The Story Behind the Shot – East McKirdy, Ontario
Some of the best photographs come from the most unexpected moments, and this image is no exception. Captured at 49.291106, -88.099321 along Trans-Canada Highway 11 near East McKirdy, Ontario, this stunning winter reflection was never part of the plan.
As a former long-haul truck driver, I was traveling through Ontario when an accident shut down the highway, forcing me to stop. With freshly fallen snow blanketing the landscape, I noticed a breathtaking scene just beyond the roadside. With my camera always by my side, I carefully made my way down a steep bank to the lake, where I was greeted by an incredible sight—completely still water reflecting the snow-covered trees like a perfect mirror. A few fallen logs, partially submerged and dusted with fresh snow, added an extra touch of natural beauty to the composition.
This image serves as a reminder that sometimes, unplanned detours lead to the most remarkable discoveries. What started as a routine trip turned into a moment of artistic inspiration, proving that beauty can be found even in the most unexpected places.
In addition to this serene lake reflection, I also captured a drone shot of the long lineup of traffic caused by the highway closure. This aerial perspective provides a unique view of the unexpected stop that led to the creation of this photograph, showing the contrast between the stillness of the lake and the chaos of the road.
These images together tell a story—not just of a winter landscape, but of a moment frozen in time, where an unexpected delay turned into an unforgettable photographic opportunity.