Karl Photography
PO Box 4864 T1G 2E1 Taber, AB, Canada

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: "Sentinel Vista" With this small reprieve of warm sunshine between our recently cold days I am day dreaming of some summer hikes yet to come. On my first trip to Banff National Park I was alone and I made a quiet promise at the foot Sentinel Pass that I would come back with Paul to share with him the stunning beauty of this trail and ascend the pass together. We did that a few years later when I took this shot from the top of the pass. It's funny, there are... so many new trails and mountains that I want to explore, but some just keep calling me back! -Leslie www.karlphotography.net

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: "Porcupine Snack" Who's feeling a little prickly today? I snapped this guys portrait down by the Oldman River near Taber on a gorgeous spring day a few years past. Man, with that hairdo you'd think he was in the winds of Southern Alberta or something! I was hoping to find another porcupine while we were down there a few weeks ago, but alas, there were none of these critters to be found. I need to get my butt down there soon to try again! -Leslie... www.karlphotography.net

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: "Random Badlands" We had a fun weekend of camping and exploring with friends down by the river. Southern Alberta never ceases to amaze me with it's little hidden gems and the badlands are no exception! Did you get out for some fresh spring air this long weekend? -Leslie... www.karlphotography.net

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: "Fall Into the Foothills" Tomorrow we are heading out for some Easter camping so I wanted to reflect on our trip last fall, mainly because late autumn landscapes look quite similar to this time of year. This image was captured on our way out of the mountains along Maycroft Road in mid-October. The early light spilling forth upon the ridges of the foothills and valley below created a velvety scene with a moody morning feel. The icing of low lying clouds adde...d to that quiet ambience. I can't wait to see what serenity awaits us along the Oldman River this weekend! -Leslie www.karlphotography.net

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: "Anemone Pool" I am showing you something a little different this week! This time last year we were making our way back from the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, so I thought I would refer back to those pics for inspiration. When I seen this image it reminded me to stop and pay attention to the little things. This time of year I can make me feel overwhelmed; juggling tax season (some of you may not know that I am also a bookkeeper/tax preparer), photogra...phy, garden planning/prep/seed starting, helping others with their needs, never mind trying to keep up a half decent house/cooking a meal, and this year assisting with my father-in-law's transition into a care facility, can leave me feeling like an empty cup. We all have demands on us, so how do we keep our heads up and hearts full? By taking in small moments to reconnect. I have always enjoyed mini worlds like this one. These little spaces are full of such splendid detail that my mind can get lost in taking it all in, I have always been that way. Nowadays, I try to add the element of presence to this attention, to pull joy into taking little moments of just existing, like these tiny creatures are just existing, no more, no less. During our trip last year, I was continually hit with gratitude that I made the decision to work from home and have the freedom to create my own schedule. To have left an environment where even the idea of taking vacation time in the spring was forbidden. So while I feel overwhelm rising from time to time these days I remind myself the situation I was once in, how far I have come since then, and that if I could cope with those days, I can surely manage now. Slow down and enjoy the ride, otherwise, what's the point? -Leslie www.karlphotography.net

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: "Waterton Wildflowers" Who is ready for this? I know I am! We have been enjoying warmer days again and that means flowers will be springing up around us soon. Of course, given that Waterton Lakes National Park has a different climate than here in the prairies, this pic was taken early July a few years ago. We were hiking in the beautiful mountain meadow along Wishbone Trail and the variety of wildflowers backed by hazy mountains topped off with blue skies w...as a welcome sight to be sure! Do you have any trails planned for this spring? -Leslie www.karlphotography.net

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: "Looking for Spring" An ear-full of these Bohemian Waxwings graced us with their presence at our place near Taber, Alberta a year ago today! I am keeping my lenses peeled for another group to make their way through anytime now. I love the look on this feathery friend's face, "Is it springtime out there yet?" I am sure we are all enthusiastically waiting for that to arrive! Have you spotted any of these guys yet? ... -Leslie www.karlphotography.net

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: "Prairie Wake Up" Well, it is definitely winter out there again! While this scene from last winter has the element of cold and snow, it also brings the dimension of sunrise colours reflecting off clouds offering the promise of warmth to come. Remember, toasty times are ahead so lets enjoy the beauty of now that nature has given us! -Leslie... P.S. This image was shot near Taber, Alberta. www.karlphotography.net

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: "Evening Elpoca" It seems we may be in for some wintery weather this week so here is a snow covered Elpoca Mountain for you! I snapped this one on the way back to Hwy 40 along Hwy 742 in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park near Canmore, Alberta. We were on an exploratory drive to scout out our trailhead for the morning and to find a possible camp spot. I thought this area was gorgeous in the afternoon, then the evening light hit and wowza! Poor Paul had to stop ...the van every other minute of the road so I could jump out and grab a couple shots as the light changed and new mountains came into view. In this scene I loved how the clouds made the mountain tops dreamy, the diffused light softened the cavernous shadows, and the tree lines drew us into all of it! -Leslie www.karlphotography.net

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: "Winter Whiskey" Hey, need a shot of whiskey......jacks? These guys followed us along the trail for a bit after we took in our lunch during our winter hike in Spray Valley Provincial Park, Alberta between Christmas and New Years. Expecting a snack from hikers they have no fear when it comes to getting close enough for a portrait. Actually, they decided the sandwich crumbs landing around our feet were worthy of closer inspection and took turns darting back a...nd forth for the tiny morsels in the snow! I love going for mountain walks that are accompanied by these brave little jays! -Leslie www.karlphotography.net

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: "Alert in Dark Brush" I recently had time to spare while in Lethbridge and what better place to wander for wildlife shots than Indian Battle Park? Near the end of an afternoon stroll on the second day we happened upon a small herd of White-tailed deer. This doe was the first we spotted with her two older fawns not far off. She was beautifully framed by the dark leafless brush and the dour light created a moody feel to the scene. Not intimidated by us, sh...e allowed me a few pics before slowly heading away towards her young. I suppose this is a benefit of pursuing wildlife photography in a busier park versus the total wilderness where everyone is in flight mode! Have a great day folks! -Leslie www.karlphotography.net

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: "Spray Valley Vista" Today I have a shot of Spray Lakes Reservoir as seen from a clearing along Rummel Lake Trail to share with you. This was around 2pm as we were making our way back down to the van. We thought the view was spectacular on the way up, but on our descent we found that the sun had spilled over the surrounding mountains, lighting up the foreground trees showing off all their glorious verdant detail. Clear blue skies painted with a few wispy cl...ouds, snow capped mountains as far as the eye can see... What an amazing day to be out exploring! -Leslie www.karlphotography.net

Need a calendar for 2021? I've got you covered! Printed and bound in-house - $25 each

Merry Christmas from Karl Photography! -Leslie & Paul Karl

Although I was speaking from my heart in yesterday's post I do realize it was a bit heavy, so here is a little humour to lighten things up! Happy Christmas Eve 2020! P.S. Shout out to D for this festive creation during our Christmas Horse Photo Shoot! -Leslie

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: "Winter Desolation" Christmas is almost upon us and with much emotional turmoil it would seem, almost everyone I talk to feels conflicted. For many, the holidays are a major source of joy in a changing and uncertain world. We find certainty and comfort in sharing homemade food, in sharing laughs about times held dear in memory, in sharing those little passed down traditions that are like the glue that hold us together and that make each family unique. Howev...er, at the close of a year rife with hardships, during a time when people need each other the most, we are told that is not allowed. Threatened with fines and shaming from others in our society, we are called selfish to even consider breaking the rules to visit our closest friends and relatives. I am not going to get political here, but I will say this - it doesn't matter which side of the fence you are on, I support your decision. I understand why some are cautious of a virus, or afraid of being slapped with a fine and choose to have a quiet Christmas at home alone. I get it. I also understand why some don't trust the information fed to us, or have weighed priorities and still choose to spend time with family in a small setting. I get it. Regardless if you agree with me or not, I see your light, I continue to hold love for you and can only hope for the same in return. We all come to our choices from different perspectives, different experiences, different circumstances, thank goodness! Please don't be bullied this way or that, just do what is right for you and your family, with that I thank you for being authentically you. All I ask is that we respect each others choices with empathy and extend our kindness this holiday season. Surely we could all do better with a sprinkle of that! On a lighter note, Merry Ho Ho peeps!!! -Leslie Image captured at Cypress Hills Inter-provincial Park, Alberta and chosen for it's moody serene feel. www.karlphotography.net

"Alpine Trail" taken in Banff National Park, Alberta 12x18 in 16x20 Rustic Frame w/ Steel Wagon Wheel Embellishments - $230

"Broken Sand to Sky" taken on Paradise Island, Bahamas 8x10 Stainless Steel Print - $50

This a collection of random items with my images for purchase! (Click each image for details & pricing)

These Special Editions are a collaboration of my photography prints displayed in Paul's unique frames which he handcrafts using old (50+ years) corral boards. Each frame includes glass, 1/4" plywood backer board, and metal hardware. These come ready to hang and no two are ever going to be the same! (Click on each picture for info)

PHOTO(s) OF THE WEEK: A Christmas Herd Photo Shoot! On Sunday I was baking away in the kitchen when I was invited by our friends to come take pics of their horses while they dressed them up with various Christmas props... Ummm, yes please! After finishing up my cookies, I grabbed my camera and ran outside over to the corral. We started with the babies, Duchess and Tucker, who proved to be the most "willing" participates of the herd. It took them a few minutes to calm down... after being moved from their own corral before they donned their reindeer antlers without too much fuss. We spent quite some time with them snapping pics of their antics. Next came in D. After breaking a Christmas ball garland, scattering it all over his fresh poop and attempting to eat one of the balls, then subsequently prancing around the corral wearing bows and ribbons, he was soon joined by his gal pal Luna. Luna has all the hormones of pregnancy going on, so I think she was even less impressed with this idea than anyone! Oh the humility, stupid humans! Once their torture was over it was time for best buds Cowboy and Gibson to get their holiday cheer on. Well, maybe not too much cheer, hey boys? By the end of the photo shoot our cheeks were rosy red and fingers frozen to the core. I could barely feel the buttons on my camera! We humans sure had fun though! -Leslie www.karlphotography.net

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: "Morning Ray" How is this for some morning vibes? Early one morning, about three weeks ago, I was working in my office when Paul suggested I look out the window. Whoa! Out the door I ran donning my winter coat, boots, and PJ's with camera and tripod in mitted hands. I trudged through the snow drift filled ditch to set up in the field with exalted relief that I didn't miss it! Luckily, I was able to snap off a few shots before the scene changed and sun ray... dispersed. You just gotta love these prairie skies! -Leslie www.karlphotography.net