Notchtop Mountain

I met up with Erik yesterday for a hike/snowshoe up to Two Rivers lake, near the base of Notchtop Mountain (Rocky Mountain NP). It wasn't looking very promising as we approached the lake - the wind was nuts as usual and clouds off to the east were threatening to block the rising sun. But a couple of seams in the clouds allowed for a few minutes of nice light thoughout the morning. That just left the wind to contend with, forcing us to set up on rocks to avoid having tripods and cameras blown across the lake....

Another one. Not sure what I was thinking here - should have moved left and panned right to keep the foreground as is but position Notchtop closer to the left eddge. Still, I like the subtle light in the scene, so here it is!

Rick,

The first one looks a little better to my eyes as far as lighting. I agree about the composition of the second. The zig zag rock patterns are interesting, but the peak would look better on the left.

I'm missing that part of living in Denver. I felt the winter access to high mountains was a little better from there. Going to RMNP is an all day outing from here.

I love 'em both, but the first one rocks the loudest.

Good shootin' Rick. I like 'em both a lot and agree with Todd on #1. The snow drift leads my eye right to the mountain.

Nice shots Rick! I like the way the snow in the first snow leads the eye though the rocks and to the mountains. Wish I would have seen that. Enjoyed being up there with you. Here's one of the shots I took just before we left, nothing special but it was nice to be out.

Nice shootin' guys!

Rick, I too, like your first shot better. Cool snow patterns in the foreground. Could you pull more detail from the snow ripples?

Erik, like yours too!

Rick:

That first one rocks! The light is gorgeous and the mix of snow/rocks in the FG creates a nice leading line. Love it!

Erik:

Nothing special? I beg to differ. I like the subtle hints of blue in the FG ice and the way the trees rise on each side of the frame to "cradle" the mountain. Nice work!

Great shots, guys. Rick, I like number #1 as well – it has a nice touch of morning sun on the peaks.

Thanks everyone! Erik - nice shooting; I like the lead-in with the snow and, like Bret, like the 'cradle' effect of the trees. It was definitely nice being out - great morning all around.

Scott - good suggestion, good eye. I was too lazy to blend two images this morning , but I do have one that I exposed for the snow.

Those shots inspired me to go dig my snowshoes out. Hope that we don't have as windy a winter as last year.

Great images! I really like the light on the first one.

It looks like you both had a great trip and good results all around.

Rick, the colors in your first are definitely stronger, but I like how the second shot show the effects of those winds. Very neat snow sculpture!! Great shot too Erik.