Photographer Shel Neufeld is known for his important work in bringing the public’s attention to old growth and ancient forests. He has worked extensively with the Squamish nation, witnessing their ceremonies and helping the public understand the deep connections of indigenous people to ancient forests. He came away with a strong determination to “witness” wild spaces across Canada. This passion sometimes takes him above the tree line and into some of the most remote places on the planet.
In the summer of 2020 (and for his fiftieth birthday), Neufeld and close friend, filmmaker Jeremy Williams from Powell River, embarked on a fourteen-day journey that locals call the North Powell and the Daniels River Valley, home of some of the highest granite walls on the planet on some surreal landscape.
“On Day Two of our journey,” Neufeld says, “we were amazed to encounter this unbelievable granite drop overlooking one of the dozens of lakes that grace this granite wonderland. That’s Jeremy Williams standing near the cliff edge.“
Numerous challenges were in store for them, such as ridges, glaciers, snow, a small avalanche, malfunctioning footwear, and falling dark. At one point a little divine intervention had to be summoned.
“When we realized,” Neufeld continues, “that we couldn’t continue any farther due to darkness, uncertainty, and steep cliffs, we dropped our packs and headed off to see if there was anywhere, anywhere at all, we could squeeze a tent for the night. I honestly stopped, made a prayer, and surrendered. Humility and how to surrender are two wonderful lessons I’ve learned a lot about in the mountains.”
The divine did not disappoint, and what the benighted travellers needed in the form of a secure campsite was just nearby. Other adventures ensued.
In 2021, the pair headed up again and were again challenged by the terrain, heavy packs, and minor injuries. But the photographs were astounding.
“When I encountered these snow caves, my heart exploded in love and gratitude for the views and perspectives I gained looking out from them. Water was dripping and flowing everywhere, and I revelled at the texture from the inside and the vastness of the mountain views on the outside. The world within, constantly changing and shaping and reshaping, and the outside, with its flowing and billowy clouds. But even in the depths of the snow cave, light permeates, creating incredible blues and greys.”
One of Neufeld’s earliest professional shots was of a snow cave. These opportunities continue to have deep meaning for him.
“I honestly just climbed into this snow cave and took a snapshot from the inside out. I didn’t know much about photographic technique, but the moment was profound in so many ways. Looking out from inside the snow cave, I was just soaking in the healing and loving energy of the mountains.”
