A photographic journal by Brian Mazur

Vincent Massey Park and Hogs Back Falls

A friend and I had photographed at Vincent Massey Park and Hogs Back Falls in January. At that time of course there was lots of snow and ice. To get a different perspective on those venues we chose to pay a repeat visit in the Fall. The day was mostly overcast with sunny breaks. Temperatures were cool but still quite pleasant. There was still some Fall colour, although the peak of the season had passed. It was in many ways a typical Fall day. I brought my tripod for this trip, and this enabled me to take some long exposures of the water. I also did some focus stacking of some of the close-up shots. Bringing the tripod means carrying extra weight. It can also be cumbersome to set up in areas where other people are present, as was the case at Hogs Back Falls. But there is no alternative for some types of work, and for me these are small inconveniences. With so many COVID-19 restrictions it was wonderful to be outside with a friend and do something I enjoy.

In pre-COVID days during warm months these park benches would be full of families. I look forward to the day when they will be full once more.
In pre-COVID days during warm months these park benches would be full of families. I look forward to the day when they will be full once more.
Thankfully, the seagull remained still long enough for this long exposure shot.
Thankfully, the seagull remained still long enough for this long exposure shot.
These mushrooms were nicely positioned at chest height on a decaying branch.
These mushrooms were nicely positioned at chest height on a decaying branch.
It took some doing to force myself around branches and brush to get close enough for this shot.
It took some doing to force myself around branches and brush to get close enough for this shot.
Insects destroyed this tree and left these patterns behind. Unfortunately, such damage is everywhere in Ottawa.
Insects destroyed this tree and left these patterns behind. Unfortunately, such damage is everywhere in Ottawa.
Not sure what this is, but it makes an interesting photographic subject.
Not sure what this is, but it makes an interesting photographic subject.
A long exposure detail at Hog's Back falls. This is a 1/3 sec exposure.
A long exposure detail at Hog's Back falls. This is a 1/3 sec exposure.
I find it amazing that plants can thrive in a water-logged environment such as this.
I find it amazing that plants can thrive in a water-logged environment such as this.
A small waterfall, dwarfed by the tumult out of the frame around it.
A small waterfall, dwarfed by the tumult out of the frame around it.
A 0.4 sec exposure. The dam wall is just visible at the upper right.
A 0.4 sec exposure. The dam wall is just visible at the upper right.
Another small section of the flow with a 1 sec exposure. In this case, I was intrigued with the small spray of water at the upper right.
Another small section of the flow with a 1 sec exposure. In this case, I was intrigued with the small spray of water at the upper right.
This is a long exposure panorama. It consists of six, 1/5 sec, shots stitched together in Lightroom.
This is a long exposure panorama. It consists of six, 1/5 sec, shots stitched together in Lightroom.
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