For me tourism photography is around 30% good planning, and 70% being present and seeing what unfolds in front of you. Letting curiosity take the wheel and being ready to pull over at a moments notice. Being ok with passing a place by if it just isn’t giving you the right vibes. I have captured magical moments in mundane places, and been unmoved by some of the must see attractions. For as long as I can remember I have loved to travel. Even when I was working in oil and gas and we would be heading out to the field in the middle of nowhere. I love new places, and I love the journey. The balance of knowns and unknowns. I love the idea of taking a moment to honor a place that is passed by every day. Documenting a place in time that may never look the same. Mapping out new areas in my mind.
Earlier this spring, I got a late start on my first day touring Lacombe County as I had an ultrasound that morning. Dan and I had watched in awe as this tiny being’s movements were broadcast live from my belly. It’s always a little humbling to witness. I was about halfway through my pregnancy at this time and it felt (and still feels) so surreal. We left smiling with a new black and white portrait of our little one, I dropped Dan at home and hit the road.
I drove NE of Calgary towards an angry sky and worried I might get rained out. I had 2 full days scheduled to drive around Lacombe County to capture its beauty, and a list of 2 full pages of locations to visit. The dark clouds ended up making for some really interesting compositions, and I didn’t see a drop of rain until I conceded I was too tired to continue. The universe was on my side.
The first location was Joffre bridge along Highway 11, crossing the Red Deer River. I walked down through a small picnic area to the rivers edge and took in the small valley. I expected more prairie here in Lacombe county, but was fascinated to find rolling hills and dense areas of pine.
Next I decided to hit two birds with one stone and made my way over to the NOVA Chemical Plant and Community Nature Trail which I discovered on the map by accident. I often start my planning for tourism photography looking at a map of the area and then let my curiosity take over. I figured some industry could add some interesting colour to the gallery as a whole, and enjoyed a lovely walk over some wetlands along the boardwalk on the trail.
From there I rolled through a few small towns such as Alix and Mirror, gathering some snaps of local businesses and tourist attractions. But often the most beautiful sights waited for me on the sides on the road. Places that if you asked me to find them on the map again, I likely couldn’t. They added to the county’s personality just the same.
Around 6pm, my body was tired and the baby and I were starving so we called it quits for the day. A night in a hotel will always cut into my bottom line, but as a pregnant lady I decided it was a worthy expense. I hit the hay early, which is good because the sunrise arrived on the horizon just before 5:30am and I was already driving towards it. I had selected a lake somewhat in the middle of nowhere, but turned back when I realized how many kilometres would have to be travelled on a gravel road. I managed to find some gems along the road in the early morning mist, but the real magic began on my way to JJ Colett Natural Area. Another place I’d never been, selected sheerly by my curiosity.
As soon as I turned onto the road of the entrance I spotted a large moose from probably 100 feet up away. I very slowly and cautiously approached in my vehicle, but still stayed a good 30 feet away until she hopped a fence next to the road. I had never photographed a moose before, and managed to snap a few of her in the bushes before we both went on our way.
From here I visited a few tourist spots in Lacombe (who wouldn’t want to photograph the world’s biggest fishing lure?) before becoming strangely curious about Blindman River. After a few attempts at finding a good spot to park at the rivers edge, I lucked out to find a stunning expansive view into the river valley from a camping area south of Lacombe.
I had arranged to swing by Ellis Bird Farm, where I quietly slid past multiple groups of school kids on a field trip and got to take in the sights unfettered. It’s as beautiful as it is unique. I expected cages, but was pleased to find countless bird houses, walking trails and a lovely pond. I can only call a resort for birds. A place they couldn’t possibly resist hanging out at.
After Ellis Bird Farm, I drove through a handful of small towns such as Bentley and Eckville, snapping a few interesting local attractions, but soon found myself rolling through my final destination of Sylvan Lake. How many times had I visited this place and yet I had never noticed the lighthouse? It felt like the perfect bookend to 2 long days traveling through a beautiful county, which I now felt I knew rather well.
