Here are a few samples of the portraits I'll have on display at the Bracebridge 150 celebration fair. The web album collection is growing rapidly for the day! My exhibition will attempt to represent some of the men and women who bring something special to our community.

It was a sparkling bright day on Sunday, January 26th, for the annual Muskoka Loppet at Arrowhead Provincial Park in Huntsville. Nearly 300 skiers signed up, spanning from under 10 years of age to over 80. About 40 volunteers make it all happen during the day along with the generous support of sponsors Algonquin Outfitters, Du Vernet Photography, The SportLab and F.J.Williams surveyors. A large contingent of skiers from Nippissing University participated and ultimately took home some medals.
Great Job everyone.
A special album of images highlights the day. If you would like to order a digital file from the image, contact me directly at info@duvernetphotography.com and I will send you the high res file. $12each.

Was it a trick or a treat? Hallowe'en day was perfect for cycling around the High Park loop. Autumn colours, temperatures in the 20's and the sun poked out now and then. The cyclists doing the loop provided the perfect opportunity to experiment with camera settings to blur the background. I learned that while slower shutter speeds do blur the background, they can also give too much blur to the subject. Notice how some spokes disappear while others show up slightly. Ideally, I would have been closer to the cyclists, but I didn't want to crowd their space. Thanks to the two guys who stopped and asked what I was doing. Leonard and Ahmet!

The bi-annual Muskoka Seaflea fest was held at Rockhaven Inn Saturday, July 20th. It is as always, an event filled with family fun that lets kids of all ages take the steering wheel of a seaflea and go crazy! The unquestionable highlight of the day is the dogs and seaflea event. The event is non-profit and donations go to the SPCA. There really isn't a better way to spend a summer Saturday. The bug is so infectious that you will likely wind up getting a boat for yourself. Chris and Andrew Taylor head up the event that is supported with sponsorship and a host of volunteers.

More photos can be found in the Seaflea Fest gallery:
Seaflea Flest 24

The forward drive Fleetwood II, built by Minett-Shields, is definitely floating art. Recently caressed by Brackley Boats, her finish is spectacular. I decided to play with this shot by combining a different cloud background, removing all the cottages and then turning the background black and white while keeping the boat in colour. It reminds me of a classic British car, like a DB5 set against an angry sky.

The first of possibly two Elementary Nordic ski days was held on Feb. 9. Four hundred kids from across the region participated in the races. The event is organized by the Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club at Arrowhead Provincial Park. Sixty volunteers come together to help make it happen. If all goes well, another such day will be held in March. The club is always looking for helping hands, so reach out if you would like to volunteer. It really is a lot of fun and the kids just love it.

More photos are in an album in the Community Fun section. Photo Albums