Newsletter No. 46: June 2009
© Chris Harris. All rights reserved.
© Chris Harris. All rights reserved.
Get an e-mail notification when a new newsletter appears on this site
CONTENTS
- Volcanic Landscape: A Day’s Shoot at Dog Creek Cliffs
Hi everyone,
In this Newsletter I thought I would take you on a typical one day photographic expedition to a single location, and describe the adventure through a few of the images I captured. In any given month I give myself several such one day photo assignments, never knowing what the results may be. So let’s go…we’re off to Dog Creek, British Columbia!
Enjoy the Newsletter, and pass it on to interested friends. Our goal here at the Chris Harris Gallery is to share the creative process, promote the arts, and strengthen our artistic community. Thank you.
1. Volcanic Landscape:Preparing for the Shoot
I have driven past the Dog Creek cliffs many times over the past few years, but this time, with my new volcanic book project in mind, I had different objectives. I knew these were lava cliffs, and probably filled with a variety of volcanic features. It just needed a day of exploration and this was the day.
As the trek from my vehicle was not far, I packed most of my lenses: a 90mm macro, 14mm, 17-35mm, 28-70mm, and 100-400mm. I also brought a 1.4 extender, an 8 stop vari-neutral density filter and my two camera bodies; a Canon 1Ds MkIII and 50D. A sturdy tripod goes without saying.
Approaching the Cliffs – scary!
Fear Makers!
© Chris Harris; Canon EOS-1Ds MarkIII;
ISO: 100; Shot at 18mm;
Shutter speed: 1/13 sec; Aperture: f22The freeze-thaw temperatures of early spring make this the most dangerous time to explore these cliffs. The boulders you see in this image, lying here having tumbled off the cliffs we see in the distance, reminded me of this fact soon after I left my vehicle!
Apprehension sets in! © Chris Harris; Canon EOS-1Ds MarkIII; |
Oh no! It’s Game Over! © Chris Harris; Canon EOS-1Ds MarkIII; |
As I approached the cliffs and entered the boulder field, I became extremely aware of the dangers. I tried to calm my nerves by thinking of the odds…surely not today!
But while I stood amidst the lava boulders looking up at these spectacular cliffs, my emotional state triggered a photographic response. By using the slow shutter speed of 1/10th sec., I zoomed and moved my camera to the lower left as I clicked the release button. This created the effect that the cliffs were crumbling and a rock avalanche had begun. Just looking at it now makes me feel uneasy!
Volcanic Rock Pattern © Chris Harris; Canon EOS-1Ds MarkIII; |
Hoary Marmot © Chris Harris; Canon 50D; |
While making my way through the boulders, two discoveries made carrying my macro and telephoto lenses well worth the effort. Concentrating on volcanic rock patterns with a macro lens and the challenge of trying to capture this beautiful hoary marmot soon took my mind off any dangers and I began to enjoy the day.
Seeking Fresh Perspectives
Basalt Columns © Chris Harris; Canon EOS-1Ds MarkIII; |
Basalt Columns Close-up © Chris Harris; Canon EOS-1Ds MarkIII; |
I had previously spotted these basalt columns from the road and they were my main destination. They looked different from others I had seen, so a closer look was imperative.
The ground was steeply sloped and unstable so I took my time, concentrating on the visual.
The columns were beautiful and I explored them with different lenses from every perspective.
The above two images are two of my favourites. With the sun still high in the sky, there was only one distinct shadow to work with. In the first image I used the shadow to lead ones eye up to the broken columns; a fascinating part of this photograph.
In the second image, I used the shadow to accentuate line and rock detail.
Inspired to Explore Further
Dog Creek Cliffs from Above
© Chris Harris;Canon EOS-1Ds MarkIII;
ISO: 100; 14mm lens;
Shutter speed: 1/13 sec; Aperture: f22
By now, these cliffs that so beautifully define the volcanic history in our Cariboo-Chilcotin region, had completely captured my imagination. Inspired to explore further, I found a route that took me to the top of the cliffs.
From this vantage point I could see not only where I had photographed the columns below, but also the Fraser River and Gang Ranch beyond. Together with the other images, this photograph puts the cliffs in context with its surrounding landscape.
California Bighorn Sheep
© Chris Harris; Canon 50D;
ISO: 800; Shot at approx. 300mm;
Shutter speed: 1/500 sec; Aperture: f8
To round out the day, I was rewarded with another wildlife opportunity. Looking below the cliffs, I spotted a small herd of California bighorn sheep.
They had already sensed my presence and were on their way. With no time to change camera bodies or lenses, I quickly made a composition showing the sheep creating a diagonal line for me through the image.
This straight line shows a sense of purpose – indeed one of escaping for greater safety. Oblique lines also generate a sense of movement. I think, as you look and study this photograph, you will feel that sense of movement.
Beyond my Wildest Dreams!
So there you have it – another day at the office! Not all one-day assignments are as successful and rewarding as this particular day was. One learns quickly in this business to go with the flow of nature. As I head out, I go with an open mind, ready to receive whatever gifts are provided for me. With mindfulness and joy of the moment, I find I am often richly rewarded with surprises beyond my wildest dreams.