Pie's Photography

new blog

2010-10-17T20:50:00.001-04:00

this blog is no longer valid

please visit & bookmark www.chasinglightstudio.blogspot.com

Thankyou!

Last race of the season

2010-09-27T22:32:00.001-04:00

Last race of the season
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

A great showing For the Sir Sams Invitational. 30+ riders from across the province arrived at the 'All Season Resort' for 1pm Sunday Sept. 26, (http://sirsams.com/) to show their support for the last race of the season. Congratulations to the Bishop family & all of their amazing staff for a great year & more exciting seasons to come!

2 light set up. 430 ex camera left at 1/8 power, zoomed to 50mm. Second 430 ex was camera right, behind rider. 1/16 power, zoomed to 105mm.

Brodee Harte

2010-09-07T18:20:00.001-04:00

Brodee Harte
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Single 430ex camera left (on tripod over uneven terrain), eye level, 1/4 power, no modifier.
Additional CC please

Loop

2010-09-06T11:01:00.001-04:00

Loop
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Another set from the freestyle competition earlier this season on the Gull. Moves like this all happens so fast & you don't realize just how far they get themselves out of the water - pretty impressive!

Sir Sam's Race Night

2010-09-05T00:12:00.001-04:00

Sir Sam's Race Night
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Brian keeping pace aroung the last big berm & trying to get his double lap of 10 km to under 32 mins.

1 bare 430ex camera left @ 1/4 power
& 1 bare 430ex behind Brian @ 1/16 power that did not fire.

Rear sync would have benefited this image or a faster shutter speed to completely freeze the motion(I find the foward blur to be distracting). I am already finding the limitations of low power strobes but still have so much to learn!

Sir Sam's Race Night

2010-09-05T00:11:00.001-04:00

Sir Sam's Race Night
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Michaela (she is only 6 years old) working hard to keep up with the big boys & doing exceptionaly well.

1 bare 430ex camera left @ 1/2 power

Boater X

2010-08-16T14:22:00.001-04:00

Boater X
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Up to 5 paddlers at a time would start from the top of the dam & run the length of the river battling for first place. This bottleneck feature is called Top Drop & there are only 1 or 2 lines to successfully navigate this feature. There were a few tense & exciting moments for sure & surprisingly no one had to swim from a wet exit.

Free Style

2010-08-16T13:21:00.001-04:00

Free Style
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Connor attempting to set up for a backwards loop in a pushy feature called the Terminator on the Gull River, Minden ON.

I actually have a two light set up for this shot. 2 bare 430EX’s to camera right at full power to help pull detail out of his face.

Monarch

2010-08-10T09:12:00.001-04:00

Monarch
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

An image from a backyard walk-about a couple weeks ago...there has been little time for any personal work this season.

I can't believe how fast the summer is going by - I need to start planning my annual fall camping trip - any suggestions?

Drag River

2010-07-24T22:51:00.001-04:00

Drag River
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

G.B.H.

2010-06-29T21:17:00.003-04:00

G.B.H.
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

It has been great to get out lately & photograph something that I am comfortable with – yay for wildlife! Not having to worry about light intensity/distance from subject, batteries wearing out & what light modifiers would work best in this situation; only you & your subject & that ever, oh so beautiful, but brief moment of contact with one another.

Buck

2010-06-29T21:17:00.001-04:00

Buck
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Proud parent

2010-06-29T21:16:00.001-04:00

Proud parent
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Teagan

2010-06-02T12:11:00.001-04:00

Teagan
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Born May 16th 2007, Teagan just celebrated her 3rd birthday - Happy Birthday!

Teagan was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in December 2008. Talking with her mom about the symptoms of diabetes was the only reason we caught Parker’s diabetes so early on with little complications.

To say these young ones are tough is an understatement – with countless blood tests & insulin injections every day – one tends to grow up a lot faster than they need to.

Parker Quinn Andrews

2010-05-18T12:59:00.003-04:00

Parker Quinn Andrews
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

I will never forget September 10, 2009.
That was the day my son was diagnosed with type 1 juvenile diabetes. He had just turned 2 years old.
Juvenile diabetes cannot be prevented & he will never outgrow it.
Countless blood tests & insulin injections are given on a daily basis – he is by far, the toughest kid I know.
Please visit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) - jdrfca.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.par... & learn more about this disease.
Stacy & I will be walking for the cause on June 13, 2010

Nicole Mazara

2010-05-18T12:59:00.001-04:00

Nicole Mazara
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Wrestler;
Basketball star;
Regional finalist in track & field;
A remarkable dancer,
& to top it off, valedictorian for her graduating class of 2010.
For sure, Nicole has much to jump for joy for – good luck in your post diploma endeavors!

Strobist:
2 Canon 430EX’s – in reflective umbrellas, left & right of the camera @ 45 degrees to Nicole @ ½ power
Vivitar 285HV – behind Nicole out of frame, full power pointed at white seamless
Triggered w RF-602RX’s

Tamara Poropat

2010-05-11T12:12:00.001-04:00

Tamara Poropat
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

I work with many amazing & talented individuals & Tamara is one of them.
First thing you notice with Tamara is that she is always smiling, upbeat & very down to earth - little gets her down.
Not only is she at the top of her class with her academics, she was just nominated for youth artist of the year with her involvement in the Haliburton Dance Arts. So when you add into the mix a veteran white water paddler at the age of 18 – you get a pretty complete & well rounded (& compact) package.
Paddle hard Tamara & keep up the great work!

Check her out throwing down & cleaning lines on the river - vimeo.com/8114564

Strobist:
2 Canon 430EX’s – in reflective umbrellas, left & right of the camera @ 45 degrees to Tamara @ ½ power
Vivitar 285HV – behind Tam, full power pointed at white seamless
Triggered w RF-602RX’s

Travis, Nicole & company

2010-05-06T10:21:00.001-04:00

Travis, Nicole & company
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

I met Travis & Nicole at the Gull River White Water Preserve in Minden while setting up the equipment for another shoot – they are engaged & are to be married this summer – Congratulations!

Strobist:
Canon 430EX – Camera left, ½ power, reflective umbrella. Sun acting as rim on camera right.
Triggered w RF-602RX’s

Fraser "F-Dawg" Newton

2010-04-25T13:19:00.001-04:00

Fraser "F-Dawg" Newton
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

A good friend & bike mechanic extraordinaire.
Canon 430EX – bare & full power on the ground behind Fraser pointed into the ceiling.
Vivitar 285HV – ½ power w reflective umbrella to camera right
Triggered w RF-602RX’s

self portrait

2010-03-27T13:19:00.001-04:00

self portrait
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Strobist:
Canon 430EX – on the ground behind me up against rock wall, zoomed to 80mm @ 1/4 power

Vivitar 285HV – to camera right, above me on a light stand with a reflective 28" umbrella, zoomed wide @ 1/4 power.

Triggered w RF-602RX's

Happy Birthday Stacy!

2010-03-24T23:43:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Stacy!
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Happy Birthday hun, I love you!

White Horse Falls

2010-03-24T09:22:00.003-04:00

White Horse Falls
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Low water levels are a bit concerning & strange to see this time of year. Especially when you are at the top of water shed. I wonder if the Trent Severn is expecting any water this year?

White Horse Falls

2010-03-24T09:22:00.001-04:00

White Horse Falls
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Low water levels are a bit concerning & strange to see this time of year. Especially when you are at the top of water shed. I wonder if the Trent Severn is expecting any water this year?

root of the problem

2010-03-22T21:00:00.003-04:00

root of the problem
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Crop Circles

2010-03-22T21:00:00.001-04:00

Crop Circles
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Gull River

2010-02-25T22:45:00.001-05:00

Gull River
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

This just from the archives from last fall. Felt like there was so much potential of some fantastic fall colours again like last year, but the weather put a stop to that pretty quickly. Sunny warm days were far & few between - it seemed to have always been damp, cold & overcast.
I have been busy with working out the details, organizing workshops for the spring, summer & fall seasons. Getting excited to find the time to shoot with the longer days approaching. More details of the workshops coming soon.

Mushing. Living the Lifestyle.

2010-02-23T13:37:00.003-05:00

Mushing. Living the Lifestyle.
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

A way of life

2010-02-23T13:37:00.001-05:00

A way of life
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Mushers are a unique bunch. They are, for sure, the hardest working & most determined group of people I have ever come across. I think it comes down to a ‘mental’ thing…in all sense of the term.

Haliburton Highlands Dogsled Race 2010

2010-02-17T22:39:00.005-05:00

Haliburton Highlands Dogsled Races 2010
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Haliburton Highlands Dogsled Race 2010

2010-02-17T22:39:00.004-05:00

Haliburton Highlands Dogsled Races 2010
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

These dogs love their job! The enthusiasm is contagious – you just can’t help yourself – you want to mush a dog team yourself, I highly recommend it. If you are in the Highland area I would check out ‘Winterdance Dogsled Tours’. www.winterdance.com
Hank Debruin (part owner & husband to Tanya McReady/Debruin, both formerly from Wolf Island ON. & Ex monster truck enthusiast) is heading up north to Alaska to race the Iditarod, a 1150 mile race across some of the most extreme, yet beautiful terrain. www.iditarod.com
Hank is the second team ever to enter from Ontario, AND, Hank will be running a completely purebred Siberian Husky team – I believe there are only about 6 or 7 teams, including Hanks, out of 70+ teams to be all purebred. It’s kind of a big deal, Hank has become a bit of a celebrity around town –www.winterdance.com/raceteam/mushers.php - it’s all pretty exciting really!
Good luck Hank to you & your race team!!

Haliburton Highlands Dogsled Race 2010

2010-02-17T22:38:00.005-05:00

Haliburton Highlands Dogsled Races 2010
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Haliburton Highlands Dogsled Race 2010

2010-02-17T22:38:00.004-05:00

Haliburton Highlands Dogsled Races 2010
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Haliburton Highlands Dogsled Race 2010

2010-02-17T22:35:00.002-05:00

Haliburton Highlands Dogsled Races 2010
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Ritchie Falls

2010-02-12T12:29:00.001-05:00

Ritchie Falls
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

My good friend Kate & I got out for a hike to a local waterfalls this morning. What a perfect day - the weather was unbeatable!

in the yard...

2010-01-30T20:00:00.005-05:00

in the yard...
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

...in the yard...

2010-01-30T20:00:00.003-05:00

...in the yard...
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

hanging out with Parker & noticed how bright & even the light was

...in the yard

2010-01-30T20:00:00.001-05:00

...in the yard
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

this old fence borders on the edge of my very narrow yard.

Drag River

2010-01-30T19:59:00.001-05:00

Drag River
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Finally! Some fresh snow - 6 or 7 inches fell.

Skyline panorama / Town of Haliburton

2010-01-30T19:58:00.001-05:00

Skyline panorama / Town of Haliburton
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

View Large

A cold night for a walk

2010-01-29T22:39:00.001-05:00

A cold night for a walk
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

The cable shutter release had ice crystals forming on it!

Christopher

2010-01-11T09:35:00.001-05:00

Christopher
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

This is a repost from earlier on of my Flickr career but it deserved to see the light of day once again.
The group of dogs had just finished a full day of tours & they were getting loaded up in to the trucks for the ride home. I noticed Chris with his nose pressed up against the bars & saw the near symmetry of the shot. Those eye’s can sure tell a lot – but contrary to popular belief they are not showing contempt or disdain – he was just really tired & was about to nod off.
Note: these boxes are the dogs home away from home – it is filled up with clean hay & they love nothing more than to curl up & snooze away the trip - it is the safest way to travel!

Rip, Randy & Mr. Bars

2010-01-08T23:11:00.001-05:00

Rip, Randy & Mr. Bars
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

See what happens when you ask nicely! Ya, right!
This was taken the same season as the previous image after a half day run so the dogs had most of their piss & vinegar out of them. Ripper, the one who is standing, was an exceptional lead dog (& still is) for a team that ran the Yukon Quest before he came to Winterdance. Randy, the dog in the middle, was Rip’s partner in crime. Randy was pretty much the opposite of Rip – timid & frightened of most people, but once he got to know you, he loved the attention. And then there was Mr. Bars. Apparently he was a perfect specimen of a Siberian Husky – he has a Canadian championship under his belt to prove it!

Lazer, Goliath, Thunder & Lightening

2010-01-07T22:14:00.003-05:00

Lazer, Goliath, Thunder & Lightening
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Here's an oldie, but a goody.
I took this back in the winter of 2000/01 when I started working for Winterdance - http://winterdance.com
I was one of their lead guides for around 7 seasons – absolutely the most fun & exciting job I have ever could have the privilege to call work. The animals are impressive to put it simply.
This shot was soooo lucky. I was using my 75 – 300 mm zoom lens on my EOS Rebel film camera. With f11 set & my focus set on a spot that I knew the team would be passing over, I readied myself for the team to come around the bend. When they did, Lazer, the blue eyed tanned dog nearly charged over me with the sled & all – I definitely got his attention!
More dogs & dogsledding images to come from the archives soon.

Head Lake Park...at night.

2009-12-17T20:10:00.001-05:00

Head Lake Park...at night.
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

I'm not sure why I haven't attempted more night photography - there sure would be alot to explore!

William Rd.

2009-12-08T14:49:00.003-05:00

William Rd.
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Got out for a small loop drive this morning around the county to check out the fantastic scenery. The few inches of fresh snow & the clear skies made for some beautiful landscapes!

Mountian St.

2009-12-08T14:49:00.001-05:00

Mountian St.
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Got out for a small loop drive this morning around the county to check out the fantastic scenery. The few inches of fresh snow & the clear skies made for some beautiful landscapes!

Toronto

2009-11-30T07:39:00.001-05:00

Toronto
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Toronto

2009-11-29T21:08:00.001-05:00

Toronto
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Bull Moose - Algonquin Park

2009-11-19T11:24:00.001-05:00

Bull Moose - Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

An overall warmer tone than previous image - shooting in raw gives you incredible flexibility with post editing - I really enjoy having the control.

Bull Moose - Algonquin Park

2009-11-18T22:49:00.001-05:00

Bull Moose - Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Had a little bit of time to go back through & edit some of this seasons highlights. A few more to come!

Head Lake Park

2009-11-10T21:56:00.001-05:00

Head Lake Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

My son & I went out for a little stroll this morning before daycare & work - the weather has been fantastic!

Fire in the Bones

2009-11-07T20:12:00.001-05:00

Fire in the Bones
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

This image is from a overnight guided canoe trip at the begining of August. There was a dozen people on this site on East Lake in Haliburton County. We sure had our hands full!

The end of Autumn on the Mississagi River

2009-11-07T06:41:00.001-05:00

The end of Autumn on the Mississagi River
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Another image from a beautiful morning the other week while visiting family up north.

The end of Autumn on the Mississagi River

2009-10-30T22:26:00.001-04:00

The end of Autumn on the Mississagi River
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

If you look closely, you can see an immature Bald Eagle perched in the tree (top left). I didn’t even know it was there until I looked at the image on the computer!

Canoeing on the Mississagi River

2009-10-29T22:43:00.001-04:00

Canoeing on the Mississagi River
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Last Sunday morning was near perfection...it was the kind of weather I was hoping for on my canoe trip in Algonquin earlier this month. There wasn't a breath of movement in the trees, everything was still & calm. Watching the mist burn off the river was a pure & true moment of serenity.

Immature Bald Eagle

2009-10-27T23:13:00.001-04:00

Immature Bald Eagle
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

So to completely contradict what I was saying earlier about these birds seeming to spook easily - this bird was the exception to the rule. He/she let me hang around pointing a great big, non blinking eye (my lens) in its direction longer than I deserved. What a rush & highlight for the trip up north!

Immature Bald Eagle

2009-10-27T23:11:00.001-04:00

Immature Bald Eagle
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

So this young bird completely surprised me by not showing any concern that I was directly below it. I originally had my sights set on a Mature Bald Eagle further up shore when I caught movement right above me - I had missed seeing him/her altogether!
So blood pumping I took a firm stance & extended my lens to its maximum focal length of 300mm & set my Av to f8.0. And I fired away – I must of came away with 100+ shots easily over the next 10 mins.
Check out the image that nature_photonutt took of me while I was photographing this eagle -
www.flickr.com/photos/nature_photonutt_szq/4044203316/

Immature Bald Eagle

2009-10-27T23:10:00.002-04:00

Immature Bald Eagle
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

The family & I went up north to visit my in-laws this past weekend in Iron Bridge. During our visit I met a fellow Flickr addict, Sue, or better known as nature_photonutt. We had some great photo/camping conversations over coffee & tea.
Over the weekend I had a couple of very brief opportunities to photograph Bald Eagles feeding on salmon on the Mississagi River. My canoe was left up there from a previous visit & I took advantage of it. Working against the wind, rain & heavy current made it a real challenge to sneak up on these wary birds of prey - they seem to spook really easy from the water, especially the Mature Bald Eagles.

Algonquin Park

2009-10-26T17:03:00.003-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Lower High Falls

Algonquin Park

2009-10-26T17:03:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Lower High Falls.

Log Book:
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009
Final day.
Woke up to a torrential downpour that lasted until shortly after 10 am. I stayed hunkered down in my tent nice & warm & more importantly, dry. When the rain finally stopped I began to pack up a soggy camp hoping to get on the trail before it started to rain again. Lucky for me it did not and I was on the water about an hour later. I was keen to get moving because I had 5 portages all under 450 m to complete as well as some distance to cover in the canoe before I was to be picked up between 6 & 7 pm.
The light was very, very dull this day with little to no contrast; it was a bit frustrating trying to capture the scene I was looking at knowing full well that the final images were to be mediocre at best. The wind was also causing havoc – not for me in the canoe – I had it at my back the entire way out. Trying to stop the motion in the blowing trees was the challenge - even with high ISO’s & shutter speeds, the trees still had a lot of movement to them.
When I had made it through the last portage I was anxious to keep moving on because I could see I was in for more rain & maybe even some thunder showers. I made it to my take out at Pine Grove Point Lodge (the location to pick up permits for Park use) on Benoir Lake at the at approx. 6pm for my pick up. It was here that I made my last cup of camp coffee under the veranda of the shop to help get rid of the dampness & chills – mmm good!
This section of the Park is simply stunning! The Canadian Shield is rugged & very beautiful with some of the most amazing waterfalls, swifts, rapids & landscape scenery to take in. Do I recommend this trip – absolutely!

Algonquin Park

2009-10-26T17:02:00.003-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Upper HIgh Falls.

I felt I was running out of time & light so I didn't spend the time I was hoping for to explore this area more - I would love to get a different angle to get the full impact of the Falls.

Algonquin Park

2009-10-26T17:02:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

This location was called "The Gut". At higher waters I could really imagine all that water getting forced through the bottleneck.

Algonquin Park

2009-10-26T17:00:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Head waters of the York river - the only section of swift/rapids I felt comfortable running to avoid the portage.

Algonquin Park

2009-10-22T19:13:00.003-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Log Book:
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009
When lunch was packed up Tasha & I headed back down the look-out trail to the main fork that continues on to the Bruton Farm. The hike was about 3.5/4 km long one way & I had no idea if it was going to worth the trip. Made it to the beginning of the site in good time, a mossy stone fence was the first indication of the settlement & it was located just before the logging road. Once on the logging road we headed north about 50/60m to find the continuation of the trail. This is where it got bit tricky – there was no actual trail – just red spray painted blazes on the trees to follow in. You would have to make it to a marked tree then scan the forest for the next blaze, go to it & so on. On its own this wouldn’t have been a problem, but there had been some recent logging in the area & there was slash down everywhere concealing the markings & making travel through the bush a lot more difficult especially for a dog on a leash. We did eventually make it to the site, I think. All that was there as far as I could see was this big maple spray painted with the word “Farm” on it. “This can’t be it” I thought for the second time that day. But after some scouting around & not seeing any other blaze marks or sign of a settlement, we turned around & started the long journey back. There was still the paddle back across Scorch Lake to the portage which was 900 m then the long paddle back to base camp. When I started the paddle across Scorch Lake the rain started up as well for the first time that day & did not stop the entire trip back to base camp. The thing that saved me for this leg of the trip was my wife’s mp3 player. This was the first time I had brought anything like this with me – but boy did it help keep my spirits up & my mind occupied for the trip back!

Algonquin Park

2009-10-22T19:13:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

This was possibly the biggest beaver dam I have ever seen! Easily twice the height of me & I am 6'3". It was located at the end of the portage before you begin to paddle into Scorch Lake.

Algonquin Park

2009-10-22T19:12:00.003-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

All that I could find (other than the stone fence) was this spray painted marker of where the Bruton Farm was located. A little disappointing after the amount of work that went into getting there!

Algonquin Park

2009-10-22T19:12:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Long before I got to the logging road I could the activity on it. For being as remote as I felt, there was about half dozen vehicles that went past me, including a fully loaded logging truck heading further into the interior.

Algonquin Park

2009-10-22T19:11:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

I wish I had more time to explore the area a bit better - I would have liked to have photographed this old stone fence a bit more - but I was running out of day light.

Algonquin Park

2009-10-20T23:47:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Tasha & myself enjoying the scenery along with a well deserved lunch!

Algonquin Park

2009-10-20T23:46:00.003-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Log Book:
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009
I woke up early to yet another day of overcast skies & constant drizzle. It can really dampen the spirits when you are trying to amp yourself up to head out for some exploration. But that’s just what Tasha & I did – I wasn’t about to sit around camp, we had a big day planned!
We paddled off in the same direction as the day before, but instead of heading up the North York River I veered right at the first portage leading into Scorch Lake from Branch Lake. The plan was to hike up to the look-out, eat some well deserved lunch & continue on to the historic Bruton farmstead.
The paddle across Scorch Lake was very nice, with a few nice campsites along the way – I would consider staying on this lake the next time I visit.
The trailhead for the look-out trail is found at the end of the lake on the southern shore & is marked with flagging tape. The climb up is moderate & fairly short. I got a bit turned around (lost) at what I thought was the top. After the closer inspection of the bear scat (previous image) I continued on but quickly lost sight of any flagging that marked my progress. The area seemed to be the highest point with lots of exposed granite, but with no true look-out. Confused & slightly disappointed I thought to myself out loud “this can’t be it!?”. I started to back track & it was then I noticed my mistake, the scat had me so occupied that I had completely missed the near 90 degree right hand turn in the trail just before the bear poop. I’m glad I continued on as the look-out rates right up there with some of the best scenery that Algonquin has to offer.
Algonquin Park Map:
www.algonquinmap.com/

Algonquin Park

2009-10-20T23:46:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

You can almost smell it - this was days, if not weeks old scat of a black bear. At first I thought the white chunks were teeth, but after closer inspection, they turned out to be crunched up bones

Algonquin Park

2009-10-20T23:45:00.003-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

This ain't no rolling stone - with 4" of moss covering this rock, it almost looked like it was wearing a hair piece. I saw this on the hike up to the look-out.

Algonquin Park

2009-10-20T23:45:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Scorch Lake Look-out

Algonquin Park

2009-10-20T08:10:00.003-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Castor Oil Chute

Algonquin Park

2009-10-20T08:10:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

After lunch was cleaned up & the fire out I decided to go out & stretch my muscles for an afternoon day trip – I was planning to paddle to Castor Oil Chute in the North York River. It was 2:30 when I left camp – a lot later then I was hoping for, but I thought I could make there in back with little trouble before dark. I did, but just. I ended up missing the fork in the river on the way in, so when I turned around the day was getting on, about 4:30. On the way out I spotted the current of the fork in the river through some reeds & decided to push for it to hopefully get some images. I’m glad I did, it was really worth it. The chute wasn’t very big, but the paddle in was beautiful & peaceful.
I had only taken half dozen shots when it began to rain. I took this as my cue & raced back to Tasha & the waiting canoe & began my long paddle back to base camp. Tasha & I were thoroughly soaked by the time we reached camp. I still had to get a fire going & make dinner – but I tell you one thing, dinner never tasted so goooood!

Algonquin Park

2009-10-20T08:09:00.003-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

A quick snap shot before I headed out for a day trip to Castor Oil Chute.

Algonquin Park

2009-10-20T08:09:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Sunshine & rain. The weather really could not make up its mind. every time I would see a blue patch of sky I would loudly curse at it knowing it wouldn't stick around for long.

Algonquin Park

2009-10-20T08:08:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

My neighbors out for an afternoon paddle/sail.

Algonquin Park

2009-10-20T08:07:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Wild cranberries - they were every where - I certainly had my fill!
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Algonquin Park

2009-10-20T08:06:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Log Book:
Monday, Oct. 5, 2009
I woke to my alarm at 6:15 am after a loooong night of tossing & turning. Strange dreams haunted me when I did sleep. The first night out is always the hardest no matter how tired I go to bed.
Peeked out the tent door to another dark, grey, dismal day with no potential of any interesting light. I dozed until 7:30 when I finally decided to get up & start my day. First on the agenda – CAMP COFFEE! Love it-love it-love-love it! I had about 6 cups before I moved on to my next item on the list – fire wood.
I had come across an old, unused beaver lodge when looking for the location of the second campsite the afternoon before (the map shows the site to be just off the point on the northern shore as you enter the beginning of the York River. In fact the site is on the southern shore just past the bay of the previous site). So after a cold breakfast of granola & apple sauce I jumped into the canoe with Tasha to go do some collecting. It wasn’t very far & when I beached the canoe I noticed low lying bushes covered with blue, purple & red berries everywhere. I picked one & tossed it into my mouth out of curiosity. A very familiar taste completely caught me off guard – wild cranberries!!! Everywhere! I had tasted one that hadn’t ripened yet (a bluish/purple one). So I immediately grabbed my empty coffee mug & began to fill it planning to use them in some capacity in a meal later on. Wood was collected & loaded into the canoe & brought back to the site. I had a lot of wood. I immediately set about the task of organizing it into different size piles & cutting down the larger diameter logs into more manageable pieces. Before I knew it, it was noon & I decide to start a fire to make my lunch.
The lake was actually pretty busy with wildlife activity – I counted 5 separate deer at different times swimming across the lake – 2 of them were about to come ashore to my site before I inadvertently scared them off in another direction. I’m pretty sure I watched a bear swim across as well, but it was too far off to tell.

Algonquin Park Map:
www.algonquinmap.com/

Algonquin Park

2009-10-18T22:54:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Log Book:
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009.
With the 660 m portage & Big Rock Lake behind me, I was now paddling on Byers Lake towards the first of 2 available campsites. I was planning to set up base camp for the duration of my stay at the first site on the southern shore as I had been told it had a very nice beach water front with a great view of the rest of the lake. It was lightly mist raining on me as I started out on Byers & as I approached this first site the heavens opened up on me & I got more than a little wet. When I was nearly beached I noticed some quick movement up within the tree line. Right then I saw a dark forest green canoe overturned further up shore & an elderly couple came from around the tarp shelter they had set up & greeted me with a big smile & a “HALLOO!”
“Hey” I replied completely caught off guard, as I was told by the permit office lady that I was going to be the only poor sap out this week. “Oh well” I thought, applying a heavy draw on the paddle to avoid beaching & I continued on towards the next site hoping not to find it occupied as well.
When I arrived at the site I made my usual walk around to assess & determine camp layout for the next couple of days. The site wasn’t bad – just not great – the tent set up area seemed to be in a bit of a hollow, there wasn’t much in the way of cover from the prevailing weather & I couldn’t find a suitable bear hang for the food barrel. And on top of that there was no dry fire wood to start a fire…
So, I made due. I had camp set up by 7:10 that evening with a bomb proof tarp shelter set up over top of my tent with fly on, dinner was cooking over the stove – pretty simple affair – pasta with dehydrated tomato sauce, about half a dozen cloves of garlic & lake water to wash it all down. I was way too exhausted for anything more elaborate that night – hopefully the frozen meat I had packed away in a cooler bag with ice packs would keep for another day.

Check out the link for an amazing Algonquin Park map -
www.algonquinmap.com/

Algonquin Park

2009-10-17T23:23:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Log Book:
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009.
No matter how long a canoe trip is, the amount of gear stays pretty much constant – amount of food on the other hand is the variable.
I always seem to bring waaaay more grub than is necessary (human nature I think), but will get less cumbersome as the trip & portages continue. Anyways, I think I have portaging down to a pretty good science.
First admit your weakness(es). Do not overload yourself to try & get the ‘misery’ over with. I can comfortably take my 70L gear pack with my hiking day pack along for the first trip. *note –I do pack all my camera gear in a 1400 Pelican case that gets strapped down to the top of the gear bag along with my trusty tripod (I never leave home without it!) & the day pack gets strapped across my chest. This pack sits nice & firm against my chest so that it does not block my view of where I need to take my next step.
So the first trip I can walk all the way to the end of the portage or stop half way & return for the canoe & food barrel & then repeat the process. Take your time; there is so much to see. I mentally force myself to slow down – especially at the beginning of a trip – tune yourself into your surroundings – let time cease to exist. It is amazing what you can observe when you do this. But this is also hard to do when you know you have limited day light left & you have the constant threat of rain looming over you every time you look at the sky & all you want to do is get to your campsite to set up before you get soaked!
The first portage in was only 1300 m from Kinsgote Lake into Big Rock Lake. Relatively short & flat by Algonquin Park standards. A third of the way in there was an extremely wet, muddy/boggy section, about 100 - 150 m long in length that just couldn’t be avoided – wet feet were inevitable. In my Adventure Tourism course I was told that for every 100 m of trail hiked, you displace 50 lbs of earth. That can add up pretty quickly & if you decided to try & go off trail to avoid the mess that I was about to go through, you would be causing significant damage by creating a new trail. As you can probably tell from the above image I wear sandals – not just any sandals – Chacos. They are incredibly stable with a very deep heel cup for amazing stability along with the toe thong (definitely takes some time to get used to – my big toe does not like to be pinned down – it’s claustrophobic!)& the non slip grip tread makes this sandal unbeatable in my opinion. So off I merrily trudged through the muck to get to the other side.
No sweat – wet feet are a given - it’s a part of the deal when your camping. You can dry them out around the fire at night,…right?

Algonquin Park

2009-10-17T21:59:00.002-04:00

Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Log Book:
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009.
Well here I am with my trusty canoe partner Tasha for yet another solo canoe trip in Algonquin Park.
I started a day & a half later than anticipated due to vehicle troubles but still managed to salvage the trip - a great big shout out & thanks to Al Pritchard, my father in-law. Al took time out of his day to drive me to access point 15, Kingscote Lake to start my trip.
I was on the water shortly after noon & I was looking forward the peace & serenity that Algonquin has to offer.
Then it started to rain & did not stop for the next three days…
Stay tuned more to come.

Fall photo workshop

2009-10-14T17:07:00.001-04:00

Fall photo workshop
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

A great big thanks to all who participated in the "Autumn Hues - Going with the flow" Workshop. It was a big success and even the weather cooperated!

Bethal Church Rd. Homestead

2009-09-29T09:22:00.001-04:00

Bethal Church Rd. Homestead
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

I was out scouting the site for next weeks photography workshop & on the way there I stopped in at this familar spot & was taken with the scene. The fall colours this year will be extra-ordinary!

Algonquin Park, High Falls

2009-09-29T09:21:00.003-04:00

Algonquin Park, High Falls
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Last Saturday my son Parker & I went on an adventure to the panhandle of Algonquin Park. We were scouting the High falls area for my canoe trip next week. I will be starting at Kingscote Lake, Access #15 & will be completing my trip by coming out of the York River (High Falls). I am so pumped & excited; the fall colours should be at their peak! Here’s hoping for some good weather & some even better photo opportunities!

Algonquin Park, High Falls

2009-09-29T09:21:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park, High Falls
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

2009-09-18T19:41:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

2009-09-17T20:58:00.003-04:00

Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

2009-09-17T20:58:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

2009-09-16T23:02:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Barn and Dress on the 507

2009-09-16T21:01:00.001-04:00

Barn and Dress on the 507
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Autumn Hues - Going with the flow

2009-09-06T22:13:00.003-04:00

Autumn Hues - Going with the flow
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Barn on South Lake Rd..

2009-09-06T22:13:00.001-04:00

Barn on South Lake Rd..
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Once again I ended up here for some amazing light & clouds.

2009-09-04T14:45:00.001-04:00

Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Back lighting offers some truely wonderful & magical effects.

Not always easy to compose an image with though...

Gull Island - Opeongo Lake, Algonquin Park

2009-09-04T14:44:00.001-04:00

Gull Island - Opeongo Lake, Algonquin Park
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Fall is on its way...

2009-09-04T13:21:00.001-04:00

Fall is on its way
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

The colours, especially the reds, are really starting to come through.

Algonquin Park Bull Moose

2009-08-05T10:14:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park Bull Moose
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

What an incredible day!

I guided a customer through the amazing & iconic landscape of Algonquin Park last week to search out & photograph the majestic Bull Moose.

We spotted 5 moose that day. Photographed 3 Bulls, 2 of them in the same location & watched from a distance a cow & calf.

Along with a plethora of water fowl, reptiles & amazing Algonquin Park landscape, Kim Emmerson spotted & photographed a Sand Hill Crane with young walking through the tall grasses of the creek we were paddling – apparently, still a rarity to see in the Park.

All in all a very successful day & I can’t wait to get back!

Please contact me – piesphotography[at]sympatico.ca if you are interested in booking your own guided Wildlife Photographic Trip!

Algonquin Park Bull Moose

2009-08-05T10:13:00.003-04:00

Algonquin Park Bull Moose
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography

Algonquin Park Bull Moose

2009-08-05T10:13:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park Bull Moose
Originally uploaded by Chasing Light Studio ~ Pie's Photography