C B Images

Photography by Chris Bates

2015




Fading Summer Aspens
Fading Summer Aspens, Heart Mountain Trail, Alberta, Canada

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 After the Storm Downtown Calgary
Downtown Calgary Hail Storm 2015: ISO 800, 15mm, f/5.6, 1/45

The wife and I went out for supper last night and we decided to be adventurous and try a new restaurant. The car I was driving took us to downtown Calgary. After supper we took a walk along Stephen Avenue, Eau Claire Market, Prince's Island Park and through Chinatown before heading back to the car.

We walked past a few of the Downtown Community Gardens that were set up for the local food banks. We were very sad when we saw what the August 4th Hail Storm did to these well intentioned gardens. As you can see there is basically nothing left of most of the plants.

Although we had a wonderful supper last night after seeing this damage both our stomachs were not feeling all that settled.

After the Storm Carnage
Downtown Calgary Hail Damaged Community Garden: ISO 800, 35mm, f/5.6, 1/45

Pulverized lettuce in one of the hail damaged Downtown Calgary Community Garden. It basically looks like mulch.

 After the Storm Prince's Island Park Calgary
Prince's Island Park Hail Damaged Black Eyed Susie: ISO 320, 85mm, f/5.6, 1/30

These Black Eyed Susans were under trees in Prince's Island Park. They still suffered damaged from the August 4th Calgary hailstorm.

Goose and the clean sheets
Goose and the Clean Sheets: ISO 800, 50mm, f/4.5, 1/15

Our cats love the smell of clean sheets. They have to be the first to sleep on them. Makes changing the bed a real chore.

Large Boulder
Large Boulder: ISO 200, 29mm, f/6.3 1/60

I found the textures and colours on this rock to be interesting. It also looked out of place in the Alberta Badlands where I found it.

Big Hill Springs Macro
Small Wild Flower, Big Hill Springs Provincial Park: ISO 500, 40mm, f/3.2, 1/500

Last week I decided to check out a provincial park that is close to where I live. Big Hill Springs Provincial Park is located north of Calgary between Cochrane and Airdrie.

It is a nice little hike through parkland and foothills. A large natural springs flows through the park. I was surprised by the abundance of wild flowers and birds singing. I will be returning to this nice oasis away from the big city.

The Feast - Welcome to Dinner
The Feast: ISO 640, 40mm, f/8.0 1/30

Lego Feast - Cheers
The Feast Part II - Cheers!!: ISO 640, 40mm, f/8.0, 1/80

It was a cold and snowy day today. I planned on playing with my camera and venture out today but it was too cold with windchill putting the temps at around -20 Celsius.

So, I broke out my newly purchased backgrounds and set up my lights. Then I grabbed a few Lego Mini Figures to practice my skills.

I was listening to Google Play Music service while I was setting up the King and his friend the pig. Led Zeppelin was playing “Your Time is Gonna Come” while I was setting up Part Two of the shot. Coincidence? Are the pigs going to get their revenge? Or are they just going to put a scare in the King?

Backgrounds are blank painting canvas that I purchased on sale at the local craft store. I used 2 sets of lights. Led Camera Video Lights and a small LED desk lamp. I also shot this in front of our patio door to let in some natural light.

Red Panda at Calgary Zoo
Red Panda: ISO 800, 130mm, f/5.0, 1/250

Another set of photos from my Calgary Zoo walk last week. My previous visits to the Calgary Zoo, these two Red Pandas were usually hiding or sleeping. Last week was a different story. Both were very active, one even showed off his climbing skills. I was impressed!

 Red Panda in Tree at Calgary Zoo
Red Panda in Tree: ISO 800, 150mm, f/5.0, 1/400

Watchful Wolf at the Calgary Zoo
Watchful Wolf: ISO 800, 110mm, f/4.0, 1/250

We are currently experiencing spring like weather here in the Calgary area. I took advantage of a warm, overcast day and headed to the Calgary Zoo with my annual Membership pass. I figured if I was willing to go out and enjoy the fresh air, so would the animals at the Zoo. I will share more of my snaps in the coming days.

This wolf was pacing in her enclosure. I believe she was watching for elk in the next enclosure over.

Downtown Calgary Hudson's Bay Company
Downtown HBC: ISO 400, 12mm, f/4.5, 1/50

If I have any regular visitors left, I am sorry for my long absence. There have been a few changes in my life the last few months that has kept me away from photography and posting regular blog posts.

I believe now my life is back to some regular routines that I can update more regular now. Thanks for your patience.

The above photo was taken in downtown Calgary last fall. It is the outside “hallway” of the iconic Hudson’s Bay Store.