This is the second year of the 3 West Photography Calendar. You would think this would be an easy exercise picking out the photos, but this couldn't possibly be further from the truth. Still not sure I picked out the right pictures, but I thought it was a good variety of subject matters for people to enjoy throughout the year.
I thought I would write about the pictures and try to convey my experiences that led to these photographs.
January: This may be more oriented towards photographers, but this is a photo I took of one of the ponds of Waterford Ponds in Waterford, Ontario. The significance of this photo is that it was shot at 600mm. Some people might think that it is impossible to shoot a landscape with such a long lens, but sometimes you need the reach. Waterford Ponds is also a great place to find a variety of birds.
2020 3 West Photography Calendar
February: This photograph was taken in Delhi, Ontario downstream from Lehman's Dam. Lehman's Dam is a gem that I didn't know about for many years until a good friend mentioned it to me. Since then I have visited many times for nature photography and people photography. A great place for photography in all seasons.
March: I don't remember the exact location of this barn as it was just along the road in Norfolk County between Simcoe and Port Dover. There wasn't much to do that day without hydro and no satellite signal after an ice storm, so we went for a drive to see what we could find to photograph. We found a few beautiful things covered in ice, including this nice old barn.
April: This beautiful bird is a Juvenile Bald Eagle. Did you know that is takes a few years for Bald Eagles to get their white heads? I've read different reports on how long this takes. It seems to be between 4 and 5 years. This Eagle was found on Pelee Island in Lake Erie. I went to the spot I saw two Bald Eagles last year. Unfortunately I didn't see any. But after walking the trail I decided to have another look. That was a good choice.
May: This Milky Way picture was taken from my front yard. I've always found the night sky a beautiful thing and have loved how much a camera can capture that the naked eye can't see. I'm pretty sure I have confused many motorists that have witnessed me standing in the dark in the middle of the night taking photographs.
Calendar is 8.5” x 11”
June: This photograph is of Weavers Creek Falls in Owen Sound, Ontario. It was one of the few waterfalls we explored that day. While we were walking along the trail to get there, a couple was walking back. We had a very brief chat, and they commented that it was just a little waterfall. Well not only was the walk to get there beautiful, but the waterfall itself was gorgeous. It's amazing how people see things differently. To them it was nothing special, but to me it was fantastic.
July: This photograph was also taken around the Waterford Ponds in Waterford, Ontario. This is a photograph of a Green Frog. Frogs are among my favourite things to photograph while out in nature. They are fascinating little creatures. Sometimes you can look right at them and not see them. They are pretty stealth when they want to be, but if you look close you can see them.
August: This beautiful Butterfly is a Question Mark Butterfly. The name comes from the markings on the underside of the wings. As you could guess the marks look like a question mark. Last year I thought I photographed a Question Mark Butterfly, but as it turned out it was an Eastern Comma. And again, its name comes from the marking on the underside of the wing that looks like a comma. Both the Eastern Comma and this Question Mark Butterfly was taken on Pelee Island, Ontario.
Juvenile Bald Eagle
September: This photograph was taken on Pelee Island, Ontario of a beautiful September sunset which includes Stoneman. The sign at Stoneman reads: "Stoneman: A stone testament to Island Perseverance. Sculpture Designed and donated by Pete Letkeman and named by the students of Pelee Island Public School. (2009)" With the high winds that day causing big splashes and a gorgeous sunset made for the perfect setting for a photograph. Just had to have some patience.
October: This photograph was also of a sunset on Pelee Island, Ontario. Absolutely a fantastic place for Sunsets!
November: This photograph is also of a pond at Waterford Ponds in Waterford, Ontario. It was taken this year (2019) on November 16th. This is why you always take your camera when you go for a drive because you never know what you'll see. I was lucky enough to get a picture of a gorgeous American Kestrel as well as this sunset over Waterford Ponds. As I stated earlier, Waterford Ponds is a great place for photography.
Pelee Island Stoneman sunset
December: This picture is of a beautiful Blue Jay. It was taken at the Long Point Bird Observatory. The Long Point Bird Observatory is a fantastic place for bird photography. There is always something to photograph in all seasons. I'm not sure that people in general realize how special of a place Long Point and area is for wildlife. I'm a lucky guy because it is so close to me. I get there often following the lake until I get to Long Point and spend time down the point. Seeing flock after flock of Sandhill Cranes, or thousands upon thousands of Blackbirds passing through or seeing the Warblers during migration is a truly amazing sight to behold. I encourage birds lovers to visit the Long Point Bird Observatory and to support them as well as Bird Studies Canada.
I hope this helps in increasing the enjoyment of observing and taking in these photographs. I would like to thank everyone that supports my photographic adventures in different manners. If you are interested in purchasing a calendar they are $20.(Shipping extra if necessary) Size is 8.5” x 11”. Hurry as there is only a limited number printed. Please contact me if interested.
Thank you everyone,
Till next time...
