
Dress Rehearsal

Salt Spring Photographer John Cameron

I forgot about the interesting, mostly Arbutus, leaves that develop wonderful colours, patterns and ‘trails’. I created a substantial leaf image collection last fall then forgot about them.
So, here’s one.
This photo was taken as part of my business cause: performing arts at Gulf Islands Secondary school. It was made during yesterday’s dress rehearsal.
The photographic challenges were many. The rehearsal runs continuously, and while I was free to move, the actors were almost constantly moving so I was continuously unsure what would happen next. And there are no ‘do-overs.
Further, the lighting was a combination of harsh directional sunlight mixed with solid black shadows.
This makes getting a decisive moment—both realistically and technically—hugely difficult. So when the occasional image, like the one above successfully captures a moment, I count it a challenge met.


Saturna Island is one of my favourite getaway spots. It’s only 15 miles from Salt Spring but can be a very long and convoluted way via ferry. As in four or five hours.
And East Point is a wonderful place to explore, especially in the early morning and in the evening when you may be the only one there. On this recent morning, I was getting in one more photo walk along the shore before heading back to the ferry terminal for the 10:20 am boat to Swartz Bay.
Come back tomorrow for two more sandstone sculpture images from this shoreline.
Photographs of Salt Spring Island and areas reachable by ferry and road (and sometimes off-road).