Frosted May

Gallery: LandscapePosted May 14, 2014399 views15 comments

Winter reappeared this weekend in Rocky Mountain National Park and dumped over a foot of snow. Last night the temperature dropped to around 13 degrees and kept the snow in perfect condition for sunrise. I have been trying to take a photo like this of Dream Lake for a year. All of the magical elements of fresh snow, crisp skies, and a lack of wind hadn't come together for me until this morning. Although the image is far from perfect, I am happy to have one that, in my opinion, at least somewhat captures the beauty of the lake.

Feedback is welcome!!

Nikon D5100
Tokina 11-16 mm
16 mm
ISO 100
f/11
1/5 sec
tripod

Comments

15 comments

Comment posted by Ian Cameron on May 14, 2014 at 10:18 PM

Crystal I will certainly settle for this "lack of perfection" if you have any spare to send my way I can swap you a few of my grey Scottish skies. It's a seriously beautiful shot maybe I would ease up on the red's a fraction but your composition is very sound and I like the blood red spots in the water juxtaposed with the blue toned snow pillows.

Registered on August 6, 2004, 1125 Posts, 3318 Comments

Comment posted by Marylynne Diggs on May 14, 2014 at 10:32 PM

Ditto what Ian said. This is wonderful. Great composition, light, the intensity of the reds and the light in the rock faces pulls the viewer in, maybe too much? I would love to see it with a little less red (as Ian said) and perhaps a tish of dodging in the highlights.

Registered on December 14, 2010, 122 Posts, 1034 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Schrayer on May 15, 2014 at 3:04 AM

Very lovely image, Crystal. I like the snow covered rocks in the foreground and the light on the peaks is spectacular. Excellent take on this spot!!

Registered on May 28, 2004, 114 Posts, 2890 Comments

Comment posted by Grant Collier on May 15, 2014 at 4:21 AM

Fantastic shot! Way to take advantage of this late snowfall.

Registered on July 29, 2005, 73 Posts, 430 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Cothran on May 15, 2014 at 4:37 AM

My only suggestion would be to tone down the sunlit peak a bit. It's on the verge of being too bright (IMO).

Registered on December 5, 2012, 31 Posts, 730 Comments

Comment posted by Karsten Wrobel on May 15, 2014 at 10:59 AM

the pattern of snow-covered fg rocks and the reflection in the lake are superb... I agree with Michael about the sunlit mountain being very bright... beautiful shot and a wonderful winter mood

Registered on November 1, 2008, 117 Posts, 851 Comments

Comment posted by Harry Lichtman on May 15, 2014 at 2:50 PM

I might consider a crop to eliminate the snowshoe tracks, or careful cloning if that is a possibility. I would agree with aothers about the strong orange rockface and trees

Registered on September 17, 2010, 304 Posts, 3507 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Teller on May 15, 2014 at 9:10 PM

Just a beautiful image. The snow is exposed very well and I really like the composition. One main reason why I like this image is because it draws me in and I can picture myself being there. I am going to have to get back to Dream Lake in the winter sometime. You have inspired me.

Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments

Comment posted by Kah Kit Yoong on May 15, 2014 at 10:51 PM

A stunning winter mountain scene.

Registered on September 27, 2006, 636 Posts, 10682 Comments

Comment posted by John Neukirch on May 16, 2014 at 1:10 AM

Wonderful comp here Crystal, exquisite conditions. Something looks a tad off in the sun lid areas to me, can't put my finger on it. Maybe a little over exposed. What area of the park are you working in? I'll be passing through RMNP for the Memorial Day weekend. I'll be on the lookout for your name tag, would love to pick your brain for current spots for wildlife in the park.

Registered on July 9, 2012, 207 Posts, 1476 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on May 16, 2014 at 4:12 AM

First of all, welcome to NPN. This is a neat look at Hallet's Peak with a special foreground and some great light. The reflections and bits of ice in the stream are great as well. The reds in the peak do seem too bright.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Crystal Brindle on May 16, 2014 at 10:22 PM

Thank you all! I'll work on adjusting the highlights and reds.

Registered on February 14, 2014, 4 Posts, 16 Comments

Comment posted by Crystal Brindle on May 16, 2014 at 10:26 PM

John Neukirch - I'll be working at the Backcountry Office. Stop on by!

Registered on February 14, 2014, 4 Posts, 16 Comments

Comment posted by Gary McGhee on May 18, 2014 at 1:42 PM

Very nice, gorgeous light and colour.

Gary.

Registered on April 15, 2010, 142 Posts, 2416 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Fach on May 18, 2014 at 9:34 PM

Crystal: One of my all time favorite places on the planet and one I haven't visited in too long. My first impression was that Hallett is a little hot. Is this a single exposure and/or did you use a grad? No matter what this is a beautiful scene and a fine capture. >=))>

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments