Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
From Giant's Shoulder
‹ PreviousWeekly Challenge GalleryNext ›

From Giant's Shoulder

by Wayne Jones

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted December 30, 2015208 views6 comments
Click on the image above for a larger view, or the expansion symbol for an even larger detail view.

I don't know if this is my best shot from 2015, but it is certainly one of my favorites.  That's partly due to the process of making this image.  The site (Giant's Nubble, overlooking Giant's Washbowl) is not generally regarded as a destination by local hikers since it's a mile-long detour on the way to one of the Adirondack High Peaks, and most climbers are more interested in "bagging" Giant Mountain, two miles further and 2,000 feet higher.  I had seen the view shot by others, but usually with a composition that left me wanting more, and never exposed at sunrise.  From what I know of shooting in the area, I thought it would look great at sunrise, and I hoped I could find a better vantage point and foreground.  But I had not made a steep climb like that in years in daylight, much less in the dark (I'll post a couple of cellphone shots of the trail in a comment, below).  After visualizing it, I decided to attempt the climb, and this was my reward.  I posted it on NPN in October.  This version of the Web reduction is tweaked just a bit, based on input from that post.

Canon 5D3; Canon 24-105 mm.; circ. pol.
4 vertical images stitched in PSCC

Comments

6 comments
Comment posted by Wayne Jones on December 30, 2015 at 9:47 PM
Here are a couple of cell-phone shots of the trail to this place, that I shot on the way back.  It was an interesting walk in the dark.
Registered on April 18, 2007, 953 Posts, 6435 Comments
Comment posted by Dennis Plank on December 31, 2015 at 2:26 PM
Must have been tough just finding that trail in the dark, Wayne, but the result certainly looks worth it.  It's a wonderful view and the image is just stunning.  Very well done, and I can certainly see why it's one of your favorites and probably one of your best.

devil
Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments
Comment posted by Albert Darmo on December 31, 2015 at 6:18 PM
Hi Wayne crying   An  amazing scene   wonderfully  captured.  well worth the effort.  great to see  you in such  good shapeenlightened


Albert Darmo
Canada
Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments
Comment posted by scott lanz on January 1, 2016 at 8:36 AM
Gorgeous, Wayne. Your effort was rewarded with a beautiful sunrise sky and light. devil Happy New Year. crying
Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Seaver on January 1, 2016 at 12:18 PM
The colors and details in the forest as it recedes into the distance are terrific, Wayne.  It sure does look like a challenging "walk" in the dark, but well worth the effort.
Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Lockhart on January 6, 2016 at 12:49 PM
Just a gorgeous shot Wayne and certainly worth the time and energy.  "Giant" struck a chord, so looked up the mountain on Google Earth and sure enough, I've probably seen signs for it on the route I take up to the Saranac Lake area.  In fact, stopping by Chapel Pond is always a must-do on the way.  Is the trail head on Rt 73 somewhere?
Registered on February 19, 2013, 91 Posts, 500 Comments