Canadian Rockies & British Columbia Photography by Darcy Monchak | Nature | Wildlife | Landscapes

Wild places and wildlife form the essence of much of Canada.  These images and prints are intended to celebrate these Canadian Rocky Mountains and surrounding areas.

Photography of the natural world, for me, was born of a desire to find and portray it's often hidden beauty and wonder.  After years of exploring and photographing this area, I have selected images based upon their ability to invite exploration by having the viewer say "I wish I was there". Some of the images were taken from well-known areas, but many are from more isolated, remote locations. I often visit areas numerous times until the conditions are right to create that special image.
 

While all photography is an artistic interpretation of what's out there, I usually keep it true to an experience in the natural world, which can be a wonderland for the eye to see.  Since my goal is to portray real nature, the main creation tool is the camera and not the computer.  Clients who buy prints can know that what you see in my images was really there. Digital darkroom adjustments are usually kept pretty basic - such as exposure, vibrance, contrast, and image blending to have better sharpness and exposure.  It is important to me to show and connect you to the true landscape, so that you would not feel deceived if you were able to experience the moment of capture right there with me at the time.

Like many things in life, it's about the experience - about being there.  From planning and organization of field trips, to selecting the right square meter of ground to take the image from, and doing everything to enable the hoped for light and other variables come together. It's about the rush you get when you know you have only a few minutes or even seconds to take the image in fading light. But it is also about more predictble things, like being self-sufficient in the backcountry, that smell of pine needles on the trail in the spring, and knowing that you did not forget the coffee filter.
 

I have worked for decades as a professional forester involved with strategic planning for environmental, recreational and timber forest values - coordinating designation of old growth forest areas and recreational land use zonations for the East Kootenays (including areas adjacent to the 4 mountain parks).

 

For further insight into my work take a look at the Manifesto