Posted by Jack Brauer on August 8, 2007 at 8:01 PM
A couple weeks ago I backpacked around the Maroon Bells - the famous Four Pass Loop. It's about 25 miles, over 4 grueling passes. I spent five days along the trail, but could easily have spent 10 days... it's so incredible out there! It's definitely one of my favorite hikes I've done in Colorado.
This shot was from Fravert Basin, on the backside of the Bells. I was taking pictures of the shadows passing over the peaks, as the storm clouds came closer and closer. Finally it started rumbling too close for comfort so I packed my camera gear up as fast as I could and ran a half mile back down to the trees as the lightning started booming above. This sort of thing happened just about every day... trying to sneak in some photo opps in between storms.
That is so pretty!! The area looks amazing! Jack, I love the rocky foreground and stormy sky. Backpacking and camping there must be a heaven! The photos on your site look great! This one is my favorite, however.
Jack, your shots are stunning! I was in the same area on July 17th hiking to West Maroon Pass from the Maroon Bells area. We encountered the same crazy storm, but it caught us above tree line and started with hail, then lightning and thunder. Not a good place to be. The area was stunning and your are correct, one of the best hikes I have been on. We did not have camping gear so we had to put our heads down and hike out!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on August 8, 2007 at 9:37 PM
Superb trip report! That Snowmass Peak reflection in Snowmass Lake is a killer.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on August 8, 2007 at 9:45 PM
Beautiful shots! I like this one and the Snowmass sunrise.
Looks like you had some amazing light and clouds on your trip, Jack. This is killer in every respect!
Posted by Jack Brauer on August 8, 2007 at 10:46 PM
I appreciate all your comments! They're really encouraging. To be honest I was a bit discouraged after this trip because I felt like I didn't get to shoot the 4x5 enough. So I am happy that I did come away with some good stuff.
Fantastic light and amazing clarity - this rocks! The Snowmass sunrise shot is absolutely gorgeous, too. Yeah, you managed to capture some "good stuff"....
Seriously though, some of the images on your page are merely "good"; this one and Snowmass are portfolio material, imo.
Posted by Les Barstow on August 8, 2007 at 10:59 PM
This is stunning, Jack. I also love the Snowmass Lake image. Very, very excellent!
Posted by Roger Rouch on August 8, 2007 at 11:05 PM
This is breath taking not only in the image quality, but I can just about sense the impending storm. Quite a delight!
Posted by Doug Andrews on August 8, 2007 at 11:27 PM
Excellent work as usual Jack.
Posted by Brett Deacon on August 8, 2007 at 11:54 PM
Jack, this shot is incredible! It got an audible "wow!" from me as soon as I saw it which doesn't happen very often. The Snowmass sunrise shot is also killer. If those 2 pictures were all you took I would say your trip was a huge success!
Posted by Art Escobado on August 9, 2007 at 3:22 AM
AMAZING stuff! I was actually thinking about doing this trip rather than go to the San Juans a week ago. After seeing this collection - I wish I would have done this loop instead! I'm torn on which is my favorite - the posted image and the Snowmass lake shot are unreal. Congrats!
Posted by Phillip Noll on August 9, 2007 at 10:49 AM
Holy moly!!! This is way cool! I love the red rocks and dramatic sky. The reflection of the peak appears to be lighter that the peak itself but that is easily corrected. I also love #775--the Snowmass reflection. Excellent work!
Posted by Jack Brauer on August 9, 2007 at 4:04 PM
Thanks for your comment, everyone. I'm glad you like them!
Posted by Craig Schultz on August 9, 2007 at 5:03 PM
I agree about the Snowmass Lake sunrise being awesome. Terrific image!
Craig
Posted by Tony Bouchard on August 9, 2007 at 7:34 PM
I don't have anything unique to add, except that I love the pic above and would love to see a large print of it. Hopefully I'll get the chance to circle the Bells someday when my kids are a little older.
There is so much to like here Jack. The light, the mountains, and that foreground just keeps my attention. The Snowmass picture is great too. Reminds me of when I climbed Snowmass Mountain with some friends a few years ago. Beautiful.
Posted by Laurent Baig on August 14, 2007 at 5:38 PM
Wow, this one and your snowmass peak pic are incredible! Nice work.
Discussion
29 repliesThis shot was from Fravert Basin, on the backside of the Bells. I was taking pictures of the shadows passing over the peaks, as the storm clouds came closer and closer. Finally it started rumbling too close for comfort so I packed my camera gear up as fast as I could and ran a half mile back down to the trees as the lightning started booming above.
I posted a page of photos from my trip here: http://www.widerange.org/gallery.php?gallery=bells
This one was with the 4x5, 75mm, 2 stop hard grad, Velvia 100f
I am in love with this shot. Just wonderful! Period.
RichieV
Sounds like a great trip, congrats again!
Seriously though, some of the images on your page are merely "good"; this one and Snowmass are portfolio material, imo.
Craig