Some of you may have noticed that I have not been keeping up with the daily posts for the A-Z challenge. It's time to reveal the reason: I lost my sister-in-law nearly two-weeks ago. In Memoriam of Janette Gaboury I managed to make some posts afterwards, but supporting my grieving brother and family take priority, as well it should. I will try to make some more entries, but I am not at home very often right now and between work and running out to my brother's place, I don't know how much time I will have. Thank you all for understanding. Jeff Gaboury
Posts
A-Z Challenge 2025 O is for Oriole I was very excited to get this shot. Capturing the bird at a perfect moment, just before it lands, through all of the branches and foliage, this shot was extremely challenging. Of course, many photographers would complain about all of the distracting branches and some of them would point out the powerful new AI tools that could remove the branches in front of the bird. But I'm on the fence about such technologies. This photo's imperfections are a part of what makes it "perfect" for me. The beauty of the bird and the moment, captured under difficult auto-focusing conditions is part of what makes this image so very special to me. I have other, clear photos of Baltimore orioles that where the bird is unobstructed and clear and there were fewer challenges for me, or for the camera. But this one still stands as my favouriite oriole photo and I'm not sure it will ever be surpassed.
A-Z Challenge, 2025 N is for Night Shot There is something comforting about being out at night, camera on the tripod, planning out how you want to plan out the shot and what you need to do to achieve your vision. It's a challenge, but a fun one. It can be a bit eerie though. You're alone, in the generally "less inhabited" parts of the park, or at least they are late at night. And you are in bear country. You reassure yourself that bears rarely attack people, but those reassurances are a little less compelling when you're alone on a beach, fiddling with your camera and wondering "is there anything behind me?" But the rewards are worth it!
West Point Lighthouse on PEI A-Z Challenge 2025 L is for Lighthouse Lighthouses are a feature of coastal waters, iconic structures that have served as beacons of safety and navigation for humanity since ancient times. The lighthouses of P.E.I are particularly emblematic of the island community, contributing to both the history and the charm of this amazing province. The "business end" of the lighthouse. There are plenty of lighthouses in Ontario, including a number that are local to me, but I'd never actually been able to go up to the top of one, until my 2019 visit to my sister in PEI!
A-Z Challenge 2025 K is for Kingfisher Alas, I cannot find a better photo than this one. Kingfishers are elusive and shy birds and very challenging to approach. Still, I'm rather proud of this one, caught in mid-dive. It was too far away for the level of detail I'd like and this pre-dates my getting a camera that's specifically designed for fast moving subjects - and I was very new to this. One day I will get a better picture of one of these beautiful and speedy little guys!
A-Z Challenge 2025 J is for Jay Blue Jays are the most common of the jays, at least here in Ontario. Their striking colouration makes them very attractive birds and they are quite tolerant of humans, so they are readily seen and photographed. Note, I missed yesterday's post. I cannot get into the reason for that yet, but I will at some point.