Just got back tuesday from spending a week camped in the Wrangell Mountains of Alaska. This was a 'phototour' guided by NPN member Carl Donahue. Carl is probably the most knowlegeable photographer of this incredible area. Thanks to a huge Alaskan low, we had to endure a week of almost non-stop rain and temps in the 30s and 40s. In the middle, it snowed hard for a day or so. Even with 5-6 layers it was a bit chilly at times. The weather at least made for some pretty nice waterfalls, few mosquitoes, and great wildflowers. A true Alaskan experience--I can't wait to get back! Here's the 15-16,000 foot peaks rising over the Russell Glacier. Full slide show/ gallery posted below, let me know if there are any definite keepers (i can think of a couple, am on the fence with a couple more). Now, back to the crazy heat!
Looks like the weather wasn't on your side "photographically" speakng, however bet those temps felt good after these high 90's!.
Actually I think you did come away with a great set of images, probably my favourites are the posted image, the moonrise one, the hole in the wall/light and the Silvery glow ones. Looks like a great trip to me, I'm envious :).
Posted by Ted Griffith on July 31, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Hey Stan,
Welcome back!! I can almost envy you the temps, but not the wet. Some great pic you brought back. I especially like "Gloom" (great mood), Skolai Moonrise (just plain cool), Crevasse and Kennicott Grass (great texture, colors, etc.)
Posted by Mel Ladewig on August 1, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Rough go of it with the light, but I like this one very well.
Mel-
Posted by John Klotz on August 1, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Howdy Stan. The bad week in Alaska is better than no week in Alaska! Wish I could get there now to escape this #@%! heat! I liked your slide show! Your posted shot screams Alaska!
I have not been out shooting since our little junket to KS. Mostly due to work and the heat. Still working on those twister shots. Think I will convert them to black and white... er... grey on grey I gotta do that again but get much closer next time!
John :
There was this much snow in July up there?! Awesome picture...I think my next favorite one is the moonrise on your first night. Excellent job capturing this remarkable place!
So you traded triple-digit heat in CO for this!? Good move! Love the shot above - the warm light on all that snow is absolutely beautiful.
A friend gave me the advice that if I were to come to Alaska specifically for photography, try to stay at least a couple of weeks for the very reason that you can easily go a week and longer without seeing sun. Sounds like you had a great experience, regardless. Nice gallery of images, too.
Great lead-in shot and an awesome range of imagery ~ especially with the conditions. You did a phenomenal job of playing the cards you were dealt and your mood shots are great!
Posted by Jack Brauer on August 1, 2008 at 11:27 AM
The moonrise shot is awesome!!! That alone is worth the trip, imo. I'm also fond of the Russell in fog shot.
Posted by Paul Beiser on August 1, 2008 at 12:15 PM
hey Stan,
Great shots, yep, that moonrise is awesome. I have been looking at doing one of Carl's backpack/photo tours, I think you pushed me over the edge
Posted by Paul Martin on August 1, 2008 at 1:01 PM
Stan,
Its too bad the weather didn't cooperate for photography, but I'm sure after this weekend you'll be missing the cool air. I really like the moonrise shot as well as the on you posted here -- really give you an Alaskan kind of feel. I've been itching to go back up there myself -- I didn't have a camera the only time I've been there -- so these are helping to push me in that direction.
Posted by Laurent Baig on August 1, 2008 at 2:17 PM
Love the alaska on acid image, brilliant! I do think you've got some keepers there. The weather looked just fine to me, nice and moody and grim :-)
I like LOTS of these, including the moonrise and the one you've posted here. My faves are the Russell Glacier ones, especially "Crevasse", and the Kennicott Grass intimate photo.
Posted by Rajeev Thomas on August 2, 2008 at 1:49 AM
Stan.... lucky you to see and capture that wonderful place!! You have done excellent in many of them!!. Moonrise shot is my favorite too..regards, Rajeev.
Posted by Dan Walters on August 2, 2008 at 9:11 AM
Sounds like a great trip[! Really like the image posted here alot. Great light.
Discussion
19 replieshttp://www.alienguitarabduction.com/SkolaiPass/index.htm
Actually I think you did come away with a great set of images, probably my favourites are the posted image, the moonrise one, the hole in the wall/light and the Silvery glow ones. Looks like a great trip to me, I'm envious :).
Welcome back!! I can almost envy you the temps, but not the wet. Some great pic you brought back. I especially like "Gloom" (great mood), Skolai Moonrise (just plain cool), Crevasse and Kennicott Grass (great texture, colors, etc.)
Mel-
I have not been out shooting since our little junket to KS. Mostly due to work and the heat. Still working on those twister shots. Think I will convert them to black and white... er... grey on grey
John :
There was this much snow in July up there?! Awesome picture...I think my next favorite one is the moonrise on your first night. Excellent job capturing this remarkable place!
A friend gave me the advice that if I were to come to Alaska specifically for photography, try to stay at least a couple of weeks for the very reason that you can easily go a week and longer without seeing sun. Sounds like you had a great experience, regardless. Nice gallery of images, too.
Great shots, yep, that moonrise is awesome. I have been looking at doing one of Carl's backpack/photo tours, I think you pushed me over the edge
Its too bad the weather didn't cooperate for photography, but I'm sure after this weekend you'll be missing the cool air. I really like the moonrise shot as well as the on you posted here -- really give you an Alaskan kind of feel. I've been itching to go back up there myself -- I didn't have a camera the only time I've been there -- so these are helping to push me in that direction.
Thanks, everyone