Grand Teton Reflection

Tachihara 4x5, 135mm, 2-stop hard grad, Provia

Here's another favorite from my Wyoming vacation; this time from the Tetons. A friend and I did a 4 day loop hike sort of around the northwest side behind the Tetons. Although I appreciate the intention of National Parks to preserve the land, I get annoyed by all the regulations such as only being allowed to camp in certains spots. I had scoped out this lake on a map beforehand, and really wanted to camp there, realizing that it would give a cool vantage point of the Grand.

On the 3rd day, we pretended we were backcountry rebels, and when no rangers were around we jumped into the trees and bushwacked about 2 miles, 1800 feet up to this lake. Sure enough the vantage was just as I imagined, and soon after unpacking and setting up the tent, the show started with this amazing fog rising up out of the valley, and a calm reflection. We were both in awe as the fog drifted about and the late afternoon light bounced around. I was burning through the quickloads too of course. I ended up with several good shots, with different variations of fog and light, even some alpenglow ones, but this is my favorite of them, with the most fog and interesting higher clouds.

Very nice! I like how the fog and tree line create the illusion of an abyss.

I know you're into dark images , but I'd try to lighten up the peaks just a touch. It would give my eye more to rest on in the center of the image. That's my ONLY nit. The rest is truly fantastic.

Hey Scott, thanks for the suggestion. I just tried it, but lightening the peaks doesn't work because then they blend in to the fog too much. So then I tried making the peak a little darker, which I actually think helped out with what you were saying. Go figure.

Jack just plain terrible, I will be glad to hold on to the 4x5 for you.

Very nice, Jack! Nice to see a different perspective, too. The interplay of the mist and clouds is fantastic. The way that the trees at the far end of the lake are set off by the fog...very moody.

Yet another photographer who owes me my cloud-use royalty payment! Jack, this is just awesome! Is this anywhere near Solitude Lake, or totally off-trail?

I personally like it the way it is (it has a nice mood). This is a beautiful photo, by the way. Very good composition and unusual weather conditions. Thanks for sharing.

Sorry, Todd, I was using a pirated version of your clouds. Haha! Our loop hike took us past Solitude Lake, but this is not it... this is way off-trail.

Glad you highlighted this shot. It is one of my favorites. I wouldn't change a thing.

Dang....Nice Jack.

Nathan

Sweeet........nice effort to get there too. I wouldn't expect anything less from you. I'm glad that your work paid off.

Whoa! what a great shot!

Wow, that is awesome! I wish I had been able to get into the backcountry when I was there. Someday! Oh, and way to steal Todd's clouds.

Hi Jack, I certainly don't know what you had to work with at this location, but this is one shot where I would dash the rules and put the twin reflected peaks near the center. I like the leading lines from the reflected righthand shore and think similar strong lines on the left would add to the shot. A bit wider lens would help to pull off what I envision.

Notwithstanding, this is a great shot and kudos on previsualizing the location and getting there. You certainly were rewarded, not only with the light but also with some peace and solitude!!

Ansel Adams would envy this!

Amazing moody image. I am amazed at how people can be fortunate enough to find fog that is picturesque.

Scott

love it

Unbelievable setting! Just when I thought I had seen all the views possible of Grand Teton, you come up with this one! Is this lake on topos, or is it too small register a blip?


Don

Thanks for your comments!

John - I do agree with your comments... though I like how it is, I probably would have framed the mountains a bit more in the center had I been able to predict the fog! You can faintly see a third mountain to the right side (hidden by fog here), which was part of my original framing. I too wished I had a bit wider lens, to work in some foreground - which is why I bought a 120mm and am selling my 135mm.

Don - I was indeed happy to get a unique perspective on the Grand. This lake is on the topos... just some somewhat tricky bushwacking required, but nothing too crazy!