Sheri: Taking a picture is faster than dragging out a frozen pen or stopping to jot down words so when I’m out hiking – the camera turns into my note pad. I take a lot of photos that are never meant for publication but to remind me the sights, the sounds and the tastes. I look at the picture of the guide reaching for the water and it reminds me of the water and wakes up my taste buds. I take pictures of signs so I don’t have to look up the information later. And that picture of the guides sliding down the trail reminds me how much fun they were. You can see how the other hikers were laughing and enjoying the antics.
Zen: What was your favourite picture of the day?
Sheri: The canyon is a haven for ice climbers. The guy with the red pack rappelling down the ice was totally unaware that I was taking his photo so I liked that I caught him fully absorbed in his element.
Zen: I like the photo of the overhang with the dripping water. How did you line that shot up?
Sheri: It’s funny, I was trying to get a picture of the ice hanging over the ledge and this lady was taking her time getting out of my view and then I realized how important she was for the shot. Without the person, the enormity of the scene is lost. That ledge could be a few feet and it could be hand-sized icicles. With that person, it brings it all into perspective.
Zen: Why is Maligne Canyon so important to you.
Sheri: Walking through there is such a freeing experience. With the internet on our smartphones we think we have the world at our fingertips. We get sucked into this little bubble because we’ve got everyone out there, but when I get out on the hike, I get centred. I remember I’m a little person, surrounded by nature and rushing water. I love being outside.
Zen: Any advice for budding photographers?
Sheri: If you know you are heading out at night or into intense lighting like at Maligne Canyon, quickly check online to see what the pros suggest. Go straight to the settings they suggest and then work the settings up and down from there. It’s digital…have fun with it.
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