The Living Lake

Sunrise at Peyto Lake, Banff National Park

The Peyto Glacier which feeds the turquoise lake below is disappearing.  It may be gone in a generation climate scientists say.  Consequently, this stunning Rocky Mountain view will be forever gone as well.

So, I committed to preserving a living thing in a photograph, as time is pressing.  I wanted to express life within the shape of the lake, specifically in the wolf’s head.  Many mornings I watched as the light danced with the autumn winds on the surface, to gather motion in the waters with a long exposure.  The combination presented streaks of life at a glorious moment in the history of this iconic Canadian setting.

The picture is a celebration of life, while the subject still lives on.

Retrospective

Vermilion Lakes, Banff National Park

There comes a time in life that we look back toward the light and see again all of the highlights that have marked our journey, as well as some of the shadows that have allowed more brilliant moments to stand out.

It’s as though we turn directly back to look at the light and allow it to shine right through us.  Yes, our pristine glass bodies have experienced scratches and dents along the way, but still the light comes beaming in to touch our souls and reaches beyond us in a prism of light that hopefully leaves the world a better place as we continue down the trail.

We are a lens, and we don’t just look at the light without it looking through us!

Beholder’s Eye

A Rainbow Above Rundle Mountain

If “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” then what does that eye look like?

I had been spending a lot of time last fall around the Vermilion Lakes outside of Banff, considering Mount Rundle and that distinct shape that marks the Bow Valley with its majesty.

As luck would have it, thunderstorms rolled through between the valley walls one evening and just at the edge of the day the rainbow arced above the storied rocks to form the eye.

Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder, and the eye is just as spectacular!

Target Acquired

Gray Wolf

It is rare to be this close to an elusive Gray Wolf.  It was in the Kootenays, and I had spent a long day hiking when I noticed there were several distant Ravens in the sky. 

I approached a steep bank where a creek rambled through the forest, and there at the bottom was a victim of some wolves.  They had likely heard me coming because none were visible, though it was a fresh kill.

A Raven dipped in close by.

I decided to wait, and sat on a rock to see if the wolves would return.  Sure enough, as I sat in silence, a wolf descended the opposite bank.  He was very careful.  His eyes watched me every step, and just at the edge of the water he stopped to gaze directly into my lens. 

That look put a shiver in me.  I could tell he was assessing me.  Although my rational side knows there is no danger for a human in this situation, that stare put me in the place of a hunted animal when it knows a predator is locked in.

The Hunter’s Cape is Green

Ha Ling Peak & Orion

The constellation Orion was named for a hunter in Greek mythology.  His prominent belt and the sword hanging from his hip to mark his eternal form in the night sky.

In this image, the Hunter is leaning back along the angled slope of Ha Ling Peak in Canmore, Alberta, aiming into the stars. He is using the Aurora greens as a cloak to hide his bow and arrows as he gazes upward.

The little bit of moonlight illuminates the rocks below and offers him glimpses of a distant target.

The night breeze flows through his cape in a graceful display of elegant brilliance. 

Showtime!

Aurora at Peyto Lake

What a remarkable year it has been for the Aurora!  The best in my lifetime, and likely the best I will ever witness.

This photograph was made in October of 2024.  I had wanted to make a picture of The Big Dipper above Peyto Lake for a long time, and this would be the chance to make a truly iconic image.

The Aurora was extremely bright that night.  As I waited in the early evening, it was already clear that excitement was building among several other photographers at the scene.  It felt as though I was at a concert with one of my favourite musical artists about to perform.

The lights began, The Dipper emerged from the darkness to introduce the main act, and one could see the first light pillars teasing the small crowd as though the band was tuning instruments.

Suddenly, an orchestra of colors presented itself in a crescendo of energy, decorated in outrageous and beautiful costumes.  It wasn’t the same tired symphony.  It was a fast beat to match my racing heart, and harmonies I had never heard (or seen).

What a show!

Boogie Bears

Grizzly Bears

It’s the strangest feeling when one encounters two Grizzlies in the springtime, clearly engaged in courtship behaviour.  How close do you really want to get?

Well, in my case, I needed to try to stick with them, because of the rarity of the moment.  Every step was measured, and I had to retreat more than once so that I would not influence the interactions.  They were moving very quickly throughout the scene.

Down the hill they chased each other, and I followed to an opening near the river.

It was here that they stood and appeared to “dance” awkwardly in a half circle.  It reminded me of the first school dance I ever attended.  I knew I was dancing with danger, but it was fun, so I kept going.

Steppin’ out!