Maybe it’s because I spent the majority of my childhood growing up beside a river, but the river runs through me the way it runs through the city. Like a lifeblood. It pulls me to it. I almost feel like apologizing but I can’t. So here we are again…
It is breaking open. There are places where the rapids keep the water open all winter. But I am drawn to the wide open spaces. The distances. The possibilities.
Especially when it is grey. Or snowing. Or raining.
I could show you that the snow has gone. That rapid changes have been taking place on land. But the river responds slowly and, at the moment, I am on river time.
All images © Karen McRae
draw and shoot 
Gorgeous…
Too beautiful! Your photos are breathtaking!!
Take your time, Karen. Don’t break the spell so soon. You captured very well the wideness. Once more, I love the minimalism in your pictures.
Thank you sifrim, I appreciate your words, your understanding…
Wonderful photos that accompany such poetically awesome writing. I wish i had grown up on a river. 🙂 I always look forward to your posts and this post is one of the reasons why. You delve so much deeper than the average photographer. You are a true artist! Thank you again for sharing your wonderful work 🙂
Polly, you are so kind. Thank you, I am touched by what you have written.
Lovely, Karen, the photographs and the accompanying narrative. Having grown up beside a river myself, I thoroughly understand the concept of river time. I relish this opportunity to spend a few moments in river time here on your page, gazing at these beautiful images. Thank you.
Thank you so much Lemony.
Karen, I love that first one. I can relate, having grown up beside another big river. How long is the ice going to last?
Graham, thank you, the first one is my favourite too.
It’s hard to say how long the ice will last. We are heading into a heatwave; it could change quickly. (you must be having similar weather? It seems like we’re a month ahead.)
I will keep you posted.
Beautiful shots!
Particularly like the 3rd shot with it’s use of empty space obeying the two thirds rule nicely 🙂
Thanks Helen, don’t forget the rules can and should be broken! 😉
I didn’t even know about that rule until a few weeks ago so have been breaking it for years!!
Lately the simplicity of your images are absolutely stunning. Well done!
Thank you Grant!
There’s so much life in these images – they’re really beautiful.
thank you Richard, I’m glad you think so.
The second one…is just magnificent. So peaceful and simple, yet powerful, and emotive. Simply lovely photographs…
Thank you very much.
So lovely. Especially the sandbar and the lone tree. I grew up by a river, too, in the midst of a city (St. Louis) it is the lifeblood of the place it nurtures.
I agree Lois, thank you!
I love the emotion you are able to convey in your photographs. I agree with Snapshooter… the second image is pretty special.
Thank you very much, David.
Poetry – the words and the images. Thank you.
I would love to attend a Karen McRae masterclass in the hope that something of what you have would rub off! Your work is so gentle and poetic; slightly understated but crisp. I admire your photos enormously.
Ah Louis, that is an extremely generous comment. I am honoured you feel that way. Thank you so very much.
Your composition expresses in one photo, what I could never hope to express in words-ever.
Elena, I am humbled but what you have written here. Thank you.
You are so very welcome.
1 and 4 are fab. I grew up with the sea so that always has an influence on me. I love the big but minimal spaces with elegant cuts of dark.
these are superb! I don’t really know why, but the top one really speaks to me.
Thank you Christian, I appreciate your comment.
Number three for me:)
River time sounds nice 🙂
Your images and text combine into a cohesive and harmonious whole – it’s always a pleasure to view your posts. Inspiring! (Hope this isn’t too gushing – but credit where credit is due!)
Oh, gush away Steve, I don’t mind at all. 😉
Thank you, you are very kind, and I am appreciative.
🙂
These are lovely photos. I often think it’s not worth bothering to take my camera out when it’s grey but these have made me think otherwise 🙂
Oh good! Grey happens to be my favourite colour so I try and work with the subdued light on those days. Best wishes.
No wonder you get such amazing pictures of the river, if it runs through you. I can feel it in your pictures. Amazing. The use of negative space brings out the low spoken wisdom of the river. Love the almost monochromatic tones.
Otto, thank you so much for your very kind comment. I appreciate your perspective very much.
Wonderful, Karen! I always love the gradation of color in your splendid landscapes. Enjoy your river time! Kathleen
Oh, Karen. These images are breathtaking. Thank you.
Thank you Christine.
I am in love with these! Great work!
So peaceful and beautiful 🙂
“A river runs through it” – Karen, keep with the river shots. They are still in time, for now. I could be on a deserted island in the first. Imagine that – the ice looks like foamy waves, and the rocks – a jutting peninsula. Beautiful!
Thanks Marina, I think I will be on river time for a little while longer. I like the deserted island you have conjured! 🙂
These are good. I especially like the verticals with the sky going up forever.
Love the poetic words and the soft tones of the images. Love the idea of river time.
the first photo is superb
Your river time is working so well…
I love your style. The love comes through.
Aw, thank you Sandy. =)
I did not grow-up around a river, but think my constituent cells must have been near one in a previous body, for I do love them and feel a pull to be near. Beautiful photos, Karen. Thank you.
Scott, thank you so much. 🙂
You are very welcome. 🙂
Lovely. Again. As always. Just when I have a favorite blog from you, you heap my plate and I devour with gluttony. 😉
Shez, you are a sweetie! Thank you, I’m really touched you enjoy my blog so much. 🙂
Love your colour palettes! Beautiful shots!
It is amazing how you manage to produce such beautiful photos with virtually only one tone. Superb Karen.
Thank you David.
Gorgeous images, especially the second one.