International Day of Action for Rivers 2017

March 16, 2017 in Landscape, Nova Scotia, Nature, personal projects

"A river seems a magic thing. A magic, moving, living part of the very earth itself.”
― Laura Gilpin

March 14, 2017 was the International Day of Action for Rivers 2017 and I wanted to share my passion for protecting our local and international rivers.

My short aerial video shows the beautiful Sackville River during this past Fall season. The Sackville river runs through rural & urban areas within the city limits of Halifax/Bedford, Nova Scotia.

This is a river that truly flows through a city. I have personally enjoyed many days of hiking, photographing & fly fishing on this river system.

With the continued restoration efforts from the Sackville River Association, it is a habitat that supports a healthy ecosystem for many types of fish, birds and vegetation.

With Spring just around the corner think about supporting a local river association in your area.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article, if you have any questions or comments please free feel to leave a comment below.

Cheers and keep making photos :)
Mike

Upper Sackville River Falls, Nova Scotia

February 13, 2017 in hiking, Nova Scotia, Nature, Outside, Outdoor, Photography, winter

After a busy couple of weeks of photo assignments, teaching classes and sitting in front of my computer editing photos & writing emails, it sure feels good to connect with nature again.

Not all your photo adventures have to be far distant lands. Sometimes in the constant hustle & shuffle of life you are only allowed time for local adventures.

It is better to get outside & explore even if it is within your city limits. I think you will be amazed at what natural wonders you can discover in your own “backyard”.

I have a thing for waterfalls in the winter and I have been seeking local waterfalls for a few months now. The Upper Sackville River falls fit that bill.

I found this location via website searches and following local adventure blogs and youtube channels. I discussed this method of finding new places in more detail in a previous blog article; How to find new Outdoor Locations to Photograph.

The falls are not as big as I was hoping, however there still are many interesting features to photograph. I will be coming back to the falls during a high water Spring run and probably bring my fly rod as well as my camera. :)

This was a 1st for me,  I think these are otter tracks sliding into the river. — This was a 1st for me, I think these are otter tracks sliding into the river.

Playing around with my Heliopan 12 stop Neutral density filter for some long exposure goodness. I love this filter. It is a little pricey but it has very little imperfection, almost no added color cast and works really well with a digital camera sensor.

One of the many advantages of winter hiking,  you can always follow your tracks back to the car. — One of the many advantages of winter hiking, you can always follow your tracks back to the car.

From Tiny Landscapes to Big Landscapes, winter hikes have it all. :)

Sometimes you just need to stop and take in the natural environment around you. From me that means setting up my trusty hammock and breathing in the space around me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article, if you have any questions or comments please free feel to leave a comment below.

Cheers and keep making photos :)
Mike

Gear

Nikon D800
Nikon 12-14 f2.8
Nikon 24-70 f2.8
Nikon 70-200 f2.8
Manfrotto tripod
Heliopaan 12 stop Neutral density filter

Bell Let's talk day #bellLetsTalk

January 25, 2017 in Mental health, Outdoor, Nature, Photography

As a child growing up, I was very fortunate to have a parent who worked in the Mental Health field. My Mom, retired now, worked as a mental health practitioner in many communities in Nova Scotia. Growing up, she instilled the importance of understanding that anyone can suffer from mental health issues and the importance of removing that stigma of mental illness so everyone can feel confident in seeking support when needed.

Fresh snowfall hike on the Blue Mountain Wilderness trails

January 14, 2017 in hiking, Landscape, Nature, personal projects, Photography

As soon as I saw the fresh snowfall in the early morning hours, I quickly packed up my gear and run out the door to catch the sunrise.

Fox Lake Trail, Blue Mountain Wilderness trails

I get such a charge hiking in freshly fallen snow. There is a special stillness in the air that is very unique to a fresh snowfall.

All you can hear is your footsteps and the snow falling from the trees as the sun begins to rise.

Coyote Bog, Blue Mountain Wilderness Trails. Nova Scotia

The Blue Mountain Wilderness Trails are my goto place to explore our natural world.

Some much amazing accessible wilderness is found all within the city limits of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Beautiful trails through quiet forest, along lakes and stunning look-offs.