A photographic journal by Brian Mazur

Experimental Farm

When we visited the Experimental Farm in August, my friend and I resolved that we would return in a few weeks. There is simply so much to see at the farm that one outing isn't enough. Moreover, the farm changes with the seasons, so every visit offers something of a surprise. On this visit we retraced some of our previous steps, but also explored some different areas. Some harvesting had taken place since our earlier visit. But one of the key differences on this trip was the wind. Boy was it windy! That made it quite tricky to capture some shots, but also suggested the wind itself as a subject. Needless to say, I had a great time exploring the farm with my friend. While social distancing was still required, we had lots of time for conversation. It's always more fun to photograph with another person.

This was a tricky shot to take, given that the wind was blowing and the bee would only stop for a moment.
This was a tricky shot to take, given that the wind was blowing and the bee would only stop for a moment.
A tiny, but spectacular, flower growing on a pergola.
A tiny, but spectacular, flower growing on a pergola.
The Experimental Farm serves recreation as well as its agricultural research goals. This is one of the roadways traversing the farm.
The Experimental Farm serves recreation as well as its agricultural research goals. This is one of the roadways traversing the farm.
Difficult to believe that this exists within the city of Ottawa. I could walk here from my home in less than an hour.
Difficult to believe that this exists within the city of Ottawa. I could walk here from my home in less than an hour.
When I saw how these stems were lit, I immediately dropped to my knees to get a good angle and started shooting.
When I saw how these stems were lit, I immediately dropped to my knees to get a good angle and started shooting.
Did I mention that it was windy? This shot is all about the energy of the wind.
Did I mention that it was windy? This shot is all about the energy of the wind.
The corn was ripening in the field. Here is a close up shot of one of the cobs.
The corn was ripening in the field. Here is a close up shot of one of the cobs.
Some of the buildings could use some fresh paint. The curve of the exposed wood attracted me to this shot.
Some of the buildings could use some fresh paint. The curve of the exposed wood attracted me to this shot.
Grasses and their shadows against weathered wood.
Grasses and their shadows against weathered wood.
Another tricky shot to take. I needed many attempts to get the bee in focus despite the wind.
Another tricky shot to take. I needed many attempts to get the bee in focus despite the wind.
A small part of an ornamental garden.
A small part of an ornamental garden.
Sunflowers are wonderful photographic subjects. These were nicely lit by the evening sun.
Sunflowers are wonderful photographic subjects. These were nicely lit by the evening sun.
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