Lake of the Clouds Hut

Gallery: Man & NaturePosted April 3, 20071,034 views10 comments

This shot was taken just below the summit of Mount Washington, looking down along the AT. The hut in the LLC is called Lake of the Clouds, and is a popular backcountry stopover for through hikers.

Given the popularity of the place, and the frequent chances to shoot this vantage, I strive to get something different. Clouds, motion and light, always waiting for a good combination...

With clouds dancing below the peak, I shot this about a half hour after sunset. For me, this is different...but does it work for you compositionally and tonally?

Canon 20D + Sigma 18-200mm
30 Seconds @ F14
ISO 100
Polarizer
B&W Conversion in Channel Mixer...

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Scott Fricke on April 3, 2007 at 11:14 PM

Beautiful image Jim. I think you accomplished what you were striving for. The composition works great for me, I especially like the motion of the clouds due to the long exposure, you really get a sense of the movement of the storm.I also like the field of view you have chosen, just the right amount of clouds and mountainside and the hut really shows the scale of the landscape, the photo is better because it is included.

Registered on January 19, 2007, 133 Posts, 1448 Comments

Comment posted by Lincoln Castricone on April 4, 2007 at 9:00 AM

I am moved by this composition, Jim. For me, an almost thru AT hiker who now lives in the Mountain West, this shot captures the smooth curves and majesty of the Appalachians.

Of course, this would be a different shot, but I'm wondering what that hut would look like if it was big enough to be more recognizable as a hut, swimming in that dramatic, primitive environment. I guess just cropping it tighter would only lose much of the cloud scape. Thanks for posting this.

Registered on February 10, 2007, 86 Posts, 167 Comments

Comment posted by Ana on April 4, 2007 at 3:12 PM

I love the flow of the clouds you've captured --if not for the little hut it could almost be a shot of stones in a stream and that sets up a really nice play of scale.

Registered on February 10, 2004, 191 Posts, 1446 Comments

Comment posted by David Weber on April 4, 2007 at 5:24 PM

A grand and sweeping vista, Jim!

I just opened today's newspaper, and when I turned to page 9 I saw a picture of you under the headline, "Job Can Blow You Away". You're knocking snow off equipment on the top of the observatory. You look very cold! So, how much wind can you withstand and remain on your feet?

Registered on February 7, 2005, 296 Posts, 2737 Comments

Comment posted by Mary Dennis on April 5, 2007 at 6:38 PM

I like how I have to really look to find that little hut. It forces me to confront the scale. This sure looks like an otherwordly place Jim.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 290 Posts, 2897 Comments

Comment posted by Kent Staubus on April 9, 2007 at 12:12 AM

The shot works. It works because of the creamy smooth clouds flowing over the ridge, and also the alternating white spots and dark mountainside. I don't think it would work nearly as well if everything was snow covered. There wouldn't be the contrast for one thing. The image is strengthened by the many diagonal lines too.

Kent in SD

Registered on November 11, 2003, 121 Posts, 2098 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Benner on April 9, 2007 at 8:19 AM

Interesting composition. Congratulations.

Registered on December 8, 2003, 482 Posts, 1868 Comments

Comment posted by Marc Adamus on April 11, 2007 at 1:40 PM

Yeah, it works! WOW! Jim, this is one of the best atmospheric shots I've ever seen. The sense of vastness, wind, and weather is stunning. Exceptional work here. Probably my favorite image of yours.

Registered on September 17, 2005, 780 Posts, 8091 Comments

Comment posted by Kah Kit Yoong on April 12, 2007 at 5:41 AM

A super shot. Never scene clouds so ethereal.

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

Comment posted by Carol Hyman on April 21, 2007 at 10:00 AM

Hi Jim, I love images with levels of depth. You've done a wonderful job of capturing the clouds creeping down into the mountain crevices. The wonderful wisps of clouds add to the composition.

Very nice job.

Thanks for inspiring me.

Carol

Registered on January 18, 2007, 597 Posts, 8062 Comments