I think I mentioned something about the "doldrums of spring" in one of my recent posts. I take it back. (Yes, blasphemy, Jack.)
Two spring shots from Montana ...
1) 10,000 feet - The Beartooth Highway finally opened today at 8am. I made sure I was one of the first out there. Decked out in full winter gear, I spent the morning tromping around the tundra in my snowshoes - shooting and trying to keep my fingers from freezing. A few hours later, I was grilling burgers at home in shorts.
2) 5,000 feet - Lonely barn along a quiet side road near the Bridger Mountains, on the edge of Bozeman.
I like these a lot, especially the sharpness and contrast of blue and white in the sky in the second shot. Were these taken with your new 1Ds Mark III?
That top shot looks like the middle of winter, but the 2nd one brings me back to reality. Amazing what 6000feet of elevation change can do. That 1st one is my favorite and would make a beautiful calendar shot.
Posted by Jack Garrett on June 2, 2008 at 12:27 AM
Jesse,
I love the second shot...has a nice peaceful feeling about it.
Jesse, these are both outstanding! Must admit they both look like they could be in Colorado. Oops! My bias is showing. I'm just afraid of what you'll end up getting as you get used to the new digs. Can't wait, but fearful that you'll just leave us all in the dust.
You already know about my love of this place; this just makes me even more envious of your new home. Up on the plateau in the morning, home in the afternoon - doesn't get much better than that.
If you plan on revisiting periodically throughout the summer, you'll have a treat in store - I've never seen a wildflower shot from CO that showed flowers as densely packed and covering such enormous areas as what you'll find up on the plateau. They won't have CO's towering peaks behind them, but it's still quite a site to take in. Judging by the snow in this shot - and the fact that they missed the Memorial Day opening - it should be a great year for wildflowers (and, unfortunately, mosquitos!). And given your talents for photographing tundra, I think you're going to have a lot of fun up there.
Like the others have said - I think this is first of what will become a regular treat for our eyes.
(Oh...and the barn shot is fantastic as well; warm light, interesting shadows, vibrant greens, reds and blues and the amazing Montana clouds... superb all around).
Talk about your contrasting shots! At least you have some variety in your weather, depending on what mood you're in. Both shots are sweet. I fondly remember my trip on the Beartooth highway many moons ago. I look forward to seeing your shots from there throughout the year.
Harold, there's a ton of snow up there, as hinted at in the photo. You can drive by walls of snow that are 12 feet high. I saw about 30 skiers out enjoying the terrain, and even one snowmobiler in the national forest. It's winter up there.
Thanks for the wildflower tip Rick. Doesn't surprise me. I love Colorado, but everything I've seen so far is like looking at Colorado on steroids. :) I plan to spend a lot of time in the Absoraka/Beartooths this year.
Jesse...great shots. First one is to die for. What a place and the clouds with blues of the sky...just so beautiful. The second is so peaceful as mentioned before...looking forward to see more from Montana...regards, Rajeev.
Love that first one! I was up around there about 3 weeks ago, over on the froze to death plateau, unfortunately I didn't get as far as I hoped, and only got to take a peak at granite.
Didn't get any photos near as good as this though. I grew up exploring the Beartooths with my dad, and I've found a lot of people (especially myself) have a tough time showing their beauty. You pulled it off incredibly with that first shot.
Plan on spending a lot of time in the Beartooths myself this summer, might see you around.
Discussion
26 repliesTwo spring shots from Montana ...
1) 10,000 feet - The Beartooth Highway finally opened today at 8am. I made sure I was one of the first out there. Decked out in full winter gear, I spent the morning tromping around the tundra in my snowshoes - shooting and trying to keep my fingers from freezing. A few hours later, I was grilling burgers at home in shorts.
2) 5,000 feet - Lonely barn along a quiet side road near the Bridger Mountains, on the edge of Bozeman.
I like these a lot, especially the sharpness and contrast of blue and white in the sky in the second shot. Were these taken with your new 1Ds Mark III?
I love the second shot...has a nice peaceful feeling about it.
Jack
Good to see you out and posting again. Great stuff as usual. I echo Todd's fear
If you plan on revisiting periodically throughout the summer, you'll have a treat in store - I've never seen a wildflower shot from CO that showed flowers as densely packed and covering such enormous areas as what you'll find up on the plateau. They won't have CO's towering peaks behind them, but it's still quite a site to take in. Judging by the snow in this shot - and the fact that they missed the Memorial Day opening - it should be a great year for wildflowers (and, unfortunately, mosquitos!). And given your talents for photographing tundra, I think you're going to have a lot of fun up there.
Like the others have said - I think this is first of what will become a regular treat for our eyes.
(Oh...and the barn shot is fantastic as well; warm light, interesting shadows, vibrant greens, reds and blues and the amazing Montana clouds... superb all around).
I like the view in the first shot, and your exposure for the snow is spot on.
I think I recognize that barn
How much snow is up on the Beartooth?
Harold
Harold, there's a ton of snow up there, as hinted at in the photo. You can drive by walls of snow that are 12 feet high. I saw about 30 skiers out enjoying the terrain, and even one snowmobiler in the national forest. It's winter up there.
Thanks for the wildflower tip Rick. Doesn't surprise me. I love Colorado, but everything I've seen so far is like looking at Colorado on steroids. :) I plan to spend a lot of time in the Absoraka/Beartooths this year.
Didn't get any photos near as good as this though. I grew up exploring the Beartooths with my dad, and I've found a lot of people (especially myself) have a tough time showing their beauty. You pulled it off incredibly with that first shot.
Plan on spending a lot of time in the Beartooths myself this summer, might see you around.
RichieV