
What would make two old retired guys play around in a creek for a few hours, dropping leaves in the water like five year olds, and rushing downstream to watch and photograph them going by? And, repeating this process several times in a week?
The answer is here, in the words of John O’Donahue …
In Search of Beauty
The human soul is hungry for beauty; we seek it everywhere —
— in landscape, music, art, clothes, furniture, gardening, companionship, love, religion and in ourselves.
When we experience the Beautiful, there is a sense of homecoming.
We feel most alive in the presence of the Beautiful
for it meets the needs of our soul.
I laughed out loud as I watched my friend Joe, gently dropping large maple leaves in the water, trying to do it without disturbing the water’s surface, and then running to his camera to capture the scene as the leaves floated by. We were like kids playing joyfully in the water, reminiscent of those days when we sent ‘leaf boats’ down with the current. We even brought our boots and waded through the water, always looking for just the right spot, smiling and chuckling as we looked at our camera monitors and each other. It was a great morning.
With photography, we can be kids again.
I discovered my ‘secret spot’ in Langley a week ago when I took a family there for a photo shoot. I gasped when we got down there, the combination of light, colour and reflection was simply stunning. The potential of capturing golden reflections with the family in the scene was too much for me. This time, without boots, I waded into the water and then piggy backed each of the two girls to the right spot. Before long, Dad was in the water too, piggy backing his wife to sit on the log across the creek so we could include the reflections that were our gift of the day.
I’ve been back there four times since. During one visit, all alone, I marvelled at the music of the water flowing gently past. Then I heard a rustling sound and wondered if someone was about to emerge from the path. No one there but the gentle sound of large maple leaves falling around me. Magic. As the light travelled overhead, the shadows changed and reflections emerged in new places. Captivating.
Making photos in this place allowed me to experience what John O’Donahue describes as a homecoming. I was in the presence of the Beautiful and my soul was filled.
Thank you.
Here are a few images from my secret spot. Psst, it’s really not so secret. You can find it too behind Brookswood Park, at 40th Ave and 200th St in Langley. Enjoy the music!



About the photography
Even though it may not look like it, very little post processing was done on these. The colours there are so rich and intense. In most cases, all I did was some cropping, contrast adjustment and occasional brightening.
Each visit, I used two different lenses. My 24-70 is my go to lens for most things and it was used in the wider views here, like the ones with the light beams at the top. But more often, I chose the 70-200 as it allowed me to bring in closer things that were farther away. The leaves floating on the water or hung up in the trees were all photographed with this lens.
A polarizing filter was also used in many of the images and that helped to intensify the colours and add contrast. The single leaf, second from bottom, benefitted from this.
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Dennis, I love your story here! I can feel the energy and excitement that you felt these days as you went back to your happy place for more, as I have felt a similar thing this week. What you have described is felt in the hearts of photographers all over, but they don’t always have the chance to return to “play” as you have.
Walking with a friend in a park on Monday, my eyes were opened to so many beautiful things around us, more than I had ever seen there before, and I deeply regretted not having my camera with me, which I had done intentionally so I could focus on the visit with my friend. Still, we both took in the natural fall beauty around us, but I was so taken by it that I have been back to that place every day this week since and even this morning seeing how dark and rainy it has been, I’m tempted to return for a 4th day in a row. Our love for photography and deep appreciation for the beauty around us captivates and calls us to not just enjoy it for the moment, but to capture it so that we can enjoy it in the days ahead. I’m glad that photography allows us the privilege to not just see it for ourselves, but to also share that joy and beauty with others. My passion for photography reignited this week and it’s been fun to read about your similar passion in this article!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, Twila. We’ve obviously had very similar experiences and th photos you shared on Facebook are fantastic. Keep your passion going!
As always, wonderful described feelings of your love of photography and images are a reflection of this.
Thank you so much, Detlef. Can you imagine life without photography? Unthinkable!
Love the collection, and you’re a great story teller. The colours are beautiful, the textures are real, and they are so serene that looking at them they will just give you a feeling of peace. Thank you for sharing the images.
Thank you, Asha. Delighted to hear that my experience came through to you.
Lovely series Dennis. Your photography is quite amazing.
Thank you, Tracie. Really appreciate it.
The photos are amazing Dennis. The tranquility and beauty in the simplicity of a leaf! Your artistic talent shines brightly. When I need a stress relief I love looking through my favorite photos, or heading out to make a few more. Can’t imagine life without photography! Thank you for always encouraging us with your talent and your knowledge.
Thank you, Marlene! We’re on the same wave length. I too can’t imagine life with out photography.
Brilliant.
So beautiful.
Makes me want to do ‘a happy dance’
( this is an expression by
three year old Willem)
Thank you Dennis!!
Ah, thank you, Laura. Hugs to you and Willem and his two awesome brothers.
What a gorgeous set of images! Thanks for sharing, very enjoyable – hope my son-in-law in Langley sees these and investigates this location. Well done!
Thanks, Ernie. I’d be glad to take him there anytime! And there will be new treasures because the salmon spawn in this creek and that brings in a number of eagles. Won’t be long.
Lovely collection of images using so many different techniques! And you really seemed to take the time to explore. Liz and I came upon that secret spot a few years back, I seem to recall. Are we allowed to go back! 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration, Dennis. My colleague Wayne and I talk about retirement strategies and how we can “be Dennis.” One day….
Hi Chris. You can only go back there if we go together! More fun, eh? Maybe I’ll write a book on how to retire early and have way more fun! Ya gotta have a camera to do it!
These are so beautiful and you are such a romantic. I love the colours, actually everything about your wonderful photography You are a great artist.
That’s the ultimate compliment, Helga! Thank you so much. And a romantic eh, I’ll tell my wife!
Dennis, what beautiful photographs—works of art! I was excited to see that you can make prints of different sizes because there are a few I’d love to have but I’m going to wait until the wild horse photos are displayed because my granddaughter Grace is crazy about horses and I know I’d want to add one of those to an order. What is the largest size print that you can do, just so I have an idea of parameters? Thanks so much for sharing your art— both the breathtakingly beautiful photos and the accompanying written descriptions.
Thank you, Pat. So great to keep in touch with you this way. I remember when Grace was born. The largest print size I typically do is 16×24 but I have a colleague I can call upon if I need to go larger.
These are wonderful photos Dennis! Your heart is clearly seen in them!
Thank you so much, Roxanne. I think that is the sign of success!
Dennis, thanks so much for sharing your beautiful photographs and your stories.
Really enjoy sitting down with my tea and savouring your blog. Thanks.
Thank you, my friend, so glad to share with you.
Dennis, these photos are spectacular and just put a smile on my face. That you had such fun with your friend is heartwarming. These show such warmth with the colors and your creativity shines. Thank you for sharing.
So glad to send you a smile, Brenda. Thank you for your thoughtful response.
Thank you Dennis your work is beautiful and inspiring. I can’t imagine being able to do what you do but maybe one day. One step at a time.
I hope my time lines will work in with your courses as I really want to take them starting at the beginning.
Hi Carmel. You can do it! But just like anything, it takes dedication. I too hope your schedule allows you to take a class. Thanks for commenting.