This small fort is very hidden. I’ve visited it for several years now, but it was harder to find this year. At high tide, the water can come up nearly to it, and if you add rain, it could be a dangerous place. But right now, as you walk through the bushes and grass, the air becomes thick with bugs, many mosquitoes and gnats, and your clothing is covered with green, yellow and black inch-long worm-like creatures. When a nearby train stops and the cars shift, you are physically moved by the slack action. This noise is caused by the couplers between train cars having small gaps, allowing for some movement when the train stops and starts. As the train comes to a halt, the cars bunch together, closing those gaps and creating a banging sound as the couplings collide. The sound echoes up and down the entire train, which can be 50 cars or more long. You hear this thundering crack and boom, boom, boom, and it hits you like a wave.
Early Morning Just Before the Rain
Early morning, just before the rain, the wind and even the breeze stops for just a few moments and everything is still.
From the Garden
I have been taking images of the inside of this homemade greenhouse for several years. There is always something going on inside, constantly changing. Today, again, I am surprised by what I find. Both new and familiar. Today, the light hit the plastic walls differently than usual. Early morning, and the sun breaks through, even after a week of rain.
On and Off the Path
Alberta Cottonwoods
A selection of photos of Alberta Cottonwoods. Landscape and documentary photography by Vancouver artisit Jim Roche.
Read morePhotographing Emptiness
Behind the Curtain
Behind the trees, two bridges, three train tracks, arriving ships and local traffic. Still, the trees are full of songbirds and common sparrows.
Night Prep
Early morning, 3-4 am, some bakeries and other shops open their kitchens, while others shops and bars are just closing.