A photographic journal by Brian Mazur

Bate Island and Hogs Back Falls

Temperatures in Ottawa fluctuate from one extreme to another during the winter. Bitterly cold one day and well above freezing the next. As such, it can be difficult to plan an outing with particular conditions in mind. A friend and I had been discussing going on an outing. I said that I wanted to go out on a very cold day in hopes of seeing interesting conditions along the Ottawa River. So when the weather forecast called for a low of minus 27 degrees celsius, an outing was quickly arranged. We went first to Bate Island. The Champlain Bridge linking Ottawa and Gatineau provides easy access. Although I didn't see the type of shots that I had imagined, I came away with several that I am very happy with. It definitely merits return trips. With half the morning still available, we decided to visit Hogs Back Falls. We had been there in January and wanted to see it again. This seemed like the perfect time. But by this point the temperature was rapidly climbing and I needed to delayer my clothing. (The day's forecast high was minus 6 degrees celsius - a 20+ degree change in only a few hours!). Even so, we explored the entire site and I again found many worthwhile shots. This is a venue that deserves at least one visit each winter. The culmination of our outing was lunch at a local restaurant and great conversation.

I enjoy the angularity and prominent edges of these ice crystals. As usual, I took several shots to explore different compositions. This is the composition I find most pleasing.
I enjoy the angularity and prominent edges of these ice crystals. As usual, I took several shots to explore different compositions. This is the composition I find most pleasing.
These ice floes on the Ottawa River had very attractive blue and yellow hues. I chose a composition with the intent to balance the colour contrasts and the shapes of the ice.
These ice floes on the Ottawa River had very attractive blue and yellow hues. I chose a composition with the intent to balance the colour contrasts and the shapes of the ice.
I was seeking a very graphic shot here, using the crack in the ice as the dominant element. The high contrast of the crack in the lower right foreground attracts the eye. From that point, the crack brings us to the circular shape at the upper right.
I was seeking a very graphic shot here, using the crack in the ice as the dominant element. The high contrast of the crack in the lower right foreground attracts the eye. From that point, the crack brings us to the circular shape at the upper right.
I love colour contrasts, particularly blue and yellow. Here, the underlying ice is yellowish while a layer of snow catches the sky's blue hue. The shape of the snow mound is also echoed in the ice.
I love colour contrasts, particularly blue and yellow. Here, the underlying ice is yellowish while a layer of snow catches the sky's blue hue. The shape of the snow mound is also echoed in the ice.
The tree grabs the attention, but there is also a blue/yellow colour contrast that divides the frame. The calm blue with the tree contrasts with the energy of yellowish tumult.
The tree grabs the attention, but there is also a blue/yellow colour contrast that divides the frame. The calm blue with the tree contrasts with the energy of yellowish tumult.
I noticed that the spray of water caught the light. So I took several shots seeking the most attractive spray. The energy of the spray is set against the calm blue of the background.
I noticed that the spray of water caught the light. So I took several shots seeking the most attractive spray. The energy of the spray is set against the calm blue of the background.
I found the "V" shape of the ice on the right and the water on the left interesting. Arguably there might be two shots here.
I found the "V" shape of the ice on the right and the water on the left interesting. Arguably there might be two shots here.
There are some nice diagonal lines in this shot formed by the ice cavity and the shadows. I particularly like the soft flowing shapes and texture of the snow.
There are some nice diagonal lines in this shot formed by the ice cavity and the shadows. I particularly like the soft flowing shapes and texture of the snow.
I put some work into this shot in post processing to balance highlight and shadow. I also sought to enhance the texture of the ice formation.
I put some work into this shot in post processing to balance highlight and shadow. I also sought to enhance the texture of the ice formation.
These shapes in the snow caught my eye and led me to make this shot. Notice the contrast in texture between the shapes and the snow.
These shapes in the snow caught my eye and led me to make this shot. Notice the contrast in texture between the shapes and the snow.
Ice crystals affixed to a handrail. The ice forms interesting shapes that contrast with the rigid lines of the handrail. The diagonals in the background add to the shot.
Ice crystals affixed to a handrail. The ice forms interesting shapes that contrast with the rigid lines of the handrail. The diagonals in the background add to the shot.
Tumult in the water set against soft flowing lines in the snow. The natural yellow of the water adds to the sense of energy, while the cool blue of the snow evokes serenity.
Tumult in the water set against soft flowing lines in the snow. The natural yellow of the water adds to the sense of energy, while the cool blue of the snow evokes serenity.
Here we have three layers. The brown rock serves as background. The yellow rushing water provides a foreground. But the main subject are the ice formations on the intermediate strip of snow.
Here we have three layers. The brown rock serves as background. The yellow rushing water provides a foreground. But the main subject are the ice formations on the intermediate strip of snow.
The snow that coated the trees together with the soft light enabled this shot. It always pays to look around.
The snow that coated the trees together with the soft light enabled this shot. It always pays to look around.
My friend pointed out the circular ice floes. Here, I've positioned them on the diagonal at the lower left. I've used the cascade of water at the upper right to point towards them.
My friend pointed out the circular ice floes. Here, I've positioned them on the diagonal at the lower left. I've used the cascade of water at the upper right to point towards them.
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