Outside

Upper Sackville River Falls, Nova Scotia

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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.  

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.

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

 

Annual U-pick Christmas Tree Tradition in Nova Scotia

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I have been getting my Christmas trees from the T. Ernst Forest Christmas tree farm since I was a kid.

The light & snow was a perfect combination for Christmas tree picking.

This annual holiday trip is an important part of my Christmas tradition and the fresh snowfall and dramatic light created the perfect winter wonderland of Christmas trees.

As I mentioned in my previous weekly photography post "How to tell a Visual Story with your Photographs", trips like this are a perfect opportunity to practice telling a visual Story with your own photography.

The folks at the T. Ernst Forest Products Inc. Christmas tree farm, near Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia are amazing and kind folks. They really take the time to add to the fun of  this Christmas tradition.

When I was little, my Grandfather would get our Christmas tree from this farm. When I got older I started the same tradition and now I continue this tradition with my little ones.  They always look forward to picking out their own tree and of course riding on the trailer. 

So many beautiful trees to choose from, you just can't help yourself from singing christmas songs when you look for that "one" perfect tree.

If you have never been to a U-pick Christmas tree lot be sure to give it a try.  You may find it becomes a new tradition for you and your family.

Below is link to the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia website and a list where you can find a U-Pick Christmas tree farm in your area.   http://iloverealtrees.com

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, if you have any questions or comments free feel to drop me a email or leave a comment.

Cheers and keep taking photos :)
Mike