Newsletter No. 21: February 2007
© Chris Harris. All rights reserved.
CONTENTS
Chasing the Light
While poring through the hundreds of images for the grasslands book, I came across this image – an image that means a lot to me.I awoke at dawn, looked out of my camper, and was pleasantly surprised to find I was surrounded by a beautiful morning mist. I grabbed my gear, and while heading off to photograph, I noticed someone else had camped nearby. There was a car, tent and a wheelchair. The light was beautiful that morning as the sun began to burn through the mist. I remember running around as fast as I could, seeking as many different compositions as I could before the magic disappeared. I also remember silently cursing at all the gear I was carrying around with me. The weight was slowing me down in my attempt to move quickly – chasing the light.
Morning Mist at Junction Sheep Range Park
© Chris Harris
Canon EOS-1D Mark II; Focal length: 32mm; ISO: 200;
Shutter speed: 1/100 sec. Aperture: 16; Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: +1/3When I returned to my camper I noticed a gentleman with a camera was now sitting in the wheelchair. I went over to introduce myself and have a chat. He said he had been watching me photograph, running around chasing the light. He then told me that since his accident, he had to place himself somewhere and then wait for the light to come to him. Sometimes that would take days, he said. After chatting awhile longer, I discovered he was a stock photographer. He photographed from the coast to the highest mountains in the country. He described flying in to Mt. Waddington where he just waited at his campsite for the light to find him. He was from North Vancouver but was soon heading off to Europe to give a presentation on photography. He was amazing and an absolute inspiration. Never again, I said to myself, would I ever complain about carrying a camera bag that was a little heavy. That morning I experienced the forever realization how fortunate I was to be able to chase the light. That morning’s chat is with me wherever I go. Thank you.
Unfortunately I have lost the name of this gentleman. He lived on Vancouver’s North Shore. If anyone knows who this person might be, I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.
2. The Story Behind the ImageThe Most Challenging Image I Have Ever Made
This image took 5 pre-dawn snowshoe expeditions at minus 40 degrees to produce. Let me explain.
I had envisioned an image of a train crossing a picturesque bridge just north of Clinton at dawn. It was situated in the forest but I had calculated that an opening in the trees would provide the perfect shaft of early morning light for a spectacular photograph. All I needed was a clear morning sky. Finally, the forecast was right. Rising at 4am, I verified the train schedule with BC Rail in Lillooet, had breakfast, and grabbed my pre-set camera gear along with my down filled jacket and pants – it was 40 below!
I headed south toward Clinton under a crystal clear sky. Everything seemed perfect. But as I approached Clinton, I drove into a thick cloud of ice crystals – I’d never seen anything like it before. Thinking it might burn off, I put on all my layers of clothing, tucked my external battery pack into my underwear (it was that cold!), attached my snowshoes and headed off toward the bridge. That morning the train arrived before I reached the bridge and the ice mist was pea-soup thick. I missed my shot. I tried again the next morning, and the next and the next. I was very tempted to give up on this apparently crazy image idea but something drove me to try one more time. Still in the midst of a severe cold-snap, I followed the same routine. The ice mist had gathered at the same spot but it wasn’t quite as thick. I headed off once again full of optimism.
Suddenly through the mist, I heard the train. I had not yet reached the bridge but I immediately set up my tripod. My hands were numb and my glasses were fogging up as I tried to compose my image and establish my camera settings. The light was still dim and I thought my shutter speed was too slow. The engine rounded the corner ahead of me and I saw its powerful headlight illuminate the snow pack. I started to shoot. Even with all the extra batteries tucked warmly in my underwear, I heard my auto-wind groan. I thought my film was going to break. Instead of capturing several images as the train approached, the camera only managed three.
No. 4620 Pushes North at Forty Below
© Chris Harris; Nikon film camera
Not knowing if I had the exposure, I snow-shoed back to my vehicle. As I slogged up over the last bank to the highway, a car happened to be passing by. My ice-coated appearance must have been startling; for it stopped suddenly and a gentleman asked if I was ok. I said I was, and with a bewildered look, he rolled up his window and drove off.
Ten days later I got my slides back from the lab. Excitedly laying them out on my light table I was ecstatic to discover that one of the three images had exposed properly.
The question remains – why did I ever attempt such an image? The answer is, I don’t know! However, when I look at the picture now, the memories of this photographic adventure flood back to me and fill me with pride, fulfilment and happiness. The vision, the hardship, the doubt, the adventure and finally the reward. Was it worth it? You bet!! Would I do it again? Hmmmm . . . I’m not sure!!
3. The South CaribooThis past year I was contracted to create imagery for www.SouthCaribooTourism.com. The imagery will be used to help promote the South Cariboo region that extends north-south between Lac La Hache and Clinton along Highway 97 and between the Fraser River in the west and the Cariboo Mountains in the east. As is typical, I’ve overlooked my own spectacular region in favour of what I imagined as more exotic further afield. So this year I would like to share with you my discoveries closer to home and encourage you all to visit us on your travels. 100 Mile House is the hub of the South Cariboo and the above web site is where to go for complete information.
Heading Out
© Chris Harris
Canon EOS-1D Mark II; Focal length: 50mm; ISO: 200;
Shutter speed: 1/1000 sec., Aperture: 9; Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: +1/3
Two weeks ago I went to the 100 Mile House Visitors Centre to enquire about photographing a Cariboo sleigh ride. Within a day I had introduced myself to the very friendly and welcoming owners of Spring Lake Ranch – John & Myrna Barkowsky. Sure enough, a birthday party sleigh ride was happening the next day and I was welcome to photograph it.
The Good Life – Life in the Cariboo!
© Chris Harris
Canon EOS-1D Mark II; Focal length: 36mm; ISO: 200;
Shutter speed: 1/500 sec
Aperture: 11; Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: +1/3I arrived an hour early to reconnoitre the route. I examined the quality and the direction of the light and then marked the exact spots from where I would make my images. Each location would provide images with a different message and feeling about the experience. The top image above was designed to generate the feeling of "heading out" through the countryside. The two following images were to give viewers a sense of place – a feeling for the Ranch itself.
Sleigh Ride at Spring Lake Ranch
© Chris Harris
Canon EOS-1D Mark II; Focal length: 34mm; ISO: 200;
Shutter speed: 1/250 sec., Aperture: 11; Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: +1/3I felt privileged that afternoon. I was photographing a quintessentially Canadian experience, listening to the joy of laughing children and listening to the ringing of bells that were strung around the horses necks. The Cariboo is a wonderful place to enjoy in winter. In my next Newsletter I’ll take you on a dog sled journey. Meanwhile, a big thank-you to John and Myrna for sharing a wonderful afternoon at Spring Lake Ranch.