Newsletter #164: January, 2019
© Chris Harris. All rights reserved.
When the Snow Finally Came!
Hi everyone,
We had a green Christmas Day, but on Boxing Day, it snowed, blanketing our Cariboo Country, in central BC.
Over the next three days, I went out to celebrate with my camera, sometimes alone; other times, with friends. By using a variety of photographic traditions, I responded to both my exterior and interior environments. As always, each image is made in-camera. Only minimal adjustments are made to colour balance and contrast in post-production.
In this, my 164rd consecutive monthly photographic newsletter, I’d like to share a few of these compositions with you; enjoy!
Newsletter Contents:
- A Drive in the Country: Green yesterday, white today!
- A Morning Walk in Walker Valley: It was the trees that spoke to me that morning.
- Another trip to Farwell Canyon: As always, a trip like no-other.
- What’s Happening in 2019?
1. A Drive in the Country: Green yesterday, white today!
I was so excited about that ‘first day of winter’ feeling, I jumped in my truck, put it in 4-wheel drive, and took off before the snowplows could ruin that pristine winter look.
With this newsletter narrative in mind, I stopped when I saw a curve in the road ahead, and then waited for the first set of headlights. I waited 15 minutes!
I drove slowly, constantly looking for simple compositions. In the’ white-on white world’ that surrounded me, these subtle compositions quietly and infrequently appeared only when soft textures and minimal contrast revealed themselves.
Each composition silently appeared to me as a gift. With no traffic, I would just get out of my truck in the middle of the road and make my image.
Awaiting spring
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A Morning Walk in Walker Valley: It was the trees that spoke to me that morning.
A group of 6 of us walked into the valley with our cameras. Before long we had each separated, searching for compositions that spoke to us.
It was the trees that spoke to me that morning.
With a child-like freedom of expression, I painted wildly with fresh white paint.
A number of single trees (such as the one above) of different shapes and sizes also drew my attention.
Abstract of the above tree.
Tree expression I
Tree Expression II
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Another trip to Farwell Canyon: As always, a trip like no-other.
How many times have I driven to Farwell Canyon for a day of photography? Dozens upon dozens, yet each trip continues to surprise and inspire.
The weather forecast was for continued snow throughout the night; ’perfect’ I thought to myself. Our daughter Teresa and partner Jill also wanted to be part of the adventure, so we set our alarms. Driving in the dark before the roads were cleared would be challenging, but we were excited for the photographic opportunities.
Ahead of any snowplow, it was beautiful.
We were not disappointed. A rolling mist covered the Chilcotin River in the valley bottom.
Our roadway descended to the river; then rose again out of the mist on the other side of the valley.
With a little camera movement and a slow shutter speed, the canyon road reveals the simple beauty of a single line.
While driving slowly and stopping frequently to photograph, we excitedly approached visibility-zero.
I had no sooner said, “what we need now is a herd of bighorn sheep”; then Jill pointed toward the distant grasslands saying, “there”. Sure enough, ten California bighorn sheep lay watching us as we slowly drove toward the mist.
As we entered a whiteout, I drove cautiously toward a lookout spot I knew well.
There was zero visibility and no photographs to make when I heard Teresa yell, “look up”. I turned and looked up. The drama and display we had secretly hoped for, began to emerge.
As the landscape I knew so well continued to materialize, I went into high gear. Compositions were everywhere.
The Chilcotin River slowly began to reveal itself.
As I peered into the canyon below, landscapes appeared and disappeared, evoking strong emotional responses toward the absolute beauty of landscape.
Landscape revealed I
Landscape revealed II
Eventually the mist evaporated and we had lunch overlooking the Chilcotin River.
Ice along the banks of the Chilcotin River
As we headed home, feeling exhilarated from our Farwell experience, another heard of big horn sheep bid us farewell.
Once again, Farwell Canyon did not disappoint. It was an amazing day of splendor and excitement.
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What’s Happening in 2019?
7-Day Residency Workshops:
Develop Your Creative Vision; this year Dennis Ducklow and I are offering these workshops in three locations, all very different from one another.
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The Tallheo Cannery on the central BC coast,
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Barkerville, an historic town of discovery; culturally, historically, and artistically.
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The Haven on the west coast’s Gulf Islands; Gabriola Island.
For workshop descriptions, images of each location, and testimonials, visit Develop Your Creative Vision.ca
Each location has been specifically chosen for their distinct uniqueness and the plethora of photographic opportunities that speak to the goals of our workshops.
Please visit our website and choose the artistic opportunity of your choice. Together we will journey into worlds of expressive art.
Presentations:
After our very successful fall tour in Quebec, Ontario, Washington State, and BC, Rita and I will again offer our audio-visual presentation to camera clubs and other organizations across the country.
With cutting edge photography put to original music, the presentation is based on our recently released Blu-ray disk featuring two documentaries titled “The Chilcotin Ark” and “The Wildfire Summer of 2017”. Also included is an illustrated talk by Chris on photography as an art form.
If interested, please contact the office at 250-791-6631 to discuss details. There is no presenters’ fee or travel expenses attached to this opportunity to host Chris and Rita as presenters or key-note speakers.
2-Day Workshops:
Separately or in conjunction with our presentations, I am also offering camera club members with the opportunity of holding the 2-day workshop titled, “Freedom of Expression: A Workshop in Photography as Art”.
This workshop features illustrated talks on art and photography; in-the-field art projects; and constructive evaluation sessions. You will discover new ways to interpret your most familiar landscapes and subject matter.
By turning the vivid realities in front of you into new, unique, and never-before-seen realities, you will journey toward becoming a true artist.
“The Chris Harris photo workshop opened a whole new realm of photographic possibilities and opportunities. We learned firsthand that it was possible to accomplish a great deal more ‘in camera’ than we had previously thought possible. The results obtained under Chris’ guidance were nothing short of remarkable”. Guy L.; Montreal Camera Club, 2018
This workshop is offered to any group of 10 participants in your location. It is also offered at the Chris Harris Studio Gallery for those wishing to visit the beautiful Cariboo Region of BC.
For details, please call the office at 250-791-6631 or send us an email to photography@chrisharris.com.
Loved all the winter shots. Nice to stop and take in all the beautiful vistas we have here!!
I love the winter! Thanks Diane.
Beautiful shots Chris. I love Farwell Canyon, but have only seen it in summer, so is so nice to see it in the winter beauty that you have captured. I really enjoy your newsletters!
Thank you Maxine. It is so pristine in winter, especially after a fresh snow fall. Love it!!
Great to have open eyes in 2019.All the best!
Thank you Valerie!
Boy, we miss BC, down here in Sarnia Ontario temperature is hanging around zero , no snow , no ice just cloud and sun.
Snow Owls are even scarce, deer and wild turkey’s are hiding , all we can shoot is the Blue Water Bridges and Lake freighters,
Yikes…but I know you can create magic wherever you are. Put on a lens you haven’t used in years and take another look. You’ll find it! Chris
A lovely family of eight —oustanding photo
Thank you Sterling. Great to hear from you! Chris