A photographic journal by Brian Mazur

Ottawa River and Mud Lake

As the year began, and before we re-entered a COVID lockdown, I had the pleasure of doing an outing with a friend. We decided to start the year with a trip to Mud Lake and its neighbouring stretch of the Ottawa River. Mud Lake, also called the Britannia Conservation Area, is one of Ottawa's treasures. It is nestled in Ottawa's western suburbs, and is easily accessed by car or bus. We had been waiting for snow and our outing was shortly after the first decent snowfall of the season. The day was cloudy and mild. The Mud Lake area has been especially popular lately. This is most likely due to people wishing to escape their COVID confinement. But there were relatively few other people there on the day that we went and social distancing was easy.

Shoreline of the Ottawa River. I positioned myself to frame the rock between the tree branches. There is also a nice diagonal at work in this shot.
Shoreline of the Ottawa River. I positioned myself to frame the rock between the tree branches. There is also a nice diagonal at work in this shot.
The same rock as in the previous shot, but this time in a horizontal composition.
The same rock as in the previous shot, but this time in a horizontal composition.
Branches with a skirt of ice where they touch the water.
Branches with a skirt of ice where they touch the water.
To my eye, the branch seemed to be directing my attention to the floating ice. This is a horizontal panorama.
To my eye, the branch seemed to be directing my attention to the floating ice. This is a horizontal panorama.
I included the sliver of skyline for contrast with the natural surrounding. This is a vertical panorama.
I included the sliver of skyline for contrast with the natural surrounding. This is a vertical panorama.
I waited for the duck to reach that position and be a natural focal point for the shot.
I waited for the duck to reach that position and be a natural focal point for the shot.
I took several shots like this, looking for one with a wave in an optimal position.
I took several shots like this, looking for one with a wave in an optimal position.
We were treated with a procession of the ducks leaving the water together. A short while later, they all went back in the same way.
We were treated with a procession of the ducks leaving the water together. A short while later, they all went back in the same way.
People skating on the frozen lake left a series of interesting lines. I included the boot print for a contrasting element for the eye to rest on.
People skating on the frozen lake left a series of interesting lines. I included the boot print for a contrasting element for the eye to rest on.
Some people feed the wildlife, but this creature left empty-handed from our encounter.
Some people feed the wildlife, but this creature left empty-handed from our encounter.
This guardian would not suffer us to pass. Thankfully, our way led in a different direction.
This guardian would not suffer us to pass. Thankfully, our way led in a different direction.
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