Sunday 31 July 2011

Flood Tide

Landscape photography often involves an element of luck.  I was about to abandon my efforts in this outing until someone anchored a skiff.  With the rising tide creeping around my feet and tripod, I took this picture.  Its anchor line held the skiff in place while I composed the shot.

Sunday 26 June 2011

Hornby - The Fair Isle

Hornby Island is known for its sandstone formations and this spot has some of the most interesting ones.  This shot was taken during one of many weekend trips to "the fair Isle" and it is a personal favourite.

Sunday 29 May 2011

Bear Creek Nature Park

A colleague from the ProPhoto Course told me of Bear Creek Nature Park.  Recently opened and now a welcome addition to the many parks that dot the Regional District. Bear Creek Nature Park is in its infancy and therefore more primitive than others.  The trails are not marked but it's easy to get around if one is careful. You'll find more wildlife here...and some beautiful light.

In the Shade of Seal Bay Park

Seal Bay Nature Park is a place I go to exhale and restore balance.  In the final years of my flying career, we were in a transition to a new aircraft.  During that time the ops tempo was very high; making squadron life quite challenging.  I was grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an important era in military search and rescue.  My best offset for those big days was a brief visit to this beautiful park.

Grassy Point Sunset

Amongst Hornby Islanders, Grassy Point Point is the favourite place for sunsets.  The first time I went there we arrived late, missing our chance.  Determined, I returned a couple of weeks later and captured this image.  As luck would have it a kelp bed drifted through the foreground, completing the composition.

Wednesday 27 April 2011

Oyster Bay

These rotting pilings were pointed out to me by local photographer and mentor, Chris Carter.  We spent about an hour studying these features and discussed how to create a composition out of what lay before us.  Here is my modest effort, which renders better in black and white.  As a large print, this image becomes a metaphorical landscape, reminding viewers of castles in the sky.

Saturday 26 March 2011

Fifth Street Bridge

Anybody who has visited Courtenay knows the Fifth street bridge.  It's a local landmark and once the only link between Courtenay and Comox. There's another bridge further downstream at 17th street which handles more traffic but it doesn't have the same charm.

Comox Harbour and Peninsula

Comox Harbour and Peninsula as viewed from the Courtenay side. Although grateful for Courtenay's services, I prefer life on the peninsula.  It offers all the weather advantages of living on a gulf island without the bother of ferry schedules.

Friday 25 March 2011

Japanese Cemetery in Cumberland

The Japanese Cemetery in Cumberland is a heritage landmark. I last visited the site just before dusk after a February snowfall. While taking these shots the snow was melting and falling from the trees.  By the time I was finished shooting, the scene had completed changed as most of the snow had melted.

Tribune Bay

Although I have been there several times, Tribune Bay is a place that I have not visited often enough.  It is a timeless place and yet, each time I visit, I always discover something new.  This spot was pointed out to our group by a very talented local photographer and teacher, Boomer Jerritt.

Comox Wharf

Another shot taken during a thick winter fog.  The Comox wharf is a favourite for visitors and locals of all ages.  It's a great place to walk-off a meal or just exhale at day's end.

The Enduring Black and White Image

For me, there is something primal about the black and white image.  Somehow, the absence of colour simplifies them and in doing so, distractions are removed.  All that remains are the elemental values of contrast and tone.  My introduction to photography was many years ago through the realm of black and white film, which is part of the attraction.  Perhaps it's due to a need to simplify and reduce, in a world that is moving so fast and changing so quickly.  Despite all the wonderful advances in technology, I still find myself returning to the greyscale for inspiration. Nature is another source of inspiration for me. I grew up on the beautiful northern shoreline of Lake Superior.  After decades of wandering, I now have the privilege of living amidst the beauty of Vancouver Island.

On this blog you'll find some of my recent work.  Most images are in black and white, but sometimes I'm drawn to a scene that is better suited for colour.


Jamie Davidson