Canadian photographer R. John Knight shares the stories behind some of his nature and wildlife images


Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Wildflowers, Spruce Needles and Raindrops!



We headed to Waterton National Park in early July with hopes of photographing wild flowers. As we drove south, the skies got darker and rain began to fall.  And then, it rained heavily all night, leaving us to wonder what the next day would be like.

Under heavy overcast skies in the morning, we headed into the Park.  To our surprise, the clouds began to break up.  The early morning light streamed through onto the soggy landscape.  We quickly searched for some wild flowers, not knowing how long the sun would stay out.

On the bluffs near the Park’s administrative centre, we each grabbed a camera and tripod, and ventured into wet knee-high grass and bushes.  While the wild flowers were not yet at their peak, everything was covered in water drops from the overnight rain.  The water drops sparkled in the sun.

Raindrops on Mountain Bluebell
 In the bright sun, however, the rain drops began to rapidly disappear as the water evaporated.  I wondered towards the nearby spruce trees, looking for more wildflowers, and stumbled on the following images which were photographed with a Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens.  

Raindrops on grass
Raindrops on Spruce needles
  
What you get to see, when you’re at the right place at the right time, and if you happen to be looking in the right direction, can be simply stunning and amazing.



Monday, November 8, 2010

Canadian Mountain Holidays Announces Photo Contest Winners

This is a quick note to let you know that both John and Sherrill were winners in the September 2010 photo contest sponsored by Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH).

John

Winner - Best Overall Image 
Lichen on weathered tree trunk
Honourable Mention - Best Overall Image
Rain drops on leave
Runner-up - Best Signature Shot of the Bugaboo Mountains
Stormy day in the Bugaboos
 Sherrill
Winner (Tie) - Best Out of the Clouds
Through the clouds
Runner-up - Best Overall Image
Wet leaf patterns in the rain
Honourable Mention - Best Signature Shot of the Bugaboo Mountains
Mountain reflections
Check out the on-line gallery that were submitted by all participants.  Despite the cold and wet weather, everyone was able to capture some spectacular images.  The workshop provided an excellent opportunity to see a variety of terrain, and to meet other photographers

Note that CMH will be offering a Wildflower Photography Workshop at the Bugaboos, August 5-8, 2011 with John Marriott.

Waterfall and stormy weather