Tooth of Time in Ice - Elora, Ontario (2016)

One of the most iconic landmarks in Elora is the ‘Tooth of Time’ islet, which juts dramatically into the Grand River as it plunges over the Elora Gorge Falls adjacent to the Elora Mill. This photograph, captured during an ice storm in March of 2016, offers a rare glimpse of ‘the Tooth’ encrusted in a glimmering sheen of ice.

A Drop In Time – Hillsburgh (2009)

Photographed in the early morning, this image truly captures a unique moment in time. The shimmering formation, in reality not much larger than a kidney bean, is a kernel of ice that crystallized around a piece of moss perched above a moving stream. The photograph was taken using a macro lens and a lengthy exposure in order to capture the beautiful, serene colours and textures of the moving water. Prior to my photographing the ice, it was too early in the morning and the lighting was too dim; but only a few hours later, the sun had risen enough to melt the ice away. Regardless, the experience and the image obtained were well worth the discomfort of standing so still for so long with waterlogged boots and near-frostbitten toes.

Celestial Flow – Hillsburgh (2010)

This naturally occurring ice formation seemed quite mystical when I discovered it … especially with the occasional particles of colour that floated by underneath it. As with all of my ice studies – time was of the essence, as a combination of rising sun and rising stream water soon dissolved it.

A Drop in Time 2 – Hillsburgh (2011)

A continuation of my fascination with ice forms (or perhaps my desire to immerse my feet in ice-cold water for hours at a time) this local winter shot was not so easy to obtain. Stretched in a very uncomfortable posture, nearly at stream level, with water rushing toward the lens, I had to take what shots I could before the sun rose high enough to melt my find.

Winter's Finery - Bruce Peninsula, Ontario (2015)

The snow and ice which are so characteristic of Canadian landscapes in winter can be alternately viewed as cold and off-putting, as well as brilliant and enchanting. The range of beautiful and intricate patterns arising from various environmental conditions is truly remarkable. -40°C and a bit of wind work wonders with snow drifts. A patch of snow is never ‘just a patch of snow’ - unless it’s your job to shovel it.

Caught In-Between - Bruce Peninsula, Ontario (2013)

One frigid weekend in February my wife and I decided to spend some time exploring the Bruce Peninsula, and all the icy wonders it has to offer in winter. We happened upon this stretch of rocks along the Georgian Bay shoreline, and I was fascinated by the particular textured patterns created when frozen water met frozen land. Capturing this image with camera and tripod was no easy feat, as the steep embankment I had to scramble down, and everything else beneath my feet was encrusted in several inches of ice.

Layers in Time - Elora, ON (2014)

As a relatively recent newcomer to the Elora area, I am pleased to have already discovered a wealth of inspiration not far from my own backyard. One aspect of this area that I find so engaging is how the layering of the local geological features converges with the passage or layering of moments in time. This lengthy exposure was taken in the lead-up to dusk, at a time when the warmer spring air currents were converging with the frigid air mass of the 2013/2014 winter. I spent several hours looking for potential shots of the gorge along this stretch of river. It was incredible to see how notably the river and gorge changed in appearance during that relatively brief passage of time, as the swift current gradually nibbled away at the ice formations.

Silvercreek Bridge – Autumn (2010)

For anyone familiar with the local area, this is a distinctive and well-loved spot in Silvercreek Conservation area. While there are quite a few angles to try and photograph the bridge from, this shot led to a valuable reminder for me ... wet mossy rocks are VERY slippery – even if they don't look it!!

Autumn Colours #1 – Forks of the Credit, Caledon (2011)

This tree appeared to be dipped in gold as the late afternoon sunlight slanted across it. While hiking in the area, I was struck by the range of fall colours in the field and the treeline beyond.

Autumn Colours #2 – Forks of the Credit, Caledon (2011)

Once again the late afternoon light created a dramatic interplay of light and shadow, that set the autumn colours into stark relief. Ever a fan of flowing water, whatever the source, I was drawn to the rich blue hues of the swiftly moving river current.

Silvercreek Waterfall – Autumn (2010)

Moving water of any sort has always been one of my favourite things to photograph ... but offer me a waterfall, with the right lighting and some interesting rocks in the foreground, then I'm really a happy camper! Silvercreek Conservation area is definitely a great spot to explore at all times of year.

Silvercreek Stream – Autumn (2010)

This spot caught my attention immediately – one of several unique vantage points in Silvercreek Conservation area. I am particularly fond of the ever-so-subtle set of falls along this section of trail as it follows the meandering stream.

Killarney Vista 1 (2008)

One of my all-time favourite views along the Georgian Bay shore of Killarney Provincial Park.

Killarney Colours (2008)

This photograph captures some of the spectacular colours and otherworldly geologic formations found throughout Killarney Provincial Park and the northern Georgian Bay region. The vibrant colours are caused by exposed sediment and mineral deposits, collecting in rock pools after a recent rain storm. If you have never been before (or even if you have), the Killarney region is a must-see ....

Moonrise Over Georgian Bay (2011)

At the end of a long tiring day kayaking along Philip Edward Island, the moon beckoned to me as it emerged in a purple tinged sky, peering down into its own reflection. What a magnificent sight it was – especially set amidst such dramatic scenery!

Peeling Away, Early Spring – Algonquin (2009)

One of my favourites, this shot was taken in Algonquin Park, where while hiking I happened to notice a particular cluster of copper birch limbs winding around each other in an unusual pattern. The soft morning light enhanced their natural beauty, and helped to create the ethereal atmosphere for this photo.

Copper Birch – Algonquin (2010)

This intriguing copper birch tree was like no other I have ever encountered anywhere. Photographing it from many different angles and at varying times of day and year, has generated a number of the photographs seen in this show. I'm particularly fond of this shot, because it contextualizes all of the others.

Copper Birch Abstract – Algonquin (2010)

A close up of one section of the same tree seen in various photographs throughout my work, I find this image appealingly whimsical.

Morning Mist, Lake of Two Rivers (2009)

A familiar sight along Highway 60, winding through Algonquin Park, Lake of Two Rivers always offers an impressive vista. Shot in the early morning after waiting nearly two hours for the fog to lift, the island and adjacent rocks suddenly appeared. I had to be quick, as the heat from the rising sun burned off the mist within a few minutes, leaving behind a beautiful (but slightly less dramatic) bright blue sky.