I respectfully acknowledge that the land in and around Edmonton, Alberta is located within the Treaty 6 region, the ancestral and traditional territories of the ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ ᐊᐢᑭᕀ Nêhiyaw-Askiy (Plains Cree), Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce (Stoney), Michif Piyii (Métis), Tsuut’ina, and Cree people. Source: native-land.ca

It was an exceptionally hot mid-September afternoon, the grass was parched and dry, and the sun beat down with intense heat as sweat dripped down our bodies as Josh and I walked through the expansive park grounds. We were drawn to the pond by the sight of a flock of geese that had just landed on the water. Seeking reprieve from the harsh rays of the sun, we found a large tree to provide us with a sliver of shade. Just as we took cover, a group of geese began chasing each other and causing an entertaining commotion right in front of us. It was a truly exhilarating sight to witness.

Many of the following photos that are being shared were initially not selected during the process of culling and editing because the wrong area was in focus, had blown out highlights from the harsh mid-day light, did not have strong compositions, or did not stand well on their own. Despite these flaws, when viewed together as a group, these photos are able to convey a story and capture that memorable experience. As a result, the decision was made to share these photos as part of a “photo essay”.