Feature Photo
Ouimet Canyon Photo ©Ethan Meleg
The Story Behind the Photo
Ouimet Canyon, near Thunder Bay, Ontario
August 27, 2006Last fall I set out on a 1 month photo road trip, heading westwards from Ontario to the Rocky Mountains. I'd been wanting to make this trip for years, and had
about 20 key locations on my shooting itinerary. My first destination was Ouimet Canyon, located near the city of Thunder Bay close to the Lake Superior
shoreline. I'd heard about this place only a couple of times, and had seen scant few photos, but it was enough to peak my interest. A large canyon in my home
province of Ontario? I had to see it!After the long drive across Ontario, I arrived near the Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park late at night, and slept in my car on the side of a backroad. I often sleep in
my car when I'm on the road because it places me close to the shooting location, so I can simply wake up and go. It's not comfortable, but it's very productive
for photographing at daybreak!Before sunrise, I drove into the park, and walked the short trail out to the canyon overlook. I was completely blown away by the scene before me - a deep and
rugged canyon - dramatic and strikingly beautiful. For the next few hours, I photographed Ouimet Canyon in sweet morning light. I experimented with every
combo of ND grad filters I had in my bag, to deal with the wide exposure range between the bright sky and dark canyon floor. I scurried around the wooden
platforms and trails rimming the canyon, to get the best vantage point for photos. I read the interpretive signage explained the harsh conditions on the canyon
floor, home to arctic plants which are relics from the last glacial period. But most importantly, I stood there and admired the place.If you ever find yourself in northern Ontario, near Thunder Bay, I highly recommend you make time for Ouimet Canyon - one of Ontario's best kept secrets!
Technicals:
Canon EOS 1DSmark 2, EF 17-40mm
ISO 100; Aperture Priority
Exposure: 1.0s @ f/18
Singh Ray Gold & Blue Polarizer, Singh-Ray 2-stop Soft Edge ND Grad (4x6" size)
RAW file capture, converted with Adobe Camera Raw
Past Feature
Photos/Stories
(latest features from top to bottom)