A Journey to the Remote Wilderness: Flying Up to Lac Brochet

The thrill of adventure runs deep in a photographer’s soul. It’s that desire to explore uncharted territories and capture moments of beauty in the most remote of places. I embarked on a journey that took me to Lac Broch et, a pristine and secluded region nestled in the heart of Northern Manitoba. Armed with my trusty Fujifilm X30, I set out to document this extraordinary trip.

The Road Less Traveled

Our journey began with a long and shared drive from Winnipeg to Thompso n, a small town situated deep in the northern reaches of Manitoba. This leg of the trip was an adventure in itself, as we traversed the winding roads and dense forests of this picturesque province. One of the many reasons I’m a massive fan of the Fujifilm system is the ability to apply recipes that allow me to craft images (jpgs) in-camera, emulating the timeless charm of film stock. For my adventure to Lac Brochet, I opted for the Classic Kodak Chrome recipe. If you’re interested in exploring Fujifilm recipes for your own photography, you can find a treasure trove of them here, each offering a unique visual experience that can elevate your photography journey.

View of Thompson town hall photographed in the winter by Winnipeg Wedding Photographer Michael Scorr. The image was taken on a Fujifilm x30 and processed in camera with a Classic Kodak Chrome recipe.

Picture of a man with sun on his face as he stands in -40 weather. The image was taken on a Fujifilm x30 and processed in camera with a Classic Kodak Chrome recipe

The recipe

Classic Chrome
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: -1 (Medium-Soft)
Shadow: 0 (Standard)
Color: +1 (Medium-High)
Sharpness: 0 (Standard)
Noise Reduction: -2 (Low)
White Balance: Auto, +2 Red & -2 Blue
ISO: Auto up to ISO 3200
Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 (typically)

From Thompson to the Skies

Upon reaching Thompson, we transitioned from wheels to wings. A small aircraft was waiting to transport us to our final destination: Lac Brochet. As we took off, I gazed out of the window, captivated by the ever-changing landscape below. The Fujifilm X30 in my hands was ready to capture the magic that unfolded before my eyes.

A photograph of Thompson airport by Winnipeg Photographer Michael Scorr.

Inside Thompson airport waiting to board the plane this image was shot from where I sat with a view of the surrounding occupied tables and a Pepsi machine on the left.

Aerial Wonders

The aerial perspective was nothing short of breathtaking. The endless expanse of untouched wilderness stretched as far as the eye could see. Rugged terrain, pristine lakes, and winding rivers painted a mesmerizing tableau below. I couldn’t help but snap a series of images, each one a testament to the grandeur of this remote region.

Picture of empty seats on board a plane. The image was taken on a Fujifilm x30 and processed in camera with a Classic Kodak Chrome recipe

Window view overlooking barren winter landscape below.

Arrival at Lac Brochet

As the aircraft descended toward Lac Brochet, I was struck by the sheer remoteness of our destination. Nestled among the boreal forests and surrounded by pristine waters, Lac Brochet is a place where time seems to stand still.

Image of a lone light post against a bright blue sky.

Image of an open gate fence with sign that says restricted area, authorized personnel only. Behind the fence sits a small plane.

The Fujifilm X30: My Trusted Companion

Throughout this journey, my Fujifilm X3 0 proved to be the perfect companion. Its compact size and versatility allowed me to capture both sweeping landscapes and intimate details with ease. The camera’s image quality and colour rendition ensured that every shot did justice to the remarkable scenery.

Photo of a bookshelf with old VHS cassette tapes.

Photo showing stacks of old vintage slides and video cassettes. one in particular stands out and that is a yellow Kodak 8mm P6-90 video cassette.

Image of sleigh dogs getting ready to race in the town of Lac Brochet northern Manitoba. Winnipeg Wedding Photographer Michael Scorr captures this image on a Fujifilm x30 and processed in camera with a Classic Kodak Chrome recipe.

The Essence of Adventure

My trip to Lac Brochet was a reminder of the boundless beauty that can be found in remote, untouched places. It was a journey that rekindled my passion for photography and the great outdoors. The images captured on this adventure serve as lasting mementos of a remarkable expedition into the heart of Northern Manitoba.

Image of an oil tank surrounded by snow with a bright blue sky.

Image of a airfield metal fence with a sign that shows a no snow mobiles allowed.

Picture of a window looking out onto an air strip in winter.

Image taken inside of Lac Brochet airport showing stacks of luggage waiting to board the plane back to Winnipeg.

In the end, it’s not just about the photographs; it’s about the experience, the connection with nature, the people you travel with and the stories your images tell. Lac Brochet, with its wild and untamed allure, has etched its place in my heart, and I can’t wait to return, camera in hand, to capture even more of its captivating essence.