This is a special post because it’s the last one for the year. To sum up this year, I wanted to share my top photos of 2019. So, here are my 12 favourites along with the stories (intriguing or chuckle-worthy, you decide) that go along side them. Let’s count this down!
Oh, and at the end, I’ve got some exciting news for what’s coming down the pipes for Bears with Cameras so stay tuned till the end for a little surprise!
TOP PHOTOS OF 2019
12// MEDICINE LAKE MOON
There were two ways that this photo could go. Using the Photopills App to calculate the location of the full moon, either it would be a complete failure or an absolute success. One Photopills option showed the moon rising way out of frame to the right and the other showed it smack dab in the dip of the mountain. Luckily, it was the later!
Incase you’re wondering where Medicine Lake is, it’s located half an hour east of the town of Jasper, Alberta. It’s also a curious place to visit because throughout the year, the water level will vary. At times the lake even seems to disappear!
11// SOMBRIO BEACH
Even though you’d have to hike your gear a couple of kilometers in, it would definitely be worth camping on the beach here at least once. With the light of a crackling fire and the sound of the pebbles being thrown onto the beach by the crashing waves, it would be an experience to remember!
This beach is on the very west coast of the beautiful Vancouver Island. It’s not as popular as Tofino or Ucluelet, but it certainly is no less memorable.
I’ve dropped so many pins throughout this beach to revisit down the road, it’s not even funny!
It was nearly impossible to drop these pins on my map without having any cell service here though… many Yosemite Sam hot temper dances were involved… so I guess it was a little funny for my husband.
10// HORSESHOE LAKE
This glacier fed lake offers some incredibly clear views into the deep waters making it a perfect spot for cliff jumping; if you don’t mind the cold that is. But, if you come in the fall when the thrill-seekers have all gone, it sure is a nice and quiet spot to enjoy the autumn colours.
If you guessed that this is located in Jasper National Park, you’d be right! It’s about 20 minutes south of the town of Jasper along the Icefields Parkway.
9// HIDDEN WATERFALL
Who knew that a small stream trickling to the beach could lead you to an otherworldly experience like this? If there’s anything that can inspire you to stay curious and never stop exploring, I hope this does the trick!
Remember those Sombrio Beach pins I was mentioning earlier? Well, this is one of them. If you ever get the chance to go exploring on Vancouver Island, I hope you can stumble upon this beauty and take it in for all it is.
8// CANMORE MOUNTAINS
Believe it or not, this is Canmore’s dog park. With a fresh lake to swim in along with views of Mount Lawrence Grassi and the incredible Ha Ling Peak, I think this one wins for Best Dog Park in Alberta!
7// BLUE HERON
While waiting for a mountain view seat on the patio of Blackfin Pub in Comox, we decided to go for a stroll along the boardwalk. That’s when we found this little buddy staring majestically into the sunset.
I’m not usually one for wildlife photography, but since my husband surprised me with a beautiful telephoto lens, I have to say, I certainly am enjoying how pro it makes me look. That would be a joke my dear photography friends (insert winky face here).
6// WEST COAST TRAIL
It seems like a trip to Ukee is perfect any time of year. Whether whale watching in the spring, paddling on the pacific in the summer, observing the bears in the fall or storm watching in the winter, there’s always something memorable to experience.
The only reason I found this magnificent spot was because I saw a soft tread trail just off the main path. To be honest, I almost missed this shot because I couldn’t stop staring at the magical views right in front of my eyes. My dad has a photo of me frozen in awe to prove it!
Oh also, if you’re wondering, when I say Ukee, I mean Ucluelet. It’s yet another treasure trove found on Vancouver Island.
5// TREES IN FOG
About 56 kilometers west of Port Alberni lies a little gem along the road to Tofino. I wouldn’t say it’s a ‘hidden’ gem because you really can‘t miss it – just keep an eye out for the fence with all the locks on it. It’s a great place to play on the rocks or even cliff jump into the water if that tickles your fancy.
4// PYRAMID MOUNTAIN
Springtime in Jasper National Park seems calmer when compared to the other seasons. During the summer, the park is packed with tourists visiting from around the globe. Fall brings astrophotographers together for the annual Dark Sky Festival. Then wintertime ushers in snowboarders and skiiers of all ages to the world famous Marmot Basin.
This particular photo was taken at Edith Lake facing my absolute favourite mountain in the park – Pyramid Mountain. I found springtime the best time to take this shot as when I tried during the summer as well as the fall, the water levels were way to high and I lost all the rocks in the foreground.
If you’re aiming to try this shot one day, head to the southeast bank of Edith Lake. Then, when the sun sets, look west! Just don’t forget to bring some hand warmers with you. When the sun sets during springtime in Jasper, it gets quite cold!
3// SANDCUT BEACH
When we found out there was a waterfall that flowed onto the beach and out to the Pacific Ocean, we had to check it out. The location did not disappoint and to top it all off, there was even a rope swing to play on!
Remember photo number 9 (Sombrio Beach?) Well this waterfall is only about half an hour south of that. Vancouver Island truly is a magical place.
2// ROAD TO MIETTE HOTSPRINGS
For barely a moment, the snow was falling perfectly. It was just enough to accentuate this sweet little spruce on a rock. Seconds after taking this photo, the snow slowed to a stop and the little spruce blended in with the others again.
After driving all the way up to the Hotsprings, (about a 45 minute drive from the town of Jasper) they were closed. No matter though. Capturing this sweet memory was totally worth the experience.
1// MOUNT KERKESLIN
While driving along the scenic Icefields Parkway heading to Athabasca Falls, we noticed this cloud covered peak. Turns out, our destination was so overcrowded, we barely were able to see the waterfall. Just goes to show that sometimes the journey does offer beautiful moments too, even moreso than the destination. You just have to keep those eyes open.
THE SURPRISE!
If you’ve guessed there’s a correlation between the number of photos and the surprise at the end of this post, you’d be right!
This was the first year that I’ve created two unique calendars.
THE ORIGINAL WALL HUNG CALENDAR
Affectionately referenced to as the large one, this one is for us old schoolers who still hang calendars on their walls at home.
Notice, I didn’t say old timers… I truly meant old schoolers!…
Yes, that’s me, I still write everything down. There’s something about seeing it on paper that just does it for me.
Plus, if it’s been a really great year, I have the dates of my adventures noted down to look back on.
THE CHIC DESK CALENDAR
This calendar is for those of us in offices who wish we could have a bit of nature with us during our workdays.
I’m going to be honest with you. I spent many more hours in an office setting this year than I did last, and boy oh boy did I ever crave the beauty of nature at times.
Not only is there no window view from my small cubicle, but when I get up to stretch every 12 hours (slight exaggeration) and I do go to the window, it’s just concrete and metal as far as my eyes can see.
So for those of you who also crave a break from the chaos and a small slice of nature during your workday, I’ve made this for you.
LIMITED TIME OFFER
Now, time for the surprise.
I’ve been asked to produce these calendars for quite some time and now, after countless revisions to get them just perfect, I’m truly proud of how they look.
And for the year 2021, I’m tickled pink to be finally offering them to you.
Whether it’s a little chuckle you get out of reading my snippet stories on the large calendars or a breath of fresh air you get from peeking over at the desk calendars after staring at a computer for a number of hours, I hope these bring you joy.
And here’s the best part…
For the first 100 that sign up to be notified as soon as these calendars become available, I’ll be offering 20% off the calendar of your choice.
Or, if you tell me a funny joke, I may even offer you 20% off both calendars. Who knows!
I’ll be sure to share more details with those of you who sign up as the calendars come along. To give you an idea, the format will be exactly the same as the product photos above, the photos themselves will just be updated.
By the way, only 100 of the chic desk calendars will be produced for the year 2021 so be sure to nab one quick when they come out! I’d offer more but the bases are handmade. I guess I probably shouldn’t take too much advantage of my handy husband, am I right?
LEAKED 2021 CALENDAR DETAILS!
To kick things off strong with some epic photos for the 2021 calendar, I’m headed to the mysterious Abraham Lake on January 1st!
If you’ve never heard of this place, check it out. I’ve added a link to Travel Alberta here for you curious types.
This will be my first visit, and I can’t wait to see the explosive methane bubbles! (Don’t worry mom, they don’t really explode, it just makes it sound cool).
Here’s the final opportunity to sign up just incase you didn’t above! I’ll be sure to hold your place for these limited edition 2021 calendars.
As always, thanks so much for reading guys. Wishing you a wonderful rest of your day!
Shane Rodoreda
Great tips, at last a site that shows how to use the camera to take great photos not a computer to alter photos. Seems I should get wide angle for my canon 7d pity it’s cropped sensor though, think I made mistake getting the 7d
Thank you
Claire
Thanks ever so much! I truly appreciate your kind words. I had used the Canon 10-18mm lens on my crop sensor (Canon 70D) and was happy with the outcome. I suppose on the flip side, your telephoto shots are a bit more zoomed in though.
Wishing you all the best!