Newsletter No. 60: July 2010
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CONTENTS
- New Volcano Book Cover Revealed: Yahooo!
- Graduation Gift: A trip to the Bowron Lakes
- British Columbia Magazine Assignment: Look for it!
- Rachel Piper: An Inspiration
1. New Volcano Book Cover Revealed
Motherstone: British Columbia’s Volcanic Plateau
This is a very exciting week.
Our very talented book designer, Bill Horne, has just put the finishing touches to both the cover and the entire book, and it is now ready to be sent to the printers. We all feel he has done a masterful job of pulling all the threads of this project into a living form.
The book has been deeply researched and beautifully written by Harold Rhenisch; poet, editor and bioregional essayist. Harold has played a huge role in shaping this project from its very beginning. Our scientific consultant has been Dr. Mary Lou Bevier from the University of British Columbia. Together with a very talented supporting cast of friends and family, we feel we have created a book worthy of a place in British Columbia’s natural history.
Above is the front cover of the book. You are the very first people to see it!
The official Book Launch is in 100 Mile House on October 16th, where a grand slide show presentation will be held in Martin Exeter Hall. Everyone is welcome. After that date, I will be on tour throughout the province. Dates and locations will be posted on my web site and you will be notified in future Newsletters. If anyone in this readership is interested in hosting a presentation in their home town, please get in touch with Rita at the office at 1-800-946-6622.
Each Newsletter from now until October will keep you posted on its journey to completion. We will also inform you about some of the books hidden treasures.
Stay tuned! The countdown is on!
2. Graduation Gift: A Trip to the Bowron LakesAs a gift for high school graduation this year, Rita and I gave her daughter, Teresa, a canoe trip around the Bowron Lakes. Included in the group that eventually swelled to eight were Teresa’s best mate and fellow graduate, as well as her boyfriend, and two more teens with their Mom. So, after a week of gathering all the clothes and equipment we needed, we set off on June 27th.
Storm on Isaac Lake
© Chris Harris
Photographer’s Notes: Canon 50D. In order to capture this image with my 100-400mm lens, I shot at 1/800sec. at f-8 with an ISO rating of 200. To help ensure a sharp image, I had my image stabilizer turned on. When in a canoe, image stabilizers or vibration reducers play a very important role; especially with telephoto lenses. |
For very selfish photographic reasons, I love a trip with variable weather. This trip did not disappoint! In this instance, I was drawn to the high contrast between the highlighted snow field and the trees in deep shadow. To accentuate the difference, I under exposed to turn the trees into a black form. From a trip perspective, we were always very lucky in reaching camp just before high winds and deep waves struck.
The rain finally stops on Isaac Lake
© Chris Harris
Photographer’s Notes: Canon EOS-1Ds Mk.III. While paddling, I usually used my 24-105mm IS all-purpose lens. Set at 400 ISO, I made this image using 1/320sec. at f-9. When paddling, I keep my camera gear in a Pelican case right in front of me. As this trip was only 7 days and I was not shooting throughout the day, I often left my battery ‘on’ for quick action shots. On this particular morning we had been paddling in a steady downpour of three hours when it finally let up. Taking advantage of the break, I made this image of Teresa in the stern and Rita in the bow. I think telling her mum when to draw, pry, or paddle forward was a thrill for Teresa!
Another storm made from the ‘Chute’ on Isaac Lake
© Chris Harris
Photographer’s Notes: Canon EOS-1Ds Mk.III. Made on a tripod, I used 1/80sec. at f-16 with a lens set at 28mm. While camping mid-way down Isaac Lake, I watched a large storm brew up over the Cariboo Mountains. Apart from the rectangular base shape of the water, I used three strong triangular shapes to tie the composition together. There is the mountain range on the left, the trees on the right, and the inverted triangle of the sky; each with their own colour and tonal value.
As I mentioned in my last Newsletter, composition forms the structure of each image and if the elements of composition (shape, colour, line, texture and tone) excite me, then I click the shutter.
In the picture above, the three triangular shapes are very powerful, holding your eye within the picture space. The bright tone in the distance carries your eye down the lake providing a great sense of depth.
By using a tripod, you can take the time to study your compositions, make meaningful decisions, and create powerful imagery.
3. British Columbia Magazine: Look for it
Sunrise on Kidprice Lake
© Chris Harris
Last month, writer Larry Pynn and I were sent to Nanika Kidprice Provincial Park to photograph and write a story about this new park and its spectacular canoe chain.
As I am under contract, I can only show you one of my images to promote the magazine and upcoming article. Look for it next year. With its spectacular waterfall and backdrop of Coast Mountains, it ranks right at the top, alongside the Bowron Lake and Turner Lake chain.
4. Rachel Piper: An Inspiration
A couple of years ago I received an email from a Newsletter subscriber, complimenting me on my work and, if I remember correctly, asking for some advice on buying a new macro lens. She mentioned that my imagery was an inspiration to her.
I am always honoured to hear such compliments, however, life is always a two-way exchange. I too receive inspiration from many people and, believe me, Rachel Piper is one of those people.
Every few months Rachel writes to me, telling me about her photographic adventures. These are not ten-day mountain adventures like the ones I yearn to go on, but ones to gardens and meadows only a few kilometres from her home. What Rachel sees and what she does with her macro lens is astounding. She is truly an inspiration.
Rachel entered her frog image in an Exhibition at Kew Gardens in England. Check it out.
Rachel uses her imagery to help preserve threatened wildlife habitats.Check it out
Rachel uses her imagery to inspire others and raise awareness about health disorders. Check out Rachel’s web site
Thank you Rachel for sharing your creativity with the world. You are an inspiration.
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