Bald Eagle Painting

I’ve been learning how to make digitally hand-painted artwork from my photos, using brushes in Photoshop. I had reached a point where I wanted to challenge myself, using a less-than-ideal reference photo, more like the cell phone photos I might get from a client to base a painting on.

I chose this photo of a bald eagle because I had missed the focus and it was quite soft around his eye, making it necessary for me to go in and paint all those fine details, the tiny feathers around his eye, and the striations in his iris.

Here is a GIF showing the before and after of the painting.

I photographed this fellow at the Mountsberg Raptor Centre, in Ontario. Years later, I learned from a friend who used to volunteer there that every spring, he and the other male eagle he was housed with would build a nest and try to incubate a rock in their enclosure, which is both sweet and sad. The Mountsberg Raptor Centre is an educational facility, and the birds that live there have either been raised in captivity or cannot be returned to the wild due to injuries.

Prints of this painting are available for purchase here.

Foggy Morning at Peggy's Cove

When I first arrived at Peggy’s Cove, early on this summer morning, I was hoping for a beautiful sunrise and was disappointed by the fog. I pretty quickly realized that the fog was, in fact, so much better than a sunrise ever would have been.

Here is a trio of the soft and moody photos I captured on that foggy day.

Yellow Boat in the Fog

This captivating photograph, titled "Yellow Boat in the Fog," captures the ethereal beauty of this iconic location, where a shroud of mist blankets the landscape, softening edges and creating an atmosphere of mystery and tranquility. This serene print would be a perfect accent piece for a bedroom in soft, neutral tones.

In the foreground, a vibrant yellow boat or skiff stands out as a beacon of color and contrast amidst the cool, muted tones of the fog. Its cheerful hue provides a striking focal point, drawing the viewer's eye and adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise hushed and serene scene.

As the eye journeys deeper into the photograph, a charming red house perched on stilts emerges from the mist. This distinctive structure, typical of Peggy's Cove's architecture, is a testament to the resilience and character of the coastal community. Its vibrant red hue, though partially veiled by the fog, conveys a sense of coziness and nostalgia.

The interplay of elements in "Yellow Boat in the Fog" is both evocative and tranquil. The fog softens the landscape, blurring the boundaries between land and sea, while the yellow boat and red house stand as vivid symbols of human presence in this rugged coastal environment. The photograph captures a fleeting moment when nature and civilization coexist in harmony, wrapped in the embrace of the maritime mist.

This image is a reminder of the timeless allure of Peggy's Cove, where the elements of sea and sky dance together, and where even the fog cannot dim the vibrancy of life. "Yellow Boat in the Fog" invites viewers to pause, contemplate, and immerse themselves in the atmospheric beauty of this picturesque Nova Scotian landscape. It is a testament to the enduring charm of a place where land, sea, and history converge in a symphony of ethereal beauty.

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Have A Seat

"Have a Seat," is another photograph captured on that serene and foggy morning in Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia. The viewer is transported to a place where solitude meets vibrant tranquility. Nestled on a weathered dock, four colorful wooden chairs come to life amidst the ethereal mist, embodying a sense of inviting warmth and nostalgia. This piece would bring an inviting splash of colour to an entryway, or anywhere you want to create a welcoming vibe.

Against the backdrop of the tranquil harbor, the four chairs stand as cheerful sentinels, each painted in a different, lively hue. Their bold colors—turquoise, orange, sunny yellow, and deep red, —contrast harmoniously with the muted tones of the fog and the sea. These chairs appear to whisper stories of shared moments, laughter, and contemplation, making them a symbol of a cherished gathering place.

The fog's gentle embrace softens the edges of the scene, lending an air of mystery and timelessness. The mist adds a layer of depth to the image, transforming the dock into a dreamscape where the chairs seem to float, suspended between earth and sky. The effect is both calming and enchanting, inviting viewers to imagine themselves in this tranquil refuge.

This photograph captures the essence of Peggy's Cove—a place where nature's beauty and human warmth converge. It invites viewers to take a seat, to pause, and to immerse themselves in the coastal serenity of this maritime haven. "Have a Seat" is a visual invitation to embrace the simple joys of life and the enchanting beauty of a foggy morning by the sea.

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Maritime Tableau

"Maritime Tableau" is a more whimsical photograph captured on the same foggy day in Nova Scotia. This image showcases the maritime spirit and the quirky, vibrant character of the region, transporting viewers into a charming and surreal coastal scene that would suit any rustic decor.

At the center of this composition, a traditional fishing shed becomes a canvas for artistic expression. Adorned with lobster traps and a mural painted with seagulls in flight against a patch of blue sky. Completing this charming tableau is a life-sized dummy of a fisherman, dressed in authentic rain gear, adding an element of surprise and human presence to the composition.

"Maritime Tableau" is a photograph that captures the heart and soul of Atlantic Canada. It invites viewers to step into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, where the fog amplifies the sense of wonder, and where the coastal spirit of creativity and perseverance is celebrated. This whimsical scene reminds us that even on the mistiest of mornings, the maritime charm of Nova Scotia shines through, creating a captivating and memorable experience by the sea.

3D Rocky Abstract

This abstract rocky texture photograph looks three-dimensional.

"Rocky Abstract," captures the rugged beauty of nature's enduring artistry. This fine art photograph unveils a mesmerizing rocky texture that transcends the boundaries of two dimensions and beckons viewers into a world of tactile wonder, where one can almost feel the coarse, weathered surface beneath their fingertips.

The interplay of light and shadow creates a dynamic visual symphony across the rocky surface. Every contour, every jagged edge, is highlighted with precision, and the texture is so palpable, it seems as if one could reach out and trace the history etched into each stone's surface.

The color palette further accentuates the three-dimensional qualities of the photograph. Warm earthy tones and cool shadowy blues add depth and dimension to the rocky landscape.

Positioned as a striking centerpiece or a subtle yet powerful accent, this photograph has the innate ability to transform any space. Its ability to evoke a sense of touch through the visual medium lends an undeniable aura of sophistication and depth to any environment. "Rocky Abstract" is not just a photograph; it's an immersive experience, an invitation to connect with the timeless beauty of our planet's rocky landscapes. Whether displayed in a minimalist, modern gallery or a cozy, rustic interior, this photograph transcends mere decor and becomes a testament to the enduring power of nature's artistry.

Nautical Abstracts Collection

"Nautical Abstracts" is a captivating collection of three abstract photographs that celebrate the unique and vibrant textures found on the side of a fishing boat in the picturesque harbor of St. John's, Newfoundland. Each photograph in this series showcases a different facet of this coastal beauty, rendered in bold and contrasting colors of red, turquoise-blue, and rust. These pieces can stand alone as stunning artworks or come together to form a harmonious triptych, making them versatile additions to any space.

Whether displayed individually to infuse a room with a specific color palette and mood or as a set to create a cohesive visual narrative, "Nautical Abstracts" transcend the ordinary. These abstract photographs not only celebrate the textures of a fishing boat in St. John's, Newfoundland but also invite viewers to explore the dynamic interplay of colors and emotions that define this unique coastal experience. "Nautical Abstracts" is a versatile collection that brings the spirit of Newfoundland's shores into your space, echoing the age-old stories and vibrant traditions of this maritime gem.

The Nautical Abstracts Collection makes a bold and colourful statement of the walls of a seafood restaurant.

National Best in Class for Animals 2021

An award winning photo of a Golden Retriever in autumn leaves.

My photo of a Golden Retriever in autumn leaves in Centennial Park, Moncton won Best in Class for Animals in the 2021 Professional Photographers of Canada National Image Competition! I also received scores of Excellence on my Modern Family and Black to the Bone images, and was a finalist for National Photographic Artist of the Year.

You can find more of my Pet Photography here.

Atlantic Region Photographic Artist of the Year 2020

The winning images from my 2020 Photographic Artist of the Year Award from Professional Photographers of Canada, Atlantic Region.

Well, this is getting to be a habit! For the third year in a row, I took home the Photographic Artist of the Year trophy in the Professional Photographers of Canada Atlantic Region Image Competition!

My photo of a canoe at sunset on Bennett Lake in Fundy National Park won Best in Class for Pictorial/Floral and a Judge’s Choice.

My photo of a black Ayam Cemani rooster titled “Black to the Bone” won Best in Class for Fine Art and a Judge’s Choice.

AND my photo “Modern Family” depicting a blended family of dogs, a cat, a rooster and sugar gliders won Best in Class for Animals, the Bruce Berry Award for Best General Print, and not one but two Judge’s Choice Awards!

Atlantic Region Photographic Artist of the Year 2019

My winning images from the 2019 PPOC Atlantic Regional Image Competition

I was surprised and delighted to win the title of Photographic Artist of the Year for the second year in a row in the Professional Photographers of Canada Atlantic Region’s Image Competition.

My photo of an abandoned house titled “Reclaimed Wood” won Best in Class for Fine Art, and my close up photo of a black bear, titled “Bear Neccessity” won Best in Class for Animals.

CBC New Brunswick Article

This beautiful sunset at my beloved Anderson Hollow Lighthouse was one of the images featured in the CBC New Brunswick article.

A couple of weeks ago, I received a message from CBC New Brunswick on Instagram. They had featured some of my work in the past, now they wanted to know if I’d like to do an “IG takeover” where they’d share a few of my images throughout one day, along with some of my photography tips. Of course, I said “yes”, and sent off some images and captions. Well they loved my tips so much, next thing I knew, a reporter called and interviewed me for a full article on their website! What an honour! Here is the article:

Capturing nature: 5 tips from an award-winning photographer | CBC News

Tracy Munson may have discovered her passion for photography later in life, but she's always had a love of animals. Before she became a full-time photographer, Munson was a veterinary technician in Ontario for 25 years, so pet photography was an obvious transition for her.