Field of Dreams
1/320 sec, f/11, ISO 250
Halfway through May with summer fast approaching, Canadian weather is finally starting to catch up. Mornings are still chilly and rain showers are frequent, but the meadows and forests are beginning to show green and there is a hint of summer heat in the afternoon air.
Looking forward to the longer and warmer days to come, I’m thinking back to the prior season’s adventures in the mountains. The above image was taken on my first ever visit to the Canadian Rockies in July. I had just arrived in the mountains, and was exploring a small lake near the town of Canmore on what began as a dull and rainy day. But the heavy clouds moved fast and, as the wind scattered the last remnants of overcast, an incredible landscape revealed itself. Behind the line of evergreen trees, at the edge of the lush green meadow, a range of mountains materialized. They stood out against the light blue sky, with the peaks taking on a purple-ish hue in a fairytale-like image.
Ethereal Glow
20 sec, f/11, ISO 200
The weather was mixed throughout that week, but I spent every minute possible outdoors nonetheless, making sure to take advantage of any clear breaks, especially at dawn and sunset. On the occasions that the conditions were favourable, the payoff was incredible. The above blue hour scene greeted me at Two Jack Lake one evening. As the hot summer day came to a close, the wind settled to reveal this incredible reflection of Mount Rundle.
There is something special about the summer atmosphere. Fresh smells, lively sounds of nature, and an all-around vibrant and calming ambience. The immeasurable landscapes, especially on clear days, bring about a feeling of ultimate freedom and limitlessness.
Boundless Skies
1/500 sec, f/9, ISO 200