Keeping with Tradition

In the spring of 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and isolation since mid-March, seeing the crocuses bloom on our west hillside felt like a true gift from Mother Nature. It brought back memories of the annual crocus hunts my brothers and I would go on when visiting our grandparents. They lived just a few miles down the road, so we spent a lot of time together.

There was always something happening on the ranch in the spring—cows calving, and Grandpa busy feeding, doctoring, or sorting cows and newborn calves. But somehow, he always made time for the crocus hunt. It was a family tradition, and one we all looked forward to. There are countless photos in old family albums of crocus bouquets marking the occasion. These images captured more than just flowers—they represented another season of new life on the ranch.

Here’s a photo of a crocus bouquet taken by my Grandpa, Harry Nicoll, in the spring of 1982—a treasure I found while digging through the archives.

Crocus bouquet taken by my Grandpa, Harry Nicoll, spring 1982.

Sometimes You Can’t See What’s Right in Front of You

Hunting for prairie crocuses takes some patience. You can look and look—and still come home empty-handed. I went on several evening walks without spotting a single bloom, all while feeling a twinge of jealousy at everyone else’s spring crocus photos on social media.

Did you know the crocus is also called a windflower? Legend says it only blooms when the spring wind blows—perhaps that’s why they thrive here. They first emerge from the ground as small, hairy buds. The fuzzy leaves make them hard to spot at first. But when those purple sepals open, they reveal a bright yellow center. The flowers open in the sunshine and close in the evening or during cloudy weather.

On this particular quiet Sunday morning, my friend and I set out in the side-by-side to scout for crocuses. We drove along the hillside in silence, each hoping to be the first to spot one. It took some time, but eventually we saw a single, faded purple flower poking up through the prairie wool grass. And then, once we found one, we saw hundreds. We laughed at how silly we felt—it was a perfect reminder of that old saying: “Sometimes you can’t see what’s right in front of you.” Once our eyes adjusted, they were everywhere.

Holly looking for that perfect crocus photo out on the hillside. Photo Credit:  Janine Sekulic

My crocus hunting partner, Janine walks down the hill towards the flowers.

Cherish the Slower Moments

The pandemic was unlike anything we could have imagined. The quarantine period forced us to slow down and return to the things we love and respect—things that often got pushed aside in the busyness of everyday life. I found time to think more deeply about photography. I edited old images that had been waiting in folders for months. I spent more time outside with my camera—observing, reflecting, creating. Normally, I don’t pick crocuses to bring home. I admire them, take some photos, and move on. But that morning was different. I decided to pick a bouquet. Why? Because the moment brought me straight back to those childhood crocus hunts with my grandparents. I brought the bouquet back to the house and arranged it in the little glass my Grandpa had etched with my name—the one that was always set at my spot at their table.

The bouquet of crocuses from the hillside proudly displayed in my childhood glass.

I placed the bouquet on the table and smiled, knowing that spring had truly arrived—pandemic or not. The crocuses had returned, just like they always do. At that moment, I realized the important things hadn’t changed. And it’s the simple pleasures in life that bring the most joy.

There’s nothing quite like a crocus hunt to remind you of that.

The post The Prairie Crocus Hunt – A Sign of Spring appeared first on Holly Nicoll Photography.

So I took full advantage of it, spending many hours volunteering, travelling to ranch rodeos, driving down gravel roads, and standing in crop fields. The time went fast, but I feel extremely blessed to have had the experience. 

This year, my agriculture photography inspiration came from 3 simple words, creativity, connection, and credibility. These words were chosen in early January, and have helped guide my learning. I worked hard to produce images that portrayed these themes. They grounded me. These words forced me to focus, experience more, and get better at being a photographer.

Creativity – Pushing your boundaries

Often, when I’m out taking photos of agriculture I find myself in the same settings. Its a challenge to be creative when you’ve been in the same pasture or field many times looking at the same crop or herd of cows. I am guilty of leaving the camera in the bag with a feeling that there’s nothing worth clicking the shutter for. It’s the same story.

During harvest, I learned a valuable lesson while capturing the photo below. I had the pleasure of spending many hours in the combine cab with a good friend. While the conversation was good, I was also on the lookout for the next agriculture photography moment.

Back and forth across the field we went unloading wheat into the grain cart and continuing on. There was a time when we stopped, and I finally saw it. A different view of what I’d been seeing all day. Right from the steps of the combine there it was. Proof that you can always see something different if you look for it. I have many pictures of the combine chewing through the crop, but not with this perspective. It’s different, and it was a moment of creativity. My agriculture photography learning was, ‘Push your boundaries when complacency sets in no matter what you do.’

The combine cab view of a wheat field being harvested near Trochu, Alberta

Connection – Living in the moment

Our lives are busy. I’ve been trying to spend more time living in the moment and not worrying about all of the other stuff pushing its way in. Sometimes it’s not easy. I get off balance often. But when I manage to be in the moment, there’s always a new learning or observation.

The day that I took this photo, I was just plain happy to be where I was, away from my computer, and enjoying the outdoors. Its always fun to photograph a branding. I was super excited because the pen wasn’t your typical corral setting. The background was beautiful with trees and clouds in the sky. The foreground was even better with cowboys and cowgirls to photograph. Dan and Natalie were charged with the roping duties for the afternoon. They got the work done, loop after loop, catching calves and bringing them in for their shots and brands.

There’s a deep connection between a horse and rider. Together, these 2 teams demonstrated their ability to read each other, and maneuver with essence in the pen. It was fun to watch them execute their talented roping and horsemanship skills. Their silent commands and ease helped them to perform their tasks seamlessly.

Afterwards, we drank and ate. We laughed at stories. It was all part of the day. My agriculture photography learning was, ‘Living in the moment brings more happiness than being busy checking off the items on the to-do-list.’

A team of ropers working the branding pen both catch calves at the same time

Credibility – Finish what you start

I believe the greatest occupation in this world is a farmer. Consumers and the rural population are removed from understanding where their food comes from. It puts the agriculture industry under fire by activist groups pursuing their own agendas. Unfortunately they do not take time to ask questions, understand the facts or look at the science behind delivering high quality food.

This image symbolizes the credibility of the agriculture industry. This malt barley crop is ready for harvest. Hundreds of dollars per acre have been spent by the farmer to get this crop to the this stage. Because luck has a big part to play in the success as Mother Nature, and the environment can dictate whether this barley makes a malt grade or not.

All farmers finish what they start. They work hard to produce high quality grain for bread, beer, cooking oils and other proteins in western Canada.

I was up early to get the photo below, and negativity stepped in. I didn’t think that there was going to be the light or the opportunity to get some good images of this crop. Time was ticking because the harvest crew would be in this field shortly. So rather than take the easy way out, and walk back across the road to the house, and crawl back into bed, I decided to wait.

Then, Mother Nature finally showed up. There it was, a spectacular sunrise moving up from the horizon. What I remember about taking this photo was the quiet serenity that surrounded me in the field. I was happy that I waited.  My agriculture photography learning was ‘Finish what you start. Be patient, especially as a photographer. Good things come to those who wait!’

The sun rises over a malt barley crop near Trochu, Alberta

Wrapping up

As a result, I’m really excited about evolving my photography in 2018, and expanding my portfolio. The journey has been incredible. Thanks to all of the people who let me on their farms and ranches to take their photos. I love capturing every aspect of the agriculture industry and sharing it with others.

Now, it’s time to choose 3 new words for this year. Do you have any ideas? Send me a note, and let me know where you will find your inspiration for 2018. They should be words that challenge and encourage you. Make them matter to you, and pay attention to how they influence and change your life. And, just like in photography, if you focus the result will become more clear!

The post Finding Creativity, Connection and Credibility in Agriculture Photography appeared first on Holly Nicoll Photography.

Also, it seems fitting that my website is getting launched during the 2017 Calgary Stampede. This is a special time of year for Calgarians. Myself included as we celebrate our western heritage, and share with the general public many things about agriculture, rodeo and tradition. I am passionate about agriculture in Canada. Because of this, I hope that some of my photos share with you the beauty of this industry. It’s where our food comes from, and it’s important for everyone to understand it.

Therefore, I dedicate this first blog post and this website to my Mom, Shannon Burwash. She left this world suddenly over 4.5 years ago, and not a day goes by that I don’t think of her. I wish she was here to see this and sadly my dream was for her to help me create this website. She had a good eye for many things including horses. I am a very visual person, and confident that some of these skills and gifts came from her. Thanks Mom!

As a result, my goal with this blog is to share some impactful photos with a story that you can relate to or learn from. Hence, the story is the foundation of the photo. Without it there is no substance. Please do not be afraid to share your thoughts or your experiences. Take a look at my gallery, and if you see something you love, let me know.

In closing, I’m always looking for great photo opportunities. So, I would love to capture your story and your passion out on the ranch or farm. Reach out, and let’s connect.

Cheers,

Holly

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