Chasing Tides and Light: A Photographer's Journey Through the Bay of Fundy

The salty air whispers secrets carried on the wind, a siren song that lured me, Clara Dubois, away from my Halifax home and into the dramatic embrace of the Bay of Fundy. As a landscape and nature photographer, originally from Montreal, I've always been drawn to places that pulse with raw, untamed energy. The Fundy, with its colossal tides and rugged coastline, promised a visual feast, a challenging canvas on which to paint with light. Little did I know, the Bay would offer up more than just pretty pictures. It would unveil hidden corners and breathtaking encounters that tested my skills and stirred my soul. I’m ready to share my journey with you, one captivating snapshot at a time, beckoning you to wonder what I might capture next.

Kayaking at Hopewell Rocks: A Dance with the Tides

The morning mist clung to the sculpted sandstone cliffs as our kayaking tour launched at Hopewell Rocks, the ocean floor exposed like a stage set for giants. My kayak felt impossibly small beneath the looming "flowerpot rocks," their emerald-green seaweed clinging to their bases like skirts dipped in the sea. I felt a thrill as I initially set my Sony Alpha 7R IV with a 16-35mm wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur, using initial settings of ISO 100, f/8, 1/250s. What images would I be able to capture as the tide rose?

Then, the transformation began, swift and powerful. The turquoise water, reflecting the moody sky, surged inwards, lifting our kayaks higher and higher. The feeling of paddling through the same space that was moments before dry land was surreal, a race against the relentless tide. I quickly adjusted my settings to ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/125s to compensate for the diminishing light as the fog rolled in, creating an even more mystical atmosphere. But the rising tide held more secrets, promising a hidden cove I discovered during high tide, a place where the light filtered through the narrow opening, offering a unique photographic opportunity unlike any other. What hidden wonders awaited me in that secluded spot?

Whale Watching out of Digby: Giants of the Deep

The crisp sea air filled my lungs as the whale watching tour departed from Digby, each swell of the boat amplifying the anticipation. The deep blue water stretched to the horizon, an endless canvas on which I hoped to witness nature's grand spectacle. Time seemed to slow as we scanned the horizon, waiting. Then, a collective gasp: a humpback whale breached the surface, a colossal shadow against the sky!

These magnificent creatures, some reaching up to 50 feet in length, migrate to the Bay of Fundy each year to feast on its abundant plankton and krill. Conservation efforts here are crucial, protecting their feeding grounds and ensuring their survival. I switched to my 100-400mm telephoto lens, knowing capturing these fleeting moments would require speed and precision, settling on ISO 800, f/5.6, 1/500s. The image stabilization was critical as the boat rocked. Each click of the shutter was a desperate attempt to freeze the moment. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues, our tour encountered a pod of fin whales, their sleek bodies gliding through the water. The light was almost magical, creating a breathtaking scene. Would I be able to capture this magnificent encounter, a sunset moment that would forever be etched in my memory?

Hiking the Fundy Trail Parkway: Ancient Landscapes, Fleeting Light

Hiking a section of the Fundy Trail Parkway was like stepping back in time, the vastness of the ocean stretching before me, a constant reminder of the Earth's age and my own fleeting existence. The rugged coastline revealed layers of sedimentary rock, each stratum a page in a geological history book. Capturing this ancient landscape proved challenging; the constantly changing light demanded patience and adaptability. Fog rolled in and out, obscuring distant islands and transforming the scene from stark to ethereal in minutes. Finding the right angle and composition felt like a puzzle, the pieces constantly shifting. Finally, I found a unique perspective, focusing on a particular weathered rock formation, its textures and patterns telling a story of erosion and time, set against the vast, indifferent ocean.

I deployed my tripod, seeking stability in the face of the wind and the long exposures I needed to capture the depth of the cliffs. Settings adjusted constantly depending on the fog and light: ISO 100, f/11, various shutter speeds from 1/4s to 30s, each one a negotiation with the elements. But what hidden details, what secrets of the earth would these long exposures reveal in the final image?

Culinary Delights in Annapolis Royal: A Taste of the Sea

Annapolis Royal, with its charming historic streets and vibrant arts scene, also offered a feast for the senses beyond the visual. After a long day of chasing light, I found solace in the culinary treasures of the region. At a local restaurant, I indulged in Digby scallops prepared three exquisite ways. The pan-seared scallops with lemon butter were a golden-brown perfection, their delicate sweetness enhanced by the tangy citrus. The scallop ceviche was a refreshing explosion of flavors, the vibrant colors a testament to its freshness. Finally, the creamy scallop chowder, a comforting classic, warmed me from the inside out. And for dessert, I had to try the blueberry grunt, its deep purple filling a symphony of sweet and tart. Sampling craft beer at Sea Level Brewing in Wolfville, particularly their hoppy IPA, was the perfect end to the day. What other local delicacies remained undiscovered, and what flavors would linger in my memory long after I left?

Night Photography Under the Bay of Fundy Stars: Whispers in the Dark

As darkness descended, I sought out a secluded beach, driven by the desire to capture the celestial beauty above the Bay of Fundy. Photographing in the dark is always a challenge, requiring patience, precision, and a deep connection with the surroundings. The sounds of the ocean, amplified in the stillness of the night, created a symphony of whispers, the cool night air a gentle caress on my skin. Solitude settled in, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the moment. Using a star tracker to compensate for the Earth's rotation, I set my camera to ISO 3200, f/2.8, and 2-minute exposures. My white balance was set to "Tungsten" to enhance the blue tones in the night sky. The Milky Way stretched across the inky expanse, a river of stars reflecting faintly on the water below. What artistic interpretation, what unique vision of the Bay of Fundy at night, would emerge from these long exposures?

The Bay of Fundy is more than just a location; it's an experience, a journey into a world where the tides dictate the rhythm of life and the light dances across ancient landscapes. Its dramatic beauty and abundant wildlife offers endless opportunities for photographers of all levels. It's time to capture your own journey in Nova Scotia.