Nova Scotia

International Day of Action for Rivers 2017

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"A river seems a magic thing. A magic, moving, living part of the very earth itself.” 
― Laura Gilpin

March 14, 2017 was the International Day of Action for Rivers 2017 and I wanted to share my passion for protecting our local and international rivers.

My short aerial video shows the beautiful Sackville River during this past Fall season. The Sackville river runs through rural & urban areas within the city limits of Halifax/Bedford, Nova Scotia.

This is a river that truly flows through a city. I have personally enjoyed many days of hiking, photographing & fly fishing on this river system.

With the continued restoration efforts from the Sackville River Association, it is a habitat that supports a healthy ecosystem for many types of fish, birds and vegetation.

With Spring just around the corner think about supporting a local river association in your area.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article, if you have any questions or comments please free feel to leave a comment below.

Cheers and keep making photos :)
Mike

Upper Sackville River Falls, Nova Scotia

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After a busy couple of weeks of photo assignments, teaching classes and sitting in front of my computer editing photos & writing emails,  it sure feels good to connect with nature again.

Not all your photo adventures have to be far distant lands.  Sometimes in the constant hustle & shuffle of life you are only allowed time for local adventures.

It is better to get outside & explore even if it is within your city limits.  I think you will be amazed at what natural wonders you can discover in your own “backyard”.

I have a thing for waterfalls in the winter and I have been seeking local waterfalls for a few months now.  The Upper Sackville River falls fit that bill.

I found this location via website searches and following local adventure blogs and youtube channels.  I discussed this method of finding new places in more detail in a previous blog article; How to find new Outdoor Locations to Photograph.

The falls are not as big as I was hoping, however there still are many interesting features to photograph.  I will be coming back to the falls during a high water Spring run and probably bring my fly rod as well as my camera. :)

This was a 1st for me,  I think these are otter tracks sliding into the river.  

Playing around with my Heliopan 12 stop Neutral density filter for some long exposure goodness. I love this filter. It is a little pricey but it has very little imperfection, almost no added color cast and works really well with a digital camera sensor.

One of the many advantages of winter hiking,  you can always follow your tracks back to the car.

From Tiny Landscapes to Big Landscapes, winter hikes have it all.  :)

Sometimes you just need to stop and take in the natural environment around you.  From me that means  setting up my trusty hammock and breathing in the space around me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article, if you have any questions or comments please free feel to leave a comment below.

Cheers and keep making photos :)
Mike

Gear

  • Nikon D800
  • Nikon 12-14 f2.8
  • Nikon 24-70 f2.8
  • Nikon 70-200 f2.8
  • Manfrotto tripod
  • Heliopaan 12 stop Neutral density filter

 

Boxing Day Hike on Micou's Island

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My Boxing day hike with the kids at Micou's Island, St.Margaret's Bay Nova Scotia.

Micou's Island,  St. Margarets Bay, Nova Scotia.

My little ones love this place, they get such a kick out of crossing the sandbar to explore the island.

Crossing the sandbar to the Micou's Island

It may not be a long hike but it has everything in one place; forest, beaches, hiking trails and of course lots of salt water.

This is what I call a kitchen with a view.  :)

There is lots to see and explore on the island and of course time to stop for the kids favourite winter hiking lunch time snack;  KD & hot chocolate. 

My little one loves to pose for the camera. 

My little one loves to pose for the camera. 

To find out more about Micou's Island visit the St. Margaret's Bay Stewardship Association website.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, if you have any questions or comments free feel to leave a comment below.

Cheers and keep making photos :)
Mike