As the temperature drops, the ice covering Cripple Creek along the Alberta Forestry Trunk Road closes in and soon will be completely frozen over. I happened to come across this small opening, which is likely closed in now for the duration of winter and is hiding the rushing water from the frigid air only inches above. It will be months before the warm spring’s sunbeams causes the ice to melt and the water to accept the sun’s warmth again.
[ Olympus E-M5, Panasonic 100-300mm ]
I spent this past Monday travelling Alberta’s forestry Trunk Road with my friend Gary. We started southwest of Sundre where the Red Deer River crosses the Trunk Road. From there we headed north. Our goal all along was to try and spot a Great Grey Owl. We failed miserably at the task, but we were fortunate to come across a few of the wild horses to be seen along the Trunk Road. I had never seen these horses before, so it was a real treat for me, and I managed a few images of them. This one is my favourite.
[ Olympus E-M5, Panasonic 100-300mm ]
One of the last frosty mornings before the snow arrived a couple of weeks ago. I much prefer the colours of autumn without bright snow patches throwing the contrast out of control. All the gorgeous, subtle greys and browns, and a few bits of green and orange thrown in to complete things.
[ Leica M3, Zeiss ZM 50mm f/2 Planar, Fuji Superia 400 ]
The first frame of any film, or frame #0 can be interesting. I tend to make an image anyway just in case, but, many times I duplicate that first shot – just in case. This time I made only this one and it was a nice surprise!
[ Leica M3, Zeiss ZM 50mm f/2 Planar, Fuji Superia 400 ]
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to wander along Ebeling Beach and through Brewers Campground at the south end of Gull Lake, Alberta. The whole area is called Aspen Beach Provincial Park, and at this time of fall there is little to no activity. A few locals were walking with their dogs, but otherwise it was very quite. It was very enjoyable to wander around and enjoy the beautiful fall colours, and as it got closer to sunset a small strip of open sky appeared along the western horizon, so I knew we were in for some great sunset colour, although looking at the size of the clear sky it would only last a very short time. I had a couple of rolls of film and my Leica M3 along with a tripod as I was pretty sure the exposures would end up being rather long and impossible for handheld photography after the sun set. So, with one camera and one lens, I got busy making images.
Available as a print on my Etsy store.
Available as a print on my Etsy store.
Available as a print on my Etsy store.
Available as a print on my Etsy store.
[ Leica M3, Zeiss ZM 50mm f/2, Fuji Superia 400 ]
Shooting film in my “new “Leica M3 has been a great experience. I got back my first film back the other day and all appears good with the camera. Exposures are good and no light leaks. I have purchased a Zeiss ZM 50mm Planar which seems to be a fantastic lens for the money and it looks good too!
An image from my first roll of film through the camera which was a VERY outdated roll of Kodak Max 400. I think it actually looks pretty good so long as you give it enough exposure. I was on my lunch break and walked along Taylor Drive near the hospital where some great trails and woods make for a very enjoyable time!
Available as a print on my Etsy store.
[ Leica M3, Zeiss ZM 50mm Planar, Kodak Max 400 ]
Collin J Örthner - Photographer 