Newsletter No. 112: November 2014

Newsletter #112: November, 2014
© Chris Harris. All rights reserved.

Contents:

1. 2015 Seminars & Workshops: registration is now open
2. I’m Presenting at “CAPA Photo Expo”, August 1-3, 2015: The Canadian Association for Photographic Art. Check this out!
3. Easy Hiking with Horse Support: in the Rainbow Mountains
4. Gourmet Dining was a big part of our Coastal Photo Tour: yummy!
5. Photo Adventure on Chilko Lake: it’s all about the light
6. Easy Hiking with Outfitter Support: at Nuk Tessli
7. Windswept: photo adventure aboard the Oceanlight II

Hi everyone,

My last two photo shoots, for my new book, were wild ones. Stormy weather and fantastic light; not in my wildest dreams did I expect images like the photographs I’m sharing with you below. What a way to end the season!

I have two announcements for anyone with an interest in photography. One is my 2015 photo seminars and workshop schedule; the other is about “The Canadian Association for Photographic Art” and their photographic convention, which is being held in Vancouver in 2015. If you are interested in learning about the many aspects of photography, consider registering now. Inspirational and educational, there is so much to learn about the creative art of image making.

Enjoy my 112th consecutive monthly Newsletter!!

Chris

1. 2015 Photographic Seminars & Workshops: registration is now open

Here is a chance to ‘learn & leap’ into the world of creative photography.

Again next year, I will be offering a series of one-day seminars and three-day photo workshops based out of the Chris Harris Gallery. They are designed for all those interested in photography, from beginner to advanced intermediate.

In photography, we express ourselves by the arrangement or juxtaposition of compositional elements, the techniques our camera’s allow us to use, and our interest in the subject matter we choose.

Illustrated lectures, in the field experiences, and critique sessions, will help us recognize and create stronger compositions.

By the end of each day, you will see the world around you differently, and you will have become a more creative photographer.

Please review the seminar and workshop options, then choose one that is designed for you.

To Register your camera club or group of friends for a “Customized Seminar” at the Gallery, or to have Chris travel to your location to give this seminar, please contact the office directly by email or phone and Rita will arrange your event with you.

Descriptions of these seminars and workshops, and how to register, are posted on my website.

2. I’m Presenting at “CAPA Photo Expo”: August 1-3, 2015: The Canadian Association for Photographic Art. Check this out!

The Canadian Association for Photographic Art (CAPA) presents CAPA Photo Expo, an international event to be held in Vancouver next year; August 1-3. There will be renowned speakers, exciting photo tours, interactive workshops, and the opportunity to meet interested photographers of all levels from around the world.

I will have the honour of being one of the guest speakers and my topic will be “Expressing Emotional Narratives through Imagery”. Naturally, my narratives originate in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region of BC. Thus, beyond the photographic content of my talk, I will be showcasing our region to the world as a photographic destination.

If you are interested in the visual arts, please visit the CAPA Photo Expo website and plan to join us. It’s a once in a life-time experience.

3. Easy Hiking with Horse Support: in the Rainbow Mountains

I made the above panorama photograph to show the beautifully expansive Rainbow landscape which is ideal for hiking…especially when you have a team of horses carrying your camping gear and an outfitter cooking up a delicious evening meal over a warm fire; all waiting for you when you arrive from your days hike! Can it get any better than that?

This summer a group of keen photographers joined me to hike and photograph our way across the Rainbow Mountains volcanic landscape on a horse supported adventure.

Our outfitter was Rainbow Mountain Outfitters based out of the Anahim Lake area in the West Chilcotin. The trip was led by Leslie Witt, daughter of David and Joyce Dorsey who first took me out to explore and photograph the Rainbow Mountains some 20 years ago. Leslie is the fourth generation to take up this family profession.

 

 

 

As you can see above, the horses carry the heavy gear, leaving us to carry our rainwear, lunch, and camera gear. This is a wonderful way to experience mountain country, yet have the time and energy to stop and photograph at will.

 

 

If you enjoy hiking, photographing, or just travelling through spectacular country enjoying the natural history without the heavy loads, I highly recommend this trip. Leslie and her team of friends do a wonderful job of looking after their clients as well as all the logistics. Check out their website and plan your trip for next year!

4. Gourmet Dining was a big part of our Coastal Photo Tour: yummy!

One of the delights a group of photographers and I experienced this summer while traveling with Leonard Ellis of Bella Coola Grizzly Tours, was fresh shrimp, crab and salmon. The laying out of traps just added to the diversity of photographic opportunities we experienced on our 5-day central coast photo tour.

Later in the evening, in our converted herring boat under the light of a full moon, we enjoyed a wonderful evening meal which included, of course, fresh crab. It was one of those evenings we would never forget.

For a complete range of sightseeing and photo tours, you can reach Bella Coola Grizzly Tours in the Bella Coola Valley or at their website.

5. Photo Adventure on Chilko Lake: it’s all about the light

After a good night’s sleep in my cozy B&B cabin (Newsletter #111) and an early morning breakfast, we drove to the shores of Chilko Lake.

As Roland, Udette, and Jesaja loaded the boat, I began my photo adventure with the above image. As you can see by the trees, the wind was picking up.

We were going to travel south, but high winds and the building of turbulent waters forced us to turn back. Instead, we went north and camped at sheltered Honeymoon Point.

 

While camp was struck, I hopped about this beautiful rock outcropping with camera and tripod in hand. I was told to keep a close watch for grizzly bears on Honeymoon Point Bay beach, but we never saw one. The salmon were late and there were few bears in sight.

 

Throughout the late afternoon and early evening, I storm-watched and photographed as a series of storms came and went, each bringing their unique qualities of light.

While our trip appeared to be held up by bad weather, I was totally excited about what was happening. Just think how boring it could have been with calm water and sunny skies!

To contact Roland and Udette Class you need to contact them directly at Big Lake B&B; 250-394-7444.

6. Easy Hiking with Outfitter Support: at Nuk Tessli

During the last few Newsletters, I have shared several images from our 4-day hike to the Flat Top Mountain area, nestled in the Charlotte Alplands at the foothills of BC’s spectacular Coast Mountains.

After returning to the Nuk Tessli cabins for two days of relaxation and rejuvenation, we were ready to start our second hike, on the ‘Angelheart Lake Loop’ trail.

 

The trailhead was several kilometers down the lake from the base cabin, so Doron drove us in his motorized inflatable canoe. To make this image I just held the camera above my head and pointed it backwards hoping for the best! Not bad eh? I must remember this approach to portraiture, as my people pictures are usually terrible!!

 

As I mentioned previously, Doron Erel has not only improved all the hiking trails with well marked cairns, he has also renovated the old cabins at Nuk Tessli and built new ones. All together, Nuk Tessli has now become one of BC’s premier hiking destinations.

His staff is comprised of wonderful young guys and gals who are available to assist you should you wish supported hiking. The choice is yours.

 

After a few hours of easy hiking, we reached Anvil lake where we camped for the night. It was a beautiful heather covered landscape which very much reminded me of the ‘old country’.

For details about hiking at Nuk Tessli, visit the Nuk Tessli website.

7. Windswept:   photo adventure aboard the Oceanlight II

Long time friend Tom Ellison invited me to assist him in bringing the Oceanlight II back to Vancouver after its season of tours throughout the Central Coast and at Gwaii Haanas. This was my last photo shoot of the season and what a trip it was.

I first flew to Prince Rupert, and then by floatplane to join the Oceanlight II near Hartley Bay.

 

It was late October, and there were gale force winds and severe storms in numerous locations throughout the central coast region. The decision to ‘go for it’ or remain in safe anchorage was always in debate.

 

Once committed to crossing Queen Charlotte Sound, the winds began to pick up.

 

After several hours of ‘holding on’ while trying to photograph the action, we made it across the Sound to more protected water between Vancouver Island and the Mainland. The winds finally began to subside as we pulled in to harbour at Port McNeill on Vancouver Island.

Fortunately, summer tours in more protected areas are not like this trip. Ocean Light II Adventures has been offering bear viewing tours and other natural and cultural history trips throughout the Great Bear Rainforest and Gwaii Haanas National Park (Queen Charlotte Islands) areas for over 30 years. Full details are on their website.