Went for a short backpacking trip to Crater Lake in South San Juan Wilderness. Had a really stormy afternoon/evening.
Compositions are tough at the lake in my opinion. I feel like I missed on whole bunch of stuff. Due to comp problems. Also, the lake was never still enough to get a great mirror reflection. Finally, I never really got the great blue color the lake is known for during the weekend. Nevertheless, it was a fun trip to a beautiful place in one of the lesser visited regions in the state.
This image is from sunrise on a clear morning after the storms of the night before. That's all the light the peaks catch at sunrise, but I think it's enough.
Some more images below. Oh, and I have one more over on ESS (something different than the usual grand scenics I post over there).
Little bit tighter shot of some fascinating cliffs into the lake.
Posted by Todd Caudle on June 26, 2007 at 12:11 AM
I know you might fell like you let a few shots get away, because I've been there. But trust me, you got some great stuff! Doerzman's probably drooling all over his keyboard right about now. (but he'll blame it on his kid.)
Todd has no idea!!!!! And yes, I am typing one handed, with the kiddo in the other hand! The drool is all mine though!!!
Awesome Brian! You should be really happy with these! I know what you mean though, tough spot. That place is kind of tight on all sides. Your second shot looks like it was from the spot we set out tent last time. Looking forward to more!!!
Thanks for the comments Todd and Brent! It was partially Brent who inspired me to get there a couple of years ago with his images. And Todd images (especially in his great 14ers book) continue to inspire me to go to ever new places.
Brent- It probably was the same place, as that east side really only has about 2 areas of level ground. We ended up camping in the middle of a downed tree fortress (downed trees surrounding maybe a 30 square foot area) right near a cliff overlooking the lake and the river exit. We felt quite secure in our tree fortress. Since it was the South San Juans, we had our eyes peeled for those lost grizzlies. While my heart wishes they might be there, my mind says they're long gone. But when you're out camping in the wild, it was sure nice to find a little tree fortress just in case they are still around! Did some really big cat tracks though, but did not get my camera out because of rain.
WOWZERS! These are awesome photographs! Im drooling for two reasons. First the images are awesome second because I have not been able to get out due to the new Business Aquisition taking up all of my time and funds to go out and shoot.
Fantastic shots Brian!! I don't think you can ask for much better reflection than the first shot. I really love the first three. The detailed shots of the snow chutes are nice also, but don't really convey the full character of the place.
John
Posted by Mel Ladewig on June 26, 2007 at 11:40 AM
Great stuff Brian. Some places are really tough to get a good composition, but are still very beautiful.
Mel-
Posted by Jack Brauer on June 26, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Hey Brian, nice shots! I really like the colors in the second one. Is this the Crater Lake under North Twilight Peak, south of Andrews Lake?
I'll answer that one Jack. This is the Crater Lake in the South San Juans, about 8 1/2 miles southeast (as the crow flies) of Wolf Creek Pass, accessed via Elwood Pass. That Crater Lake near Twilight has been on my list for a long time also! They are among 10 lakes in Colorado named Crater. Hmmm.... maybe getting to all of them would be a fun goal!! One down, 9 to go!
Brian, the 1st image rocks. I'd really like the 3rd, but the leaning trees bother me some. Looks like a great time out and another of many places I'd like to see in person.
Thanks for sharing,
Craig
Posted by Doug Andrews on June 26, 2007 at 2:15 PM
Man these are nice. I really like the Corn Lillys in the foreground of the first one. Well done.
Brian, I know what you mean about not feeling like you came home with what you may have pre-visualized, but let me tell you, these are some sweet images! You handled the lighting in each situation perfectly and I find the comps wonderfully pleasing. Of all the pics, the first is my favorite. The leaves of the vegitation are perfectly exposed and tack sharp!
Discussion
16 repliesCompositions are tough at the lake in my opinion. I feel like I missed on whole bunch of stuff. Due to comp problems. Also, the lake was never still enough to get a great mirror reflection. Finally, I never really got the great blue color the lake is known for during the weekend. Nevertheless, it was a fun trip to a beautiful place in one of the lesser visited regions in the state.
This image is from sunrise on a clear morning after the storms of the night before. That's all the light the peaks catch at sunrise, but I think it's enough.
Some more images below. Oh, and I have one more over on ESS (something different than the usual grand scenics I post over there).
Your comments are appreciated. Thanks!
Awesome Brian! You should be really happy with these! I know what you mean though, tough spot. That place is kind of tight on all sides. Your second shot looks like it was from the spot we set out tent last time.
Brent- It probably was the same place, as that east side really only has about 2 areas of level ground. We ended up camping in the middle of a downed tree fortress (downed trees surrounding maybe a 30 square foot area) right near a cliff overlooking the lake and the river exit. We felt quite secure in our tree fortress. Since it was the South San Juans, we had our eyes peeled for those lost grizzlies. While my heart wishes they might be there, my mind says they're long gone. But when you're out camping in the wild, it was sure nice to find a little tree fortress just in case they are still around! Did some really big cat tracks though, but did not get my camera out because of rain.
John
Mel-
Topozone map
Thanks for sharing,
Craig