That’s how Scotsburn native and hobbyist photographer Ray Strickland sees it.
“You can read about photography, get to know what all the buttons and settings mean but it doesn’t compare to just getting outside and taking photos,” he said.
A former Michelin employee, Strickland originally hailed from Cape Breton but has called Pictou County home for the last 40 years. Now that he’s retired, his hobby of photography is more in focus.
“I’ve known Gerry Farrell a number of years and we have gone out numerous times for landscape and wildlife shots,” said Strickland. “Honestly, going out on hike and taking photos is a great way to get to know the county.”
Usually on Sundays, Strickland will find a friend and head out to a location, seeking the best shots.
“Some of the most unforgettable and scenic places are found just off the main road, and even further on back roads and logging roads.”
It’s this combination of hiking and photography that has led him to some of Pictou County’s most picturesque locations: its waterfalls.
There are dozens of waterfalls nestled in remote locations throughout the county. The combination of lakes, rivers and brooks combined with rolling hills steep valleys has resulted in some of the most dramatic scenes in the province.
They’ve been the spot for some of Strickland’s best water photos.
“Waterfalls are amazing in that you can visit the same one throughout the year and it will look quite different,” he said.
Rain, or lack thereof, affects the flow, discharge and colour of a waterfall. Temperature, especially long periods of cold weather can cause ice buildups around falls or stop a falls altogether.
“Depending on the size, some waterfalls freeze up completely,” said Strickland.
To get the smooth, milky look when taking a photo of a waterfall, a style many prefer, he recommends slowing the shutter speed. Getting to these waterfalls is often the biggest hurdle.
“Waterfalls by their very nature are usually located in steep ravines that can sometimes be treacherous,” he said. “Always dress appropriately and go with a friend.”
A little research isn’t a bad idea as well. While a phone with GPS is a useful tool in finding a waterfall, cellphone service often doesn’t reach remote locations. A quick Google search of the waterfall’s name can often yield a route to follow.
“Some waterfalls you can see from the main road, others require a short hike while some may take a little while to get to,” said Strickland.
Perhaps more than waterfalls, he enjoys taking photos of wildlife and in particular birds.
“You don’t need to go to Sheffield Mills to get a glimpse of bald eagles,” he said. “Just head to Bay View past Pictou and they’re there.”
Getting the right photo requires patience, skill and no sudden movements.
“Many times, when people see an animal, their first instinct is to jump out of the car and get as close as they can with a camera,” Strickland said. “That’s a big no-no.”
Strickland’s technique is to use his car as a blind to stay hidden. Once in position, he rolls his window down, places a beanbag on the window’s edge and balances the camera lens on the bag. He’s done this while taking photos of eagles with great results.
A member of the Scotsburn-Northumberland Amateur Photography Society (SNAPS), Strickland now shares his knowledge of photography with members while taking pictures of his own.
SNAPS is a photography club that meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month (except for July-August) in the Northumberland Regional High School Theatre in Alma. It provides a place for photography enthusiasts to learn and review basic camera skills, be inspired, make new friends and talk all things photography.
On Twitter: @NGNewsJohn