Views from our "front yard"

 Across the road from our place is a lake ... so we often think of it as our front yard. We are able to do so many things there ... boating ... tubing ... canoing ... swimming ... campfires ... stargazing ... walks on the ice ... skating ... and the list goes on. The view is different each time we are out. Amazing skies!

I took these pictures a few weeks ago. The last picture is of the moon rising over the hill. The scenery and sunsets in the fall are gorgeous and are different every time we are out there.  It can be fun trying to capture the colours in a photo. It can be very rewarding and encouraging to be able to look back at the photos and remember the sunsets.

The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

Algonquin's blue skies

Algonquin Park

Work has been very busy, which has affected how much photography I can do. However, I am able to take some time to look at pictures I took through the summer.

I used my polarizer filter for this picture. It really helps to bring out the blues in the picture and have the clouds "pop" out more, which is the way I wanted this picture to look. It was such a beautiful day, so clear and the sky and lake so blue. I wanted to continue to stay in the canoe a lot longer.

When I am out in nature like this, it makes me very thankful for the creation that God has provided for us. Even more amazing than His creation is the fact that He sent His only Son here to earth to die for me ... what an amazing and loving God.

For God so loved the world, that He gave his one and only Son,

 that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

~ John 3:16

Settings: 1/250, f/11, ISO 100 

Arrowhead Provincial Park

We were able to spend a weekend camping at Arrowhead Provincial Park during the last weekend of September. The scenery was beautiful, and the colours were at their peak. It was hard to capture the colours the way I wanted to, but it was fun trying. Everywhere we turned, there seemed to be more pictures that I wanted to take.  

I was shooting in Raw mode for these pictures. It gives you many more options when it comes to the post processing. I have shot in Raw before, but am trying to do more of it now.

For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth ...  ~ Colossians 1:16

Scenes in West Guilford

Grass Lake, West Guilford, Ontario

This month I'm going to highlight some of the scenery we see in our area in Ontario. Everywhere we look around us, we see gorgeous scenery, especially at this time of the year. This picture was taken within about 5 minutes by boat from our home ... we don't have to go far to enjoy God's creation. You can see His creation wherever you are.

When you're in a boat, it's hard to hold the camera still enough for the picture. The Image Stabilizer  on the camera can help with this. If you are looking for a lens, I would recommend having one with an Image Stabilizer. 

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for! 

The firmament shows His handiwork ... God's handiwork.

Family in the Sun

Family in the sun ... Taking time for family and loved ones is what God wants us to do. When we do this, He shows us the beauty in our family and around us. With Thanksgiving coming, it is good to be reminded of all that we can be thankful for.

This picture was a bit of an "oops". I realized after I took the picture that I shouldn't have taken this with automatic settings, or made sure that I got my focus from their faces. The camera picked up its focus from the building. Focusing on  their faces, and holding the shutter button half way down, then recomposing, would have made their faces sharper. However, I still like the softness of their faces. I also thought that if the background wasn't overexposed the way it is, the picture might have been too busy.

You have put gladness in my heart.  ~ Psalm 4:7

Settings: 1/40, f/4.5, ISO 100

Afternoon at the Lake

Afternoon times at the lake. One of those memories we like to have during the long winter months. This girl was fascinated with the ducks, and spent quite a bit of time watching them. Shooting in the direction of the sun made her look silhouetted for the picture.

Building memories for children is an important part of raising our children. God gives us this opportunity to raise them for Him ... we need to spend time with them.

 Grandchildren are like a crown to older people ...  ~ Proverbs 17:6

Settings: 1/320, f/11, ISO 100

Little boys

Little boys ... shy ... not sure about having his picture taken? He just didn't want it to take too long to have his picture taken and wondered when he could get down.  Little boys are given to us from God. God makes each of us unique ... looks ... personality ... attention spans ...and He loves us.

I was thinking that the Lord Jesus Christ was young like this when He was here on this earth. His parents raised Him along with brothers, and other members of their families. He had cousins, ate meals with family, played, and learned to do carpentry with his earthly father.

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. ~  Luke 2:51

Settings: 1/200, f/10, Bounced flash