
My story begins with a walk in a nearby forest in early spring. It’s a special, short-lived time. The budding trees have just begun to show their new leaves of the season and they transform the forest from its bleak winter clothes by adding a fresh new colour, softening the look of the season left behind. It’s like a watercolour painter was busy, adding new life to the forest as it emerges from a deep sleep.
During this period, only a few weeks long, flowers pop up and decorate the pathways, basking in the light and warmth that filters through the trees. Soon, the leaves fill in the gaps and block the light. Without the touch from the sun, the flowers disappear until next year.
The Softness of Spring is a very brief window in a wonderful season. I hope you’ll join me on this journey through a nearby forest, my backyard and a local park.



















Mystery in the shadows of the garden.








For Photographers
During the early phase of spring each year, I’m always struck by the softness and the ability to ‘see through’ the trees at its inner structure. This year, when assigning a project to my Intermediate Photography students, I decided to make this my project. I’ve made about 1000 pictures in a couple of weeks on this topic and it feels like the time it took to narrow the selection down to 30 was about as much as it took to make the photos!

There are a few techniques in these images that help to emphasize the softness. The most basic one, and most common, is shallow depth of field. Many of the images were taken with my 105 mm f/2.8 macro lens, sometimes with extension tubes, resulting in soft images like this purple and yellow flower.

Intentional camera movement was used often in my explorations. Whether you want it or not, ICM is a great way to remove textures and details, softening the scene. With the red tulips, the leaves and stems around them became a pattern of line that contributed to the sense of motion.

‘In the Round’ is an effect that creates a very painterly image. In this image, I took 8 exposures. Each time I took a giant step in a circular path around the tree and focused on the same spot. It’s not necessary to go all the way around the tree. Then, the images can be combined in camera with the multiple exposure function or they can be combined with Photoshop. I actually do both and then have the choice. With photoshop, it’s possible to align them better than you might have done while shooting the series. But the results are very similar.

The well known Orton effect is a go to method to soften the scene. Using this method, I use the double exposure feature in my camera. First, I create a sharp image and then, an out of focus image of the identical scene. It’s important to hold the camera so the two images are aligned (tripod is best) and the resulting image can resemble a water colour image. For more about this method, you can learn from the master himself, Michael Orton.
Sad Story: This beautiful Maple tree has been photographed dozens of times by myself and many others. Yesterday, when walking by, I saw the large branch on the left side had broken off and was on the ground. Only two weeks prior, my granddaughter was sitting on it! I guess we all fall apart eventually!
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A lovely set of images. I have spent time in Hi-Knoll Park over the years as I also enjoy photographing fawn lilies and trillium. As I recall, across the road from the park in the meadow that drops away from the road there are generally skunk cabbage blooming at the same time as the fawn lilies. Thanks for sharing – just an excellent group of images! Well done!
Ernie, we must have been neighbours at one time. We’ve been here for more than 30 years! The park is a constant source of imagery for me. And your memory is right about the skunk cabbage, another sign of early spring! Thanks for having a look.
A beautiful collection of images that speaks to the theme. There is a soft and fragile quality that is true of all new life and this comes through in many of the images that use techniques that communicate that. Thanks for sharing these, Dennis.
Thank you, my friend, for having a look and taking the time to respond. Glad you enjoyed these. A project that is close to my heart!
Such a beautiful and uplifting collection of Spring’s surprising (after a long winter!) colours and textures. Exactly what we need in these crazy, scary days. Thank you, Dennis!
P.S. Hope you and Joan are staying well and safe!
Hi Laurie! So great to hear from you. We are doing great and keeping well. No cruise ship plans for a while! Delighted to hear that you found the collection uplifting. Couldn’t ask for more. All our best to you and Angus.
Beautiful work Dennis! The text is detailed and a great addition. I really like the closeups.
Thanks Chris. Glad you enjoyed.
Dennis: Such beauty! You certainly captured the beauty of spring. Everything seems so vibrant this year and everyone I know is spending time in nature. No wonder – the beauty you captured is there for all of us to see. Thanks for sharing. I was most drawn to the one titled “Dancers in our yard – etc.
Sorry about the tree limb – Isn’t it interesting how we miss what has become second nature to us. Joan
Thank you, Joan, for your thoughts. Many of these were taken when I found the painted stones I sent you. Keep well, my friend.
Thank you Dennis, what a beautiful way to portray these incredible images. It is such a wonderful collection of nature. I especially love the way you created the softness of Spring. Your images give me incentive.
You’re welcome, Judy! If it give you incentive to go out and create, I’m more than pleased. Thanks.
Dennis these photos are so beautiful! You’ve captured spring so beautifully.
Thanks so much, Melissa! Appreciate hearing from you.
Loved all the photos ,, always forward to my son who loves outdoors and nature.
Thanks so much, Bev!
Awesome photos Dennis! The softness of Spring is so well seen in your photos. As I mentioned earlier on FB I have had a much greater opportunity to enjoy the beauty of early Spring this year and I have a mountain of images to show for it! Is Sendall Gardens open? I had read it was closed.
Thanks, Susan. Sendall is definitely open. Some of these photos are from there. Glad to keep in touch with you.
Love looking at your photos , they are absolutly gorgeous .
When I go through them I feel like picking up my camera and go shooting which I have not been doing that much..
You are a bing inspiration and the pictures are inspiring. You are a great master!!!
Helga, if you are not photographing, we are all losing out. Your photos are amazing. Glad if these images motivate you to get back to it. Thanks for commenting.
Your photos capture so much light, movement and beauty.
I feel my being take a deep breath in gratitude.
It was helpful to hear of the various techniques used… there’s
always so much more than meets the eye at first glance.
Joy, can’t think you enough for sharing your thoughts. Hugs to you.