Friday, February 22, 2019

Colours and lines

Sometimes, you just have to stop.
I admit to being driven.  Specifically, when I am travelling I feel compelled to get there with the minimum number of stops.  Home, destination, go.  It was something I learned from my dad, who could drive for 48 hours straight with only stops for gas.  If we could have installed a 200 gallon gas tank on top of the car, even those few breathers would have disappeared.  We made it from Kingston, Ontario to Sylvan Lake, Alberta once in 44 hours. 

So, driving for me is not something to enjoy, but rather an obstacle to overcome.  Not that I don't like driving.  Some of my fondest memories of my dad are in the car, passing by all the wonderful places to explore.  I love driving my RV.  Once seated though, the whole appeal of enjoying the surrounding area or taking a few photos seems to evaporate.  There is only the quest of arrival to sooth the wanderlust within me.  There are, however, exceptions.

Occasionally something will stir on the horizon or in my peripheral vision which demands more attention.  There are a few moments where this has been true, the above photo was one of those events.  There, by the side of the road, was the most amazing collection of marine paraphernalia I have ever seen.  Enough amazing colours, lines, shapes, and eye catching bric-a-brac to indulge any photo enthusiast.  What was even better was that it was organized with great care; not strewn about with abandon.

Relinquishing the desire to pass this visual smorgasbord, we pulled over and explored the organized mayhem.  Although hours could have been spent considering all the possible views in the search for the quintessential photograph, I allotted only enough time to get off a couple of shots.  Still though, I really like this photo, as it speaks about the power of colour and lines in an image.  It also reminds me to stop more frequently and smell the roses, or in this case, see the ropes. 

Saturday, February 16, 2019

Camping revealed.

Camping while at Newcastle Island Provincial Park
One of the rites of passage for many Canadians is camping in the wilderness.  Although, I suppose the term "wilderness" needs some addressing.  Canada abounds with true wilderness that is completely devoid of any human presence for at least a few dozen miles.  I have done my fair share of camping, but cannot really say that much of it has been in true wilderness.  Mostly it has been in provincial or national parks where help was never too far away.  Perhaps a term befitting the situation is wildish-area, which probably increases the wussy factor by quite a bit but is no doubt more accurate.  

When I was just a lad I did camping with my dad as part of the cub-scout troop he helped in.  Then, as a young man, I led a number of scout troupes myself and did some camping on my own as well.  The experiences here were all well within park boundaries.  It was in my mid twenties that I had my first real taste of what could be called the bush.  Hiking and canoeing led me into the interior of places relatively untouched by human hands.  The area around Central Alberta was the backdrop for these wanderings, and they honestly left me in awe of what an incredible country we live in.  

As our kids grew up we went through a variety of camp lodging.  We started off with tents, then got a tent trailer, moved up to a travel trailer, and ended up with a motor home.  Some may look down upon those of us with wheeled habitation, but the truth is it made spending time together easier.  First of all there were those among us who refused to use anything less than flush toilets equipped with proper lighting and ventilation.  Then there was the contingent who needed a safe place to put all the toys and gear of comfort.  Admittedly, I benefited from the upgrades as it gave me a place to work on my photography and book writing.  

Throughout my attempts to commune with nature, I have been fortunate in being able to go camping in a more traditional sense.  Two stints on the West Coast Trail and two opportunities to explore the Broken Islands have again filled me with a sense of wonder.  I hope some day to explore parts of Ontario and other areas of Canada's amazing wilderness.  It's true most of that may be done in a hard sided recreational vehicle at places not too far from people, but now that I have embraced being a camping wuss I can enjoy the experience all the more.  And who knows, one day I might break out the tent once again - I will need a place to put the grandchildren (should we ever have any).

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

It's a crock!

Crock, emerging from a lake, Newfoundland.
It was a warm, sunny day in the middle of summer.  The few clouds in the sky bobbed about like marshmallows on a blue bed of jello.  We were enjoying a moment of calm during our trek across country.  It was 1984, and George Orwell's vision of the future needed a few more decades to evolve.  The blue lake beckoned to us, its tepid waters luring all onlookers into its calm embrace.  Some of us were successfully lured into its murky depths, others however were decidedly more cautious.

The contrast between the warmth of the day and the cool of the lake eventually won most of the ambivalent over.  Soon Frisbees were being thrown and caught, and little hands were busily hauling buckets of water towards their fortresses of sand.  It was, by all accounts, an average day at the lake.  It was not until someone noticed a peculiar beast emerging from the shoreline that mayhem was unleashed.

They called it "Crock," a green and hideous morph between crocodile and lion.  It rose out of the shallows onto the beach, opening its maw to reveal cruel teeth capable of dismembering limb from torso with ease.  A child asked their parent, "What's that?" while pointing.  A scream sounded the alarm, and suddenly everyone was running for their lives.  Children were whisked up; provisions and comforts abandoned, and the population as a whole merged into a rapidly retreating mass.  Through it all, Crock kept plodding along.

It was the fellow with the camera who did not flinch.  Being roused by the mob and their din, he did what any photographer would do - grab the camera and head toward the ruckus.  Soon, with everyone gone, he alone was left to gaze upon this unique creature.  What was peculiar about the situation was the lack of attention the supposedly malevolent beast had for the fleeing crowd.  Surely a such hungry and ghastly denizen would turn to such chewy morsels with glee and seek sustenance.  Those jaws, after all, could easily separate body and limb with ease.

Yet, it seemed that Crock was not your average malevolent monster.  There was a certain calm allure about this creature.  Perhaps its vicious persona was attributed to it by an overabundance of caution.  So, after snapping a few images, the lone photographer approached the terror.  Instead of being torn apart, or worse decapitated, the thing rolled on its back.  It seems that it was more interested in tummy rubs than dismembering.  Obliging, the photographer imparted that for which the creature searched.  After a few moments of this new found affection, Crock turned around and sought refuge into the lake from whence it came.

All that is left is the pictures.  Crock has not been seen since, but for one, this photographer wonders what would have occurred should his tummy-rubbing skills had not been up to par.

Sunday, February 10, 2019

It's a bugs life.

Re-purposed Volkswagen Beetle
All that is missing is a rousing chorus of "Strawberry Fields Forever" by the Fab Four.  This iconic Volkswagen Beetle greeted us every time we went south to our favourite camping destination near Leavenworth, Washington.  There were always a number of familiar indicators which appeared rounding the corners on the curvy road, each one telling us we were almost there.  There was no need for the familiar question, "Are we there yet?", as evidence was mounting that, in fact, we almost were.

I always liked this road side distraction.  Someone had gone through a lot of work to take the old derelict, which would have embarrassed a scrap yard, and turn it into a fond memory.  The paint reminding the passerby of a ladybug; ironically a beetle in its own right.  Polka dots are, of course, a comforting design and popular with kids of all ages.  The eye lashes, lipstick, Uncle Sam and a bear inside the bug, and spiraling wind sock all added to that appeal.

If you look at the history of the Volkswagen Beetle you might be amazed.  It was designed in the early thirty's in Germany when You-Know-Who was in power.  He, in fact, placed the cornerstone for the factory's construction and was given the very first convertible Beetle out of that same building.  After WWII the British took over production, and the Beetle went on to become the world's most popular car, an amazing feat to be sure.  Then there was Herbie, a 1963 Beetle affectionately called "The Love Bug."

Sadly, Volkswagen has stopped production of the renewed model, and the familiar chassis will no longer be made.  There are many reminders of its fame though, and of this tough little car winning the hearts of so many.  The name "Volkswagen" means "people's car", and it certainly has been that.  Whenever I see one, I will always think of things like punch buggies, Herbie, and of course, that wonderful little Beetle near Leavenworth.

Information from:  https://www.forbes.com/sites/msolomon/2018/09/14/luxury-lineage-a-brief-history-of-the-volkswagen-beetle/#5d69ada75048

Thursday, February 7, 2019

Limestone caves

Limestone cave near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Limestone is amazing stuff.  We use it all the time and often are not aware of it.  It is a favourite crushed rock of gardeners; I have some of it in my dog run area.  If your lawn is too acidic you can "sweeten" the soil by adding lime, a derivative of limestone.  It is found in antacids and chalk.  The biggest use of limestone though is in making concrete.

Concrete is a mixture of lime, sand, stones, and water.  The proportions are modestly specific, but when done right produces an incompressable solid which we build skyscrapers and roadways out of.  The lime is known chemically as calcium oxide (CaO).  If you take limestone (CaCO3) and heat it up enough you blow off carbon dioxide and get lime (CaCO3  ------>  CaO  +  CO2).  The great thing about this is that it is easy; you can do it at home with a propane torch and some limestone rock.  The problem is that it produces carbon dioxide, and like we need more of that.

The other wonderful thing about limestone is that it can be dissolved.  If you take a piece of limestone and put it in a bowl of vinegar it will eventually dissolve.  To do it justice you will need a lot of vinegar and a small piece of the rock.  If you really want to be impressed you can use a strong acid like sulfuric acid (battery acid), but it is dangerous and not a great idea.  This ability to be dissolved by acids is what leads to cave development.

Limestone is a sedimentary rock and is laid down on ocean floors from the compressed exoskeletons of dead sea creatures.  It also precipitates out on its own under certain conditions.  The compressed sediments eventually form limestone, although there tend to be a lot of impurities.  When geologic uplift occurs we get limestone beds above sea level.  The top of the rocky mountains are, for example, largely made out of limestone.  If slightly acidic water comes in contact with it, the rock gets slowly eaten away. 

It turns out that water naturally becomes acidic on its own.  The air contains compounds which, when water is added, become acidic.  That is where acid rain comes from.  We make rain more acidic when we pollute the air by adding sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide.  Combustion in cars causes the formation of nitric acid.  Plants produce organic acids which get into the soil and can be leached out, with the water percolating down into the water table.

It is all these acids that eat limestone away.  Water drops suspended from the ceiling carry tiny amounts of dissolved limestone in them.  If that water evaporates it leaves a deposit - stalactites.  Water drops hitting the floor cause lumps to form and grow over time - stalagmites.  Then you get all kinds of other cool structures forming as well.

I have always loved caves.  Our recent trip to "The land down under" allowed us to visit an amazing cave down there.  It has been one of the things I have really wanted to do.  We have caves here in Canada but they are small and relatively undeveloped because the glaciers wiped out ones that existed before them.  There are some amazing ones in the States I would some day really like to see.

www.ericspix.com

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

It's a cat's life.

Cat on a John Deere tractor
Cats.  You either love them, or you love to hate them.  My standard cat joke, "I love cats; they're good with salt," gets the kind of reaction you would expect.  Cat lovers hate the joke, and the "others" find it funny.  It is one of those polarizing things, like cats themselves.

The pros and cons of cats are many - similar to the number of ways there are to skin one.  They keep vermin populations down (pro), but they also kill birds (con).  They can be lovable pets (pro) and they can tear you to pieces (con).  Their range of behaviours are stunning, as any cat video uploaded to youtube will attest to (this happens to be both at the same time).  They can be friendly and approachable (pro) but also paranoid and aloof (con).  The list goes on.

Then there are the lives they have; nine of them.  Think of how the animal kingdom would protest if they had a voice.  Dogs only get one kick at the can, how fair is that?  Imagine if fish enjoyed the same survive-ability index that felines had.  Catch one on a line and reel it in, only to get a note on the hook saying, "eight left."  Hunters would have to use automatic weapons to take down their prey; a dozen or so rounds should do the trick. 

I happen to be a huge wildlife fan as my other blogs regarding birds, invertebrates, and non-avian vertebrates would attest to.  Cats have been a pet peeve of mine for some time.  It is estimated that they kill over two billion (that's billion with a B!) birds just in the continental US alone each year.  I have personally found the remains of quite a few birds which were the fodder of ambitious pussies.  Many of them were just toyed with to the point of death; not nutrients for an otherwise starving body. 

It is the innate tendencies which resides in cats which makes them what they are.  They are born killing machines which we form loving bonds with.  Both my sister and my son adore their fur lined shredding devices.  My favourite cat, Garfield, raises my spirits with his hilarious antics.  I also always enjoy the occasional intimate moment afforded me when one crosses my path.  I just hope it is not a black one.

Monday, February 4, 2019

A winter scene using the rule of thirds

Using the Rule of Thirds to compose a shot
A winter's moment frozen in time, this was photographed some years ago.  There is snow on my front lawn today, but it is nothing like the dump we received from this particular snowfall.  I remember the day well; a thick frosting that bent conifer branches deeply and impeded any and all traffic.  I pushed through the early morning knowing that the sites would quickly succumb to warming temperatures.  Daring to walk in a few places, I found myself hip deep in the occasional drift.

When shooting, I look for places that I find visually appealing.  The size of the scene is irrelevant; as small as a Christmas decoration or as large as a forest - they are all fodder for the lens.  Coming across something warrants opening up my equipment to the elements.  The time is brief as moisture is the enemy of anything electronic.  Condensation, melting snow, even one's moisture laden breath can delay a shot or destroy a camera.  Caution is required; risk can be mitigated but not avoided.

Notice the image above; there are a few things going on which may go unnoticed.  First off is the fact that the image was intentionally overexposed from the camera's recommendations.  This is because the white snow will end up looking grey if not given the extra light.  Exposure compensation is almost always required when shooting snow scenes.  It is also often true for back lighting, white beaches, and shooting against white backgrounds.  Usually a +1 setting is enough, although I have had to, on occasion, go as high as +2.

A second point is that the scene can be clearly divided into thirds.  The rule of thirds is a cardinal axiom in photography.  The top of the bench, the planter, the tree, and to some extent the first post all are in thirds positions.  This helps the eye to move though out the scene without being stuck in the middle with little suggestion as to the environment the moment finds itself in.  The background comes through with more intensity when the subject does not take up the center.

Lastly, although the picture appears to be a still-life, notice the movement of snow falling from the tree onto the bench below.  This small bit of animation adds to the moment.  In this particular case I facilitated the event by reaching up with my left hand and tugging on a branch.  Often I will capture a static scene and then create some form of motion and capture it again, this time with some animation.  One will usually be better than the other, but it is not always the same one.

Photography is the art of capturing light.  Although it can take place in only a fraction of a second, the process of looking for and finding attractive spots, coupled with manipulating the camera properly, makes the process an ongoing quest for improvement.  My hope is that I am better now than what I was, and that I will be better again in the future than what I am now.  That's part of the fun though, trying to use the knowledge of the craft for personal betterment.

www.ericspix.com

Saturday, February 2, 2019

What makes a story?

The promise of a good day is in the air.
A photograph can often tell a story.  Its ability to impart particulars doesn't have to be great, it just has to have elements of suggestion in it.  There should be some hint as to where and what, but doesn't have to include who or when.  In fact a story can be all the more interesting with those elements missing as it leaves the mind open to wander.  

The tree provides does a lot for the image itself.  The greenery gives shade which provides framing on the image on three sides - the bottom portion uses the shadow of the leaves to draw your eye into the center.  The background, although barely visible, has little foliage present and suggests an arid climate of some form.  The lightly clad bodies and trunk suggest a warm day.  You don't need to take the image apart in your mind to make that determination; it comes by itself in seconds.  

Then there are the boaters in the water, which itself is blue and inviting.  Low waves and the slowly changing colour of the water from the beach outward give the appearance of a playground ripe with summer fun.  The picnic table itself is a bastion of comfort and protection.  A place for the moment which is their own, until it is time to hand it off to the next patrons that will benefit from the shelter it offers.

We do not know who the people are or what they are up to; no food seems to be present so it is likely they are there only for a reprieve of some form.  Their manner seems relaxed - its is a great day just to exist.  The keepers of the clock are somewhere else and have been forgotten.

Chances are all this reminds you of being somewhere similar.  It could be anywhere in the world, really, but you sense a familiarity with it all.  These are the things that tell the story.  Just enough details to give some idea as to what, but not enough to make it someone else's adventure.  "Gee, that reminds me of ...", and the image has done its job.

It is always good if the photo itself is attractive.  There are a myriad of devices the pixel-smith can use to produce such a work.  Framing, thirds, silhouettes, lines, patterns, lighting, colour, contrast both in tone and objects; all these add to the effect.  An attractive image that tells a story is always appreciated, even if only for a moment.

Friday, February 1, 2019

Golden Ears Falls - going off automatic is often necessary

A low shutter speed blurs moving water - if you do it right.
The problem many people have with their cameras is that they don't take them off automatic.  There are a number of reasons for this, but the two big ones are fear and uncertainty.

We have fear because it prevents us from doing stupid things.  This includes Darwin award winning events like walking off a cliff, stepping in front of a moving bus, or running into a burning building to get warm.  This goes too far though when it comes to technology.  This is particularly true regarding using a camera.  People are scared of breaking their cameras, ruining their shots, or causing so much internal carnage as to render them useless.  The best plan is to leave it on automatic.  It certainly reduces the likelihood of making a mistake, but it is like staying in the car to not go over the edge.

Uncertainty is another imposing factor which prevents the power of the camera from being unleashed.  It relates basically to a lack of knowledge.  Most will attempt to curb this with a new device by looking at the instruction manual.  After ten minutes of utter confusion and a confirmation that all things technical are outside of their grasp, most will write off the attempt and use this new thing with as little physical contact as possible.  Cameras, it seems, can break if they are touched too much.  One of those buttons is probably for self destruction; they are better off left alone.

Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem.  First off you camera will have some way to counter any changes you made to it.  There is usually a reset button, menu item, or hidden actuator which will set the camera back to factory defaults.  This insures, barring some disaster, that the camera will be fully operational again and the attempt to cause malfunction was spent in vain.  The second issue deals with the confounding manual.

People often use the camera's manual as a book to read while enjoying a moment of peace and quiet.  That, of course, evaporates soon after the first few pages are turned.  Instead the manual should be used the way you might try to answer a question by accessing the internet.  You would never attempt to learn about something by reading the whole internet - that would take more time than you would have in ten life-times.  Instead, you would look up particular aspects by using key words.  You do the same with your camera's manual.  Referring to the index or table of contents, then turning to that page specifically will give you all the answers you need.

The assumption in all of this is that you know what to look for.  This is where the whole thing can fall on its face.  It also depends upon the manufacturer's ability to have a decent index at the back and to help the user problem solve.  There is, again, a solution to the problem.  It comes with education and using other research tools.  There is a lot to be gleaned on line for using your particular camera.  A search on youtube.com for your model and problem will go a long way to answering any queries.  I will talk about these later in another blog.  Until then, happy shooting.