This morning I hiked up above Black Lake in RMNP for sunrise. It wasn't a spectacular sunrise, but the location is beautiful. I have been wanting to try this shot for a couple of years now after seeing some images from this area posted by Todd Caudle and Brett Edge in July 2004. Todd's shot is still the all time best shot of McHenry that I've ever seen and this one I've taken was inspired by his. Todd, if you have the time post a copy of your shot in this thread. I haven't seen it for a year or so.
Absolutely beautiful! I really like the composition and combo of waterfall, lake and alpen glow. You are motivating me to get back out there soon. With sunrise at 5:30AM and ~ 5 mls. of hiking I bet you had to hit the trail early to get morning light here. How was the trail? It looks pretty snow free from this perspective.
I am the same way sometimes thinking 'what if I only had some clouds?' But either way this is a really nice shot and all the more reason to go again once a little weather rolls in.
I have got to get back up there with my digital rig! The 35MM film just doesn't do it justice. Nice work, Erik. It probably only took you what, 30 minutes to hike from bottom to top?
Here's one of my versions from a few years ago. I also photographed it w/o the FG rock ledge, but it's too much like the Todd's (thanks for the idea, dude!).
Very cool Bret! I remember this shot of yours! Thanks for the inspiration!
Here's another one from this morning. I took quite a few in the area this morning and have only processed 3 of them. I'm sure there are a couple of keepers but I need to get my head back in my studies today.
Posted by Doug Andrews on June 29, 2007 at 4:48 PM
SUHWEET pics Eric and Bret. Hopefully the wildflowers were as good as the lady who came into your gallery while I was there Wednesday morning said they were.
Erik: That second photo is AWESOME! I love the addition of the melting snow at the edge of the creek. Really gives a feeling for the season.
Posted by Todd Caudle on June 29, 2007 at 11:19 PM
Sorry for the delay, y'all. Haven't had much time for online fun today. And thanks for the kudos on the shot, Erik, but yours and Bret's are amazing. I like Bret's with the wider view. I didn't have a wide enough lens with me for the 4x5 to include that great FG rock that splits the crick. Erik, I don't know which of the two I like better, they're both great. I'm amazed by the solid line of demarkation between sunny and shaded in that second one.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on June 30, 2007 at 3:11 AM
They're all great. Nice use of the stream. I can see your inspiration in Todd's shot, Eric. Beautiful location and great shots!
Nice! I really love the last shot. The way the water leads down to the lake. The first shot has some wow factor, but since the water doesn't really lead it strikes me more as two photos that don't really belong together. theres also a mild bluecast.
That's quite a pre-sunrise hike; I've done it as a day-hike....
Both are beautiful Erik. I'd lift either file from your computer if given the opportunity , but it time were limited, I'd be sure to take that first one first. The subtle warmth and saturated blues and greens are fantastic.
Interesting variety of compositions - all of them are outstanding. I'll have to try to figure out how to get up there by sunrise....
I think Todd's photo is the first image of the Black Lake are I ever saw when I googled it a couple years ago. I like the interplay of light & clouds in Todd's, and I acutally think it works better without the foreground rock.
I really like the foreground rocks and light in Erik's version #646. Definately on my list of places to go. How far above the lake is this? 15 min or so?
Discussion
16 repliesI am the same way sometimes thinking 'what if I only had some clouds?' But either way this is a really nice shot and all the more reason to go again once a little weather rolls in.
Thanks for posting.
Here's one of my versions from a few years ago. I also photographed it w/o the FG rock ledge, but it's too much like the Todd's (thanks for the idea, dude!).
Here's another one from this morning. I took quite a few in the area this morning and have only processed 3 of them. I'm sure there are a couple of keepers but I need to get my head back in my studies today.
Both are beautiful Erik. I'd lift either file from your computer if given the opportunity
Interesting variety of compositions - all of them are outstanding. I'll have to try to figure out how to get up there by sunrise....
I really like the foreground rocks and light in Erik's version #646. Definately on my list of places to go. How far above the lake is this? 15 min or so?