Spring Textures

Flowers started blooming early this year here in Vancouver, British Columbia, with some coming out in February. Perhaps our mild winter was a result of climate change or caused by a combination of other factors. Whatever the case, the springlike weather has gotten me out to do more photography. On a recent stroll in my neighbourhood, I was attracted to the scene below by the bright yellow daffodils and the pleasing variety of textures, shapes, and shadows. 

 

 

 

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Back Alley Reflection

I always enjoy exploring the back alleyways in my quiet residential neighborhood as I never fail to come across details that I've managed to overlook. For instance, I usually pay little attention to this ordinary garage, but on a recent walk I noticed the reflection of colorful autumn foliage framed by its large glass window and was taken by how well the leaves blended in with the building's earthy tones. 

 

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Urban Dreams

I'm not usually a fan of sterile modern office towers. However, I enjoy photographing the reflections in their soaring glass walls. They can impart a dreamlike atmosphere by softening and bending the straight lines of the rigid urban landscape. I spotted this playful reflection of a building in another building while walking in downtown Vancouver, Canada, where I live. 

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White Lichens Abstract

At first I thought that someone must have painted the whimsical design on the rotting surface of this old tree stump. However, a closer look revealed that the pattern was created by white lichens that were growing amongst the many cracks and grooves. Mother Nature's artwork can be found almost everywhere we look. 

 

  

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Katsura Tree in the Fall

The fall is my favourite time for photographing deciduous trees. Not only are their leaves often turning brilliant colours, but also, with the sun low in the sky, the play of light and shadow in their branches can be very dramatic as in this image of the delicate leaves of a Katsura tree that are slowly changing from green to yellow. Nothing stays the same for long in nature. 

 

 

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Maple in Midsummer

This majestic maple tree stands in a park near where I live. I usually like to photograph it in the autumn when its leaves turn golden. However, recently I was strolling through the park and noticed the sun shining brightly through the maple's topmost branches, creating a powerful reminder that the height of summer can be a time of hope and strength. 

 

 

 

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Old Weathered Fence

As I grow older and become more aware of my mortality, I'm increasingly drawn to things that bear the marks of time such as this old weathered fence that I came across recently. It's comforting to discover that there is often great beauty and even strength to be found in the natural process of ageing.

 

 

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Weathered Wall Abstract

When I spotted this abstract design on the peeling wall of a building, I was taken with the tension created by its contrasting colours and shapes. Now when I ponder this image for any length of time, I start seeing fanciful creatures playing or even fighting. What do you see?

 

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Spring Reflections

I started off with the intent of doing a closeup of these spectacular pink rhododendrons. Then I noticed their reflection in the window next to them and decided to step back and include it in the frame, which made for a more interesting composition. It always pays to pay attention...

 

 

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Weathered Wall

I came across this weathered wall at an old abandoned house not far from where I live and was taken with the scaly pattern formed by the peeling paint, which vividly shows the ravages of time. Over the years, the owners have let the large property gradually fall into a state of disrepair. It probably won't be long before the house gets torn down, so I plan to return with my camera to continue exploring the unexpected beauty that so often accompanies neglect and decay.

 

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Shadows on the Patio

Recently I was standing on our balcony enjoying the spring sunshine when I happened to look down and notice these delicate shadows cast on the concrete patio below. I of course went inside the house right away to get my camera. Something I've learned from photographing close to home is that there are always new visual discoveries to be made even in your own backyard. 

 

 

 

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Colourful Stone Wall

I never get tired of photographing the weathered stone walls in our neighbourhood. Every time I look at them, I see new abstract designs and patterns created by their talented builders. However, I was drawn to this natural stone wall mainly because of its earthy colours, which are the result of Mother Nature's artistry.   

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Shadows on the Steps

I walk past this house on my street almost every day and seldom pay any attention to it. However, this time I decided to take a closer look and noticed these fanciful railing shadows cast on the front steps. Reminder to self: don't let things become so familiar that you stop seeing them.

 

 

 

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Little Book of Contemplative Photography

I'm always on the lookout for worthwhile books on photography. One that I've just read and really enjoyed is The Little Book of Contemplative Photography by Howard Zehr. The author is probably best known for his work promoting restorative justice. However, he is also an experienced photographer. Zehr discusses a number of topics covered in other books on contemplative photography such as the value of slowing down, practicing mindfulness and exploring the ordinary, plus he suggests practical photographic exercises for the reader. However, what I find special about this concise book is the depth of philosophical and spiritual insight that it provides. It is much more than just another "how to" manual on photography. 

 

Ivy Leaves

This English ivy vine grows along our back fence, and I have photographed it many times. This closeup image is one of my favourites. Not only does it highlight the beauty of the bright green leaves, but it also evokes a sense of mystery.

 

Photo © John S. Mitchell 2025

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Old Metal Lamp Post

Some of the most interesting abstract art isn't hanging in galleries, but rather it is waiting to be discovered in the world around us. For instance, during a recent outing, I decided to pause and have a closer look at peeling paint on the surface of an old metal lamp post. When I went to photograph what I saw, an intriguing abstract design took shape in the viewfinder of my camera. 

 

Photo © John S. Mitchell 2024

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The Present Moment

When something catches my attention while I'm strolling around with my camera, I often become so immersed in the present moment that it seems as if the flow of time has stopped altogether. This feeling came over me recently when I happened to look up and was struck by the beauty of these glowing autumn leaves still clinging to the branches of a maple tree.

Last Leaves of Autumn

Photo © John S. Mitchell 2024

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Autumn Dogwood

When autumn arrives, this dogwood tree that grows in our front yard undergoes a complete transformation as its long, elegant leaves slowly change from green to crimson. Every time I look at them, I'm reminded that I don't really have to venture far from home to enjoy nature's beauty. 

 

 

Photo © John S. Mitchell 2024

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Old Sugar Maple

In the fall, I always return to photograph this big sugar maple tree that grows in a park not far from my home. I'm not sure how old the maple is. However, judging by the girth of its trunk, the tree must have been planted well over a century ago. Its leaves turn a variety of hues, ranging from bright yellow to brilliant red. As they float to the ground, the colorful leaves form a carpet of memories beneath my feet. 

 

 

 

 

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Midsummer Dream

Every year, I photograph these flowers when they bloom in my back yard. I always make sure that everything is nice and sharp before pressing the camera's shutter button. However, this year I purposely blurred the focus in order to create an impressionistic effect that conveys the dreaminess of midsummer. 

 

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