Minus Ten Degrees

This is the frozen Bertha Lake at the base of Anderson Peak, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta. It was the third coldest photography/backpacking trip I've ever done. Windchill was about -30. I think the weather gods should have given me better clouds for putting up with the conditions.

You know, Marc, photography is great and photography is good but at thirty below, it ain't that great and it ain't that good!

I think this is great. A really beautiful scene and looks fricking COLDER than cold. Great strong lines running all over the place in this one. Can't imagine trying to change ISO settings at -30.....

Marc,
Another stellar image IMHO, The silvery half frozen lake really draws the eyes in. . I've camed in 15 degree cold before. I was pretty miserable. Of course my sleeping bag wasn't rated for that cold weather. I slept in my cloths and I think thats where I went wrong. How did you keep warm in those frigid temps? I assume you have a good sleeping bag. Did you spend all of your evening hours in the tent? I'm just curious.

I used a Marmot "COL" -20 degree down bag. One of the best sleeping bags you can buy and one of three that I use throughout the seasons. I also brought many synthetic layers and a Mountain Hardwear down parka for lounging around camp. -10 isn't that cold unless there is wind. With any wind, camera opperation is a problem because your fingers go cold in seconds. Even without wind they can get pretty cold if your body isn't warm. I use a light weight pair of gloves under heavy mittens for camera opperation so my skin is not exposed. I simply remove the outer layer of heavy mittens when taking pictures. I also have insulated semi-rigid Lowe Mountaineering boots for my feet. I do end up often spending 12 hours in the tent on Winter nights though, more because there just isn't anything to do in the dark after dinner. I once read a book (Touching the Void) in even colder weather high in Great Basin National Park.

Hi Marc. You have been posting spectacular photos, this one included. There is nothing here to comment on, except that it's technically perfect, and very enjoyable to look at. I am also grateful that you have described some of your gear. I am trying to get myself set up for winter camping. I am curious as to what model your down jacket is (you mention it's Mountain Hardwear). Since jackets are not temperature rated (as far I know), it is difficult to tell which one is warmer than the next one.

Thanks again for sharing.

I think this is a good composition and exposure of an average scene. I find the lake more interesting than the mountain, which makes the mountain a bit of a distraction for me.. I think the conditions under which it was taken is more interesting than the image itself.

It's a beautiful scene. I can feel the chill in the air. The lake isn't completely frozen is it? I can't tell if it is clear ice with no snow on it, or nearly frozen water.

It's clear ice and it's pretty thick too. I could see where a Deer walked across it. Winter moved in really fast and what little snow had fallen had blown off some areas.

That's pretty sweet then. It makes me like it even more...but ya know already its not going in your portfolio.

Marc, nice capture and I agree with you, Gods, could have given you better clouds with those temps. I have a question for you, how in the heck did you keep battery life out there for all those days?