Newsletter No. 113: December 2014

Newsletter #113: December, 2014
© Chris Harris. All rights reserved.

Contents:
1. 2014: A calendar of Images
2. 2015 Seminars & Workshops: Put one on Santa’s list!
3. Season’s greetings
Hi everyone,

Well, winter came and winter went! Now it looks like we could have a green Christmas!

I thought I would change things up a little in this year-end Newsletter by sharing 12 images, one from each month, as if it were a calendar of images.

It’s been a very full year, packed with photo adventures in preparation for my new book, which you will hear more about in the coming year.

Thank you all for your kind support and I wish you a wonderful Christmas Season.

Enjoy my 112th consecutive monthly Newsletter!!

 

1. 2014:   A calendar of images
I had many more photo adventures this year than there are months. However, I have chosen 12 images made on several of those trips, which gives you a glimpse into the diversity of our Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region of BC.

January: The Gold Rush Trail Dog Mail Run

 

 

Each winter in the Quesnel-Wells-Barkerville area of the Northern Cariboo, a historic event takes place which reminds us of the gold rush days in the 1880’s.

In its early years, the Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run was a race. In fact, it was a qualifying event for both the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod. However, in 1998 the competitive focus was dropped and the emphasis shifted from competition to participation. Today, it is a fun event for the whole family.

Trying to photograph an event that is constantly moving and covers a vast distance is not easy, but with the help of my friend Ron Paul, I was able to get about on snow machine which was a great help.

This gentleman, Terry Houghton, was the eldest participant in the race.

February: Great Gray Owl

 

The Great Gray owl is our largest owl, and with its bright yellow eyes and large facial disk, is a most distinguished bird.

This owl resides somewhere around our home and often hunts at dusk. That is when I made this photograph, right in front of my house.
March: Big sagebrush trunks in winter grasslands

 

On a winter trek through the grasslands near Churn Creek, I was drawn to the high contrast of black burnt big sagebrush trunks set against the light golden grass and white snow of winter. Simplicity in composition also drew my attention.

April: Apple blossoms

 

In April, while visiting Vancouver, I went on a morning stroll with my friend Shayne Middleton, to enjoy a coffee overlooking the harbour. We each had our cameras, so when we passed under a row of apple trees in blossom, we took five minutes and made a few images.

This abstract was my favourite of the ones I made.

May: The Ancient Rainforest

 

In mid-May, when I felt the last snow would have melted, I went to the Ancient Inland Rainforest southeast of Prince George. My timing was perfect to witness the very first leaves on shrubs and deciduous trees.

Compared to other neighbouring stands where the western redcedars are well over 1000 years of age, the above stand is of relatively young cedars.

June: Steller Sea Lions

 

In June I joined up with BC Grizzly Tours to run a photo tour along the central coast just west of Bella Coola. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting a sea lion colony on Goose Island.

Steller sea lions have drawn considerable attention recently because their numbers are in decline. Males average over 3 m (10ft.) in length and over 500kg (1000 lbs) in weight.

July: Hiking at Ape Lake

 

One of my photo shoots in July had us flying with Tweedsmuir Air to Ape Lake in the foothills of the Coast Mountains. Ape Lake with its moraine landscape is one of my all-time favourite places to photograph.

While photographing first generation vegetation since the glaciers retreat, Rita and Mike walked into my view. Without hesitation, I made this image which provides a sense of scale to the landscape.

August: Hiking in the Rainbow Mountains

 

August had Rainbow Mountain Outfitters and me running a horse-supported photo hiking tour through the Rainbow Mountains in Tweedsmuir Park. While horses took our supplies to the evening’s campsite, we were left to hike, explore, and photograph as we slowly made our way to camp.

This image shows us hiking in the direction of the core of the Rainbow volcano; one that erupted some 8 million years ago.

September: Morning breeze on Chilko Lake

 

In September, I joined Roland and Jesaja Class in their 16ft. boat to travel the shores of Chilko Lake. The weather on Chilko Lake is highly influenced by some of the highest peaks in the Coast Mountains; often resulting in strong winds and high waves.

This image was made just after sunrise when the winds were already picking up.
October: Sailing along the central BC coast

 

Sailing along the BC central coast in October was just as I might have expected; heavy rain with gale force winds. The result, however, was a photographer’s dream. Changing weather brings photographic opportunities, and this trip certainly included those.

When I made this image aboard the Oceanlight II, the seas had calmed down but the rain continued.

November: Aspen copse in fresh snow

 

A winter storm with fresh wet snow had Mike Duffy and I scurrying off to the grasslands near Farwell Canyon. The simple beauty of winter amidst aspen trees and big sagebrush is unparalleled.

On this particular day we were not disappointed. Wet snow clung to the branches providing texture with the odd touch of yellow from the few remaining leaves.

December: Frost crystals

 

Each year when the temperature dips below freezing, frost crystals gather on the windows of our uninsulated conservatory. The patterns, shapes and colours of these free spirited ice flakes are endlessly fascinating to examine. The beauty of their intricacies is captured with a macro lens just as the morning sun is about to breach the horizon.

2. 2015 Seminars & Workshops: Put one on your Santa’s list!

 

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 workshop, and how to register, are posted on my website.

3. Season’s Greetings

 

Rita and I have enjoyed a wonderful year of exploring the many wonders of our Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region of British Columbia; and as always, we have enjoyed sharing these wondrous moments with you through stories and images in these Newsletters.

We thank you for your support and for being a Newsletter subscriber. Your emails, thoughts, ideas, and supportive comments have been greatly appreciated.

In the coming year, Rita and I very much look forward to sharing the creative adventure of publishing what will become my last physical book. We hope you will enjoy the adventure with us in 2015.

To all, wherever you may live, we wish you health, friendship and peace. Merry Christmas and a happy holiday.

Chris & Rita
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