Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) are often called poplar trees (which is a broader group — genus Populus). I have often called them poplar trees when talking with people (and in posts here), but I’ve decided that aspen is a much more attractive and accurate word.
This is a thick young stand of Trembling Aspen in northern Alberta.
Ripples interacting to form a beautiful diamond pattern — enough pattern to see the repetition, enough randomness to create interest across the frame.
I have vague memories of learning about forest cycles in grade school. They involved deciduous and coniferous trees, forest fires, and were probably grossly inaccurate. Is this little poplar sapling the beginning of change in this stand of black spruce? It seemed so full of life in a dark and dying forest.
My favorite part of this photo is the tension. You can feel the impending crash of the water on the rocks — two parts interacting in a violent and beautiful way.
Taken at Panther Falls, Banff.
Taken near Livingstone Falls in the Rocky Mountain Forest Reserve.
After reading a lot of fantasy novels as a kid, moss edged pools of water in dark forests will forever be magical places for me.
Evening waves above Bighorn Falls, Alberta.
Its easy to beat yourself up over things. Everyone does it. And feeling bad can be a strong motivation to do or change something. But feeling bad makes it less likely that you’ll stick with it. To actually do something really well and for a long period of time you want the motivation to come from the pure joy of doing it. Wise words from a wise friend.
Often I try to take pictures of the little scenes that are usually missed in favour of the big attractions. But I get distracted by the spectacular views too. Sometimes standards are worth capturing. Here’s the top section of Bighorn Falls.
Because I’m sure most people will be wondering about this, here’s the explanation. The top photo is the same as the bottom, except that the top has a cropping and shutter speed that I’m much happier with. This shows a little bit of the exploration of a subject process I go through when I see something interesting. (if it’s not clear — it’s a mini waterfall in grass, about a foot high)
Taken at the Ya Ha Tinda ranch.
