Wood Ducks at Beaver Lake, October 30th

Some people — including I, myself — might say these images aren’t worthy of being published because of the harsh light and my lens choice for wildlife photography. But reading David duChemin’s email this week changed my mind and boosted my confidence as it cogently reminded me why I love to go out into nature and make photographs with my 10 year old camera and nifty fifty.

 

“Learning, if we choose to do so from the shots that don't do what we hoped they would, is never failure.

Nor is pressing the shutter because it brings you joy to be out there or because using the camera makes you feel more alive, more aware, and more part of the scene in which you're immersed.”

David duChemin

 
 
 
 
 

Beaver Lake, October 27th

A few, selected mages from an overcast, bright morning at Beaver Lake in Stanley Park:

I confess I spent too much time in Lightroom processing these four photographs as I experimented with colour grading, rather than relying on presets. I’m not sure I like the results but it was time to say “Enough — done is better than perfect.” And overall, it was a worthwhile learning exercise in which I felt uncomfortable but also eager to become competent in this skill. I will continue to practice!

Beaver Lake, Early October

I walked to Stanley Park again this past weekend on both Saturday and Sunday mornings to wander along the trails and make photographs until mid-afternoon.

When I do this I turn off my mind and orient my senses to all that surrounds me. I am filled with gratitude, reverence, wonder and calm.

 

A slow transition to autumn foliage on South Creek Trail

 

Reflections on a calm day

 
 

Harmony, balance, and rest

The peace of wild things — this perfect phrase and the title of a beloved Wendell Berry poem come to mind whenever I’m among the more than human creatures of Stanley Park.