This month's image is from a recent trip to Vancouver Island. I happened to be in the neighborhood of the slightly famous Fairy Lake Bonsai, so I decided to see if I could add my own interpretation to the growing number which have already been done.
Of course, when I arrived at the lake it was pouring rain, so there was going to be no classic reflection. But that allowed for a different look where a long exposure of several seconds smoothed out most of the lake surface. Additionally, the rain was actually hard enough that the trees across the lake were faded by the lowered visibility. Together this all gave a simpler look. And with that I decided to go with B&W which is unusual for me.
Despite the rain I spent quite some time constructing a bunch of different compositions. While I like the ones taken at a slightly different angle which shows that the log out of which the bonsai in growing is in fact tilted. But I found that the key to the composition was the streaks of black on the lake surface where it is not turned "white" by the long exposure. This particular composition has the most balanced arrangement of those black streaks.
Since I don't present B&W very often, let me know what you think.
Sony a1, FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II at 178mm, 6 sec at f11, ISO 100, polarizer and 6 stop ND filter
7 comments posted
Kenneth Taylor
Hi Robert. I think the b/w image tells the story. A very good capture! Posted: 07/07/2026 00:18:29
Michael Griswold
There is a softness to many of your photos that is distinctive, Robert. This one also speaks of a sensitivity of tone... empty space that's not really empty... a minimalist view which I really like. I would say this feels somehow ghostly to me. I wouldn't think there was much color anyway but b/w works well for me.
I can almost feel the rain which has been a bane for my cameras. How do you cover your gear when shooting? Posted: 07/08/2026 21:45:14
Robert Atkins
Thanks Mike. I got the lens mounted and camera on the tripod in the back of my car with the tailgate up over me (although I'd scouted first, was wet, and seemed to be dripping on everything). Then I carried the whole arrangement to the waterfront under a towel. With the lens hood supporting the towel in the front and towel sticking a bit over the camera in the back I worked the scene for the better part of an hour. Towel was soaked through at the end, but no direct rain on the camera or lens. I find the towel approach (which is what I used with my 4x5 field camera) works better for me than the purpose made rain sleeves. I haven't found a perfect answer. But of course there is a lot more drama in bad weather than good, so I will continue to take some chances. Posted: 07/08/2026 23:36:52
Michael Griswold
That could definitely work in some situations, good idea. The Thinktank rain sleeve I have works but is challenging to work around. My last problem, the camera stayed dry but my wet glove pushing on the replay button was enough to affect the camera. The 2 year warranty paid off. Posted: 07/09/2026 20:40:02
Rick Hulbert
Hi Robert,
I did not have an immediate reaction to your image, but the more I look at it, the more I like it. It is really nice how the focus of your scene pops out of the otherwise supportive context. I love your image description! In a gallery setting, your image description would really assist art patrons in appreciating your image. Posted: 07/08/2026 22:08:36
Robert Atkins
Thanks Rick. Your comment is interesting because I do not have an immediate response myself. I'm still very much thinking about this one. Posted: 07/08/2026 23:28:30
Bruce Flamenbaum
Amazing image. The softness creates a sense of loneliness and draws the viewer into the isolation. Posted: 07/12/2026 18:11:03
