challenge, as the conditions changed quickly and often. Find my full expedition story here. As of the writing of this post, I still have many more photos to edit and stories from this journey to assemble, so be sure to check back or even better, subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss future updates.
My favourite way to approach travel photography is as an act of discovery. Before landing in a new destination I have usually done some research about the location, but I like to arrive with no specific photos in mind. I find that I make better images when I have few preconceived ideas of what a place “is”. I am more likely to encounter an unexpected cultural or historical detail when I follow the light through a new environment. This enables me to create travel photos that are both artistic and authentic as I document an inspired experience of being there.
Early morning in a quiet market courtyard, and sunset skies over the waterfront of Granville Island, Vancouver
The drawback to this approach is that during shorter visits, the opportunities for good light are inherently more limited. What may be a dull scene on an overcast morning could be spectacular on a sunny afternoon, but by then my camera and I may be on to other sights. So it was especially nice on a recent short trip to Vancouver, Canada to have a couple of nights on Granville Island. This provided ample time to explore, walking to the market beneath dramatic views of the towering Vancouver cityscape.
The glittering skyscrapers of False Creek overlook Granville Bridge and waterfront docks.
Granville Island market stall fruit display
This is ancestral land to the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and remains unceded territory. Prior to industrial development, the sandbars and shallows of the tidal environment were rich with food sources. Surrounded by distant mountains and alive with abundant biodviersity, this would have been an especially beautiful place.
The present-day Granville Island is man-made, built with material dredged from the nearby waterways. What was once an inter-tidal ecosystem is now a mix of industrial enterprises, performing arts venues, and arts and crafts studios. This urban environment lends itself to a different kind of travel photography, emphasizing the buildings and dense development of a very specific neighbourhood.
My visit in late winter meant that the sightseeing crowds had not yet arrived for the busy summer season. I enjoyed capturing a sense of calmness, even in the middle of the hustle and bustle of a city port and industrial neighbourhood. In particular, the early mornings spent wandering the quiet streets offered plenty of beautiful light and photographic inspiration.
Beautiful light on Granville Island
Exploring the Vancouver cityscape from Granville Island
Granville Island is a great place to explore new angles for Vancouver travel photography. The surrounding views of the city are remarkable as the light changes throughout the day. Towering buildings reflect in the water below, while bridges and trees provide unique framed perspectives of the landscape beyond.
One Vancouver skyscraper in particular has a very interesting shape, narrowing at the bottom than at the top. I was able to photograph Vancouver House in both early morning and late afternoon light. I like how each composition gives the building a slightly different presence within the cityscape. There is subtle context provided by other elements in each composition. Meanwhile, the angle and futuristic form of the architecture remains similar in both photos.
The presence of such large buildings directly reflected in the water of False Creek is also quite striking. At sunset, the walls of glass and steel catch the sunset light. At sunrise, the light casts the Vancouver city skyline into shadow, as the angular buildings appear to extend to the distant horizon.
There comes a time in the deep cold of every Canadian prairie winter, when the need to be in the presence of new green growth becomes a necessity. Something fresh, urgent, reassuring in its promise that spring will eventually arrive.
Back in January, I happened to receive some bulbs for growing indoors – forcing – and had a few dozen of another variety in storage in the back of the fridge.
Recalling how my mother would use beautiful glass marbles when forcing bulbs, I decided to give it a try using my collection of sea glass. With a sunny south-facing windowsill available, I arranged the glass pieces in some small vases, set the bulbs on top, and added water.
It took a couple weeks to see many signs of life. First to appear were tiny roots, and as the days have ever so gradually gotten longer, so have the leaves, finally opening to flowers.
Over the years I have revisited various still life photography subjects and ideas.
A recent photo workshop introduced me to some new ways of looking at still life art. I have decided to make still life studies a larger part of my photographic practice. The process is enjoyable, as it requires that I spend time with the subject, paying attention to how I can shape the light and shadows and achieve a desired effect within the composition.
My goal in this still life arrangement was to explore contrasting materials. By using glass pieces to play with layered light and colour, I was able to create textural details that compliment the natural forms. I prefer to work with available light and found that this simple still life subject photographs well in small patches of winter sunlight. Once the green leaves emerged from the bulbs, I began documenting their progress.
Muscari armeniacum blue and white seaglass, January 2023
Of particular interest were the white tendrils of roots, threading down through the sea-glass. I have more work to do in exploring their visual potential, particularly as abstracted elements in different kinds of light. These reaching forms, hidden then revealed by the glass, bring to mind the idea that some of the most important stages of growth happen unseen. This winter has been a season of quiet change as I have been integrating and internalizing the lessons of the past year. From processing tremendous loss to focusing on my creative growth, I have been sending out my own delicate roots and tapping into new possibilities through my personal work.
A single blue-purple Anemone coronaria flower in a textural triangular midcentury glass vase, against a dark backdrop and illuminated by a bright wedge of sunlight.
I have been exploring some still life photography setup ideas this summer, and there are quite a few things I wish I’d done better in this image. The vase could be placed a little further back in the light, allowing more room for the flower’s shadow. I could have better controlled the light at the edges of the scene, especially to remove the distracting curve in the rear sweep of backdrop paper and create a sharper corner in the pointed edge of light as it falls to the far left in the frame. These flowers have now faded in my garden and any future attempts at a more refined version of this setup will have to wait until next year. I am glad I tried something new, and overall very happy with what I have learned from the results. In that same vein, I am embarking on an exciting photographic experience this fall, and hoping to fail spectacularly at least a few times – practice makes progress.
