Illusion of Optics

life_in_maine_illusionThe rocks at Schoodic Point in Acadia National Park. One of the most interesting things about photography is the ability to present the world in a way that a person could not perceive naturally. When a group of objects are in focus, when they appear sharp, it is usually because they are all the same distance from the observer. That does not need to be true for a camera (no Photoshop gimmick here). Click on the image for a larger view.

Reversing Falls

life_in_maine_reversing_fallsReversing falls are caused when the water level between one water body and the ocean is different at high and low tide. West Pond on Schoodic Peninsula in Acadia National Park has a reversing falls. This image shows low tide where the land on both sides of the falls, the stream in the foreground, would be submerged at high tide. The trees at the left are on Pond Island, which marks the extent of the high tide. Mt. Desert Island is at the horizon. Click on the image for a larger view.

O Holy Night

life_in_maine_stars_over_acadiaWhen growing up in England, I was a choirboy. The carols and music seemed to define the season. For me, the songs and images of the night and divinity were powerful. It was only after I left the city and experience dark, star-filled skies that the metaphor took on a reality.

This is the view Naomi and I had when we stopped near Little Hunters Cove in Acadia Nation Park one evening to eat the dinner we had packed. Click on the image for a larger view.

Sand Beach

acadia_sand_beachSand Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Acadia National Park. While Maine has a long coastline, most of it is rocky. In late October, the area is populated by a few dozen people (in summer, when the water temperature is no warmer than 55°F/13°C, huge crowds come to swim). The outlet for Beehive Lagoon cuts through the beach next to Great Head. Otter Cliffs and Baker Island can be seen on the horizon. Click on the image for a larger view.

Coastal Forests

acadia_coastal_forest_2The summit of Great Head in Acadia National Park is a testament of the resilience and diversity of life. Spruce/fir forests dominate the harsh coastal environment. Plants take any opportunity in every small patch of soil between the granite slabs. Late fall stratifies these colonists into a diverse palette of color. Click on the image for a larger view.