Harvest Traditions2
Sep, 2020Views
286
Awards
Treasure Award
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Behind The Lens
Location
Harvest time in southern Ontario, Canada where many Mennonite communities carry on centuries old traditions. I often go back to Hawkesville, a village near Kitchener Ontario, where I live, to capture the yet unspoiled rural scenes, especially in spring and fall.Time
Especially in recent months of lockdown due to the pandemic, my wife and I enjoy leisurely drives through the countryside around southern Ontario, Canada, to explore, relax, and perhaps capture a few landscape photos. This was early afternoon in late October 2020.Lighting
It was a typical autumn day, slightly overcast with the sun peeking through now and again; clouds threatening rain storms.Equipment
Nikon D810, 70-200, hand held, no flashInspiration
Wishing to remain faithful to their faith traditions and be self sufficient, Mennonite communities rely on traditional harvesting methods. "Stooking" is the piling of cut grain left in bundles in the fields to dry. On this day, wanting to avoid the forecast of rain, communities gathered together to bring in the stooks in horse drawn wagons. The inter-generational crews seemed to be having fun while working hard, laughing and playing tricks on each other, still getting the job done. They were organized, worked hard, and cleared a field almost as quickly as using tractors, while staying true to their values and traditions, enjoying themselves, building community and passing on their wisdom to the next generations.Editing
I chose several frames that illustrated the spirit of the event and collaged them in Photoshop, intentionally creating a sense of movement to capture the energy and vitality of the activity I witnessed. I want to honour the centuries old practices faithfully adhered to and successfully sustained by the present generation.In my camera bag
When I am aiming to capture landscape scenes I have my Nikon D810, with 3 nikkor lenses, 20mm, 16-35mm and 70-200mm, tripod ready, and filters (ND and polarizer).Feedback
I want to stay close to home and challenge myself to find unique landscape scenes in familiar places. Being in southern Ontario, Canada, we are fortunate that there are seasonal changes that are inspiring in so many ways.
