A photographic journal by Brian Mazur

Experimental Farm

One of my photography friends has been visiting the Central Experimental Farm (CEF). He's been using it as place where he can go for long walks while socially distancing from other people. Sometimes he's carried a camera with him and taken some photographs. But even without a camera, all photographers take note of photographic opportunities. He suggested that I join him to explore some of these opportunities together. For those not familiar with Ottawa, the CEF comprises 427 hectares (1,055 acres) of open space. Established in 1886, it is near downtown Ottawa and borders the historic Rideau Canal. The farm is an active research centre, and is also a wonderful recreational resource. Walking and cycling paths crisscross the farm. There are also an Arboretum, Ornamental Gardens, and a Tropical Greenhouse. The Fletcher Wildlife Garden, operated by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, is also found there. The farm is so large, that it requires more than one outing. For this outing we confined ourselves to the western part. It was a very enjoyable evening. Mixing a creative pursuit with quality time with friends is a winning combination for me.

I was aiming for a minimalistic composition with this shot of a tropical plant. Difficult to nail focus handheld especially with a breeze blowing. This was my best attempt.
I was aiming for a minimalistic composition with this shot of a tropical plant. Difficult to nail focus handheld especially with a breeze blowing. This was my best attempt.
Portrait of a dead flower. I wanted to see what I could do with this unlikely subject.
Portrait of a dead flower. I wanted to see what I could do with this unlikely subject.
I often photograph tree bark. In this case, I loved the flow of the shapes and the luscious colour contrasts.
I often photograph tree bark. In this case, I loved the flow of the shapes and the luscious colour contrasts.
I absolutely love backlighting. The light on these thistles stopped me dead in my tracks and I took several shots. This is my favourite from the series
I absolutely love backlighting. The light on these thistles stopped me dead in my tracks and I took several shots. This is my favourite from the series
Another backlit shot, but in this case focusing on a single thistle. I needed several shots to capture one with the bee in decent focus.
Another backlit shot, but in this case focusing on a single thistle. I needed several shots to capture one with the bee in decent focus.
A backlit sprout contrasted with gnarled bark in the background. I enjoy the flow and character of the background as much as the light on the sprout.
A backlit sprout contrasted with gnarled bark in the background. I enjoy the flow and character of the background as much as the light on the sprout.
I was working with the colour contrast and the triangular shape of the brown foliage. Essentially a frame within a frame.
I was working with the colour contrast and the triangular shape of the brown foliage. Essentially a frame within a frame.
Beautiful diffused light and rich colour contrasts drew me to this shot. I included the surrounding buds for extra interest. The presence of the fly was pure luck.
Beautiful diffused light and rich colour contrasts drew me to this shot. I included the surrounding buds for extra interest. The presence of the fly was pure luck.
Many of the cut logs had evidence of the insect infestation that had afflicted the living tree. This insect damage yields interesting abstract patterns.
Many of the cut logs had evidence of the insect infestation that had afflicted the living tree. This insect damage yields interesting abstract patterns.
Horizontal lines with a contrasting point of interest. Placing the man so close to the upper edge is an artistic choice as well as one of necessity. It's an uncomfortable position that contrasts with an otherwise static composition.
Horizontal lines with a contrasting point of interest. Placing the man so close to the upper edge is an artistic choice as well as one of necessity. It's an uncomfortable position that contrasts with an otherwise static composition.
An odd looking plant with the wall of a building in the background. I wanted to isolate the plant in the frame. The slight texture of the background also adds to the shot.
An odd looking plant with the wall of a building in the background. I wanted to isolate the plant in the frame. The slight texture of the background also adds to the shot.
I often see faces in things, and this is a typical example. It's the wooden side of a building that was beautifully weathered.
I often see faces in things, and this is a typical example. It's the wooden side of a building that was beautifully weathered.
Found at the side of a road, these flowers were beautifully backlit. I've balanced them in the frame with a similar yellow in the background.
Found at the side of a road, these flowers were beautifully backlit. I've balanced them in the frame with a similar yellow in the background.
Always look behind you. In this case I saw the spot lighting on the tree trunk as I was walking out of the forest.
Always look behind you. In this case I saw the spot lighting on the tree trunk as I was walking out of the forest.
Golden evening light shining through the forest has a mystical quality. I've sought to enhance that quality in this photo.
Golden evening light shining through the forest has a mystical quality. I've sought to enhance that quality in this photo.
I needed my wide angle lens to capture the drama of the light on this tree. At other times of day, the leaves would be lit and the branches would be in shadow.
I needed my wide angle lens to capture the drama of the light on this tree. At other times of day, the leaves would be lit and the branches would be in shadow.
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