Diane Jarvis-Schuller

Although this is my business photo journal, here’s the second installment for my new personal project, My Neck of the Woods, that I began last week. Since these photos were not taken this week, they are almost ‘out of date’ because of how much the surroundings have changed. Right now, instead of green trees, they’re mostly shades of yellow, orange, and some with a hint of red. This first one was taken about four weeks ago just down the road from my place along Highway 59. The yellow is canola in full bloom. Canola is a predominant crop in our area together with fields of barley. Some farmers attempt to grow wheat but our weather is not hot enough nor the growing season quite long enough. Most people take photos of the canola fields as the prominent subject; I chose to make it an accessory to the dramatic sky. I’m a huge sky watcher and this time of year we enjoy a great deal of drama in our skies.

With this installment of My Neck of the Woods I’m showcasing fields and skies. Next time we’ll move away from fields and skies. This next one was taken a few mornings ago as I was headed to town (Hythe) to check mail. I loved how the steam was streaming off the field so had to pull over and get a few pictures. This field was recently plowed and will sit fallow over winter, ready to be seeded in spring.

And I’ll leave you with a lovely bucolic rural scene. Again, the colours have already changed since I took this a week ago but I liked this so much I wanted to share it with you. Many farmers in our area raise cattle and even more raise bison. I’ll have to take some current photos of the bison to show you while I’m doing this little project to share with everyone. My husband and I eat bison because we can buy pasture fed bison instead of all the chemical laden, forced fed beef that is available in stores. We also buy locally raised cattle to feed to our dogs. You may have noticed in all the photos the thick bush in the background. Due to the thick bush and many swamp areas as well, there is a great deal of wildlife. The most common and abundant wildlife include mule deer, coyotes, moose, and elk (wapiti). In fewer numbers are white tail deer and fox, and the occasional bear. The most dangerous are definitely the elk but you also don’t want to come between a cow moose and her calf.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this second installment. I’ll bring more variety in #3. I’m hoping that what is ordinary for me, is of some interest to you. Thanks for stopping by again.

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Yesterday, on my way home, I followed signs to a farm auction. I have always really enjoyed going to auctions and I find that farm auctions have a real zest and life all their own. The farm auction wasn’t far out of my way and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. The moment I got out of my vehicle, parked in the ditch along the highway just like all the other attendees, I could hear the auctioneer singing out bids through his loudspeaker, echoing across the fields. Auctioneers have a real talent in using their voices.

Woven through the auctioneers calls was the pungent smell of hotdogs and hamburgers sizzling on the grills. Farmers were everywhere. Many crowded around the small items set up on pallets being sold lickety split, others were checking out the large machinery, cattle pens, and flatdecks lined up with tools of all sorts. Despite a bit of cool wind, it was sunny and I could have hunkered down for a couple hours taking in all the goings-on. Instead, I poked around, took a few photos, and wandered back down the highway to my vehicle. The moment I arrived home, I downloaded the photos and sent some off to my editor. Rather pleased with myself … she bought one to appear in today’s newspaper.

Not bad for taking in a fun event.

A potpourri today. With this first image I love the story it tells.

The next one simply shows how pigs are meant to be raised, not crowded in concrete pens where they can’t move or breathe fresh air, or do what pigs are meant to do.

This family walks the walk. They are a great example that it is fully possible to raise cattle in a sustainable way. This was an excellent assignment.

I sure miss waking to the sound of a rooster crowing …

A few images from some of my freelance editorial assignments. Enjoy.

PS: I often forget to remind readers but each week the newspaper that I write for also posts my environmental columns online after the paper goes out in print. Here is last week’s Everyday Earth Wise.

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Diane is a freelance photographer serving the Grande Prairie and Peace regions of Alberta and BC from her rural residence near Hythe, Alberta. She is available for commercial, environmental, editorial, and portrait assignments. Contact her (above) or visit her website to view her portfolio.

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All photos on this site are Copyright © Diane Schuller, All Rights Reserved. It is illegal to copy, download, take screenshots, or otherwise use these photos without the express written permission of the photographer. Thank you for your respect.

It’s been a hectic and eventful weekend so far. I’ll spare you the mundane details but will share a tidbit or two anyway. Took our 6 year old Australian Shepherd in on Friday to be neutered. Poor guy. Our neighbour was arrested and I literally spent hours on the phone doing interviews with the media that afternoon.

What was left of the afternoon media scrum. CBC’s satellite still up. Missed the roaming helicopter.

That caused me to be late in getting my environment column in on time — first time ever that has happened. Speaking of my environment column, the newspaper that it originally appeared in has closed down as of year-end but they have another paper for the rural community and my column will be a new weekly feature in there.

For those living in my neck of the woods, watch for my photos to appear in future issues of Peace Country Sun newspaper. The first 3 images, including the one above, will appear in the January 15th issue. Let me know what you think!

Since I was feeling a bit of cabin fever, I decided to take a long drive and look for some photographic inspiration. Found several different subjects but Mother Nature provided me with the best inspiration.

“Observe the wonders as they occur around you.” ~ Rumi

One final note. As some of you know, I’m a strong proponent of setting and attaining goals. I’m not much of a resolution-maker and I do feel there is quite a difference between the two. This year I actually have made a few resolutions and am pleased to report that I’m well on my way in keeping those resolutions. The main one is spending far less computer/online time and far more time living. I can’t tell you how refreshing and invigorating it is to spend so much less time on the computer. I tried it in the past but my frame of mind was not where it is now. I’m thrilled to say I’m actually in love with this ‘found’ time I’ve been experiencing living real life by drastically reducing my online time. I think more of us should take this on. I’ve missed a lot and I plan to make up for it in 2010!

So what has been inspiring you lately? Or, have you made any resolutions or set goals? Are you embracing those goals/resolutions? I know you can do it!

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