A photographic journal by Brian Mazur

Jack Pine Trail

The Jack Pine Trail is located slightly to the south and west of Ottawa in a large tract of green space managed by the National Capital Commission. In the winter it is frequented by skiers, snowshoers, and the occasional group of photographers. We arrived around 9:00 am and had the place almost all to ourselves until families with children started arriving by about 11:00 am. By then, we were getting ready to leave for our lunch destination at a local restaurant. Most of the group headed off together down one trail, but I went my own way down another. I like photographing with others, but not too many since I like some solitude also. This gave me the chance to feel the quiet and stillness of the trail since there were few skiers that morning and we had ​light snow falling. It was very serene and I spent most of my time looking for interesting details.

Trees are facinating subjects. Here I'm looking at the shape of the rising branch accented with new fallen snow.
Trees are facinating subjects. Here I'm looking at the shape of the rising branch accented with new fallen snow.
This was framed as a high key shot with snow in the background. There was a breeze blowing, so it took some work to get the sharpness I wanted.
This was framed as a high key shot with snow in the background. There was a breeze blowing, so it took some work to get the sharpness I wanted.
There is something about this scene that I find quite attractive. Perhaps its the alignment of the branches and the ground or the spots of colour provided by the dead leaves.
There is something about this scene that I find quite attractive. Perhaps its the alignment of the branches and the ground or the spots of colour provided by the dead leaves.
This is a macro shot of a pine branch that speaks to me of new life patiently awating the arrival of spring.
This is a macro shot of a pine branch that speaks to me of new life patiently awating the arrival of spring.
I was particularly interested in the shape formed by this dead milkweed.
I was particularly interested in the shape formed by this dead milkweed.
This shot captures the mood of the day - overcast with a light snow falling, not many people, and wonderfully quiet and serene.
This shot captures the mood of the day - overcast with a light snow falling, not many people, and wonderfully quiet and serene.
I often find myself drawn to trees. Here we see the warmth and solidity of the trees surrounded by the softness and coolness of the new fallen snow.
I often find myself drawn to trees. Here we see the warmth and solidity of the trees surrounded by the softness and coolness of the new fallen snow.
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