I don’t know about you, but I really dig photographing trees in the winter. There’s something ominous about them, with their gnarled, spider-like branches and their looming presence. They scream for black & white but in this case I decided to go sepia. This was taken near the University of Toronto campus a couple of weeks back when it was a heck of a lot colder. I’m heading out for a full day of Photography Saturday with the Toronto Photo Walks group. Should be lots of fun. The weather’s supposed to be terrific. Finally!
the lazy photographer 
I wish I was going I would side tracked for a peameal bacon on a kaiser at St. Lawrence Market. I’m taking my dad to Canada Blooms! I’m taking a course tomorrow night on Exposure at Henry’s. So, hopefully that will help me! Anyways, whatever… I love the tree! Perfection. I love taking pictures of trees too.
Thanks Frances. I took a flash course at Henry’s a while back and found it very helpful. They definitely know how to put on a good course. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
If you don’t mind me making a book recommendation, I can’t say enough good things about Understanding Exposure, by Bryan Peterson. Just make sure to get the latest edition. I found this book to be absolutely essential for those starting out. I bought and read it just before getting my DSLR and it saved me a lot of trial and error.
Be sure you take along your camera to Canada Blooms. I’m sure there will be plenty of great photo opportunities. If you’re shooting close ups, keep the aperture wide open (lowest f stop number your lens will allow), zoom as far out as you can, and move back until you’re happy with the composition. This will give you a nice clean shot of the flower while giving the background a blurred creamy look. Also, avoid shooting down on the flower. Instead, get down at it’s level and shoot it straight on. The idea is that photos taken from the same perspective we see things in every day tend to be less engaging than photos taken at unique angles and levels.
Sorry we’ll miss you at the photo walks, but they happen every two weeks, right? I’m sure we’ll catch up with you at one of them eventually.
Yes, you recommended this book to me before and I purchased it right away. I looked at it as soon as it arrived…but unfortunately have not given it the attention it deserves. Hopefully the course will renew my interest. Thanks so much for the tips. I was thinking of taking my camera, now I will for sure. I liked the idea of this walk – I really like The Distillery District…only been a couple of times, but I plan on more as the weather gets better. I read on the Toronto Photo Flickr page that they are shooting Edgar Allen Poe movie down there so there are actors in costumes etc. That would be awesome and the weather is supposed to be great !! Oh well, like you said – every two weeks !
That tree has YOUR name on it, Dave. Beware!
Wouldn’t be the first tree with my name on it. 🙂
I am amazed at how tall that tree has grown, considering it is not growing straight up at all. Another great shot Dave.
Thanks Lynn. Yeah, I was surprised too.
I love shooting tree’s in the winter! It’s the branches that do it for me as well, I love the patterns they make, and they way they seem to accentuate the cold feelings in pictures. Nice pic!
Thanks Kieran, you hit it on the head.