I took over 900 photos, despite smashing up my camera halfway through the trip. I was on a 13k-foot summit for a sunrise, and as I was hopping around on the rocks, the camera fell off my tripod and smashed off several rocks. You can imagine my shock and disappointment, first of all since I was about to witness an incredible sunrise, but most importantly because it would still take me 2-3 days to hike out... without a functioning camera. Luckily, I had a UV filter on the lens which took the brunt of the destruction. I had an alan wrench which I used to break out the glass (couldn't unscrew the filter), and I jammed the viewfinder back into the camera. The camera worked!!! So I was able to finish out the trip with the camera, which was really lucky since my best shots were still to come.
Anyways, I hope you enjoy the photos. I appreciate any comments you have. Thanks!
Posted by Todd Caudle on August 19, 2008 at 7:38 PM
Man I hate you...
Posted by Mel Ladewig on August 19, 2008 at 8:02 PM
Wow. Really. That's one healthy collection of standout images, Jack. The one above and Windom Sunrise are stunning; the rest are merely gorgeous. Seriously.
Very glad that you were able to get the camera working; that would have been downright tragic.
Another incredible trip, Jack! Fantastic collection. Every one is just great. I really like the mountain goats shots too. Excellent work!
Posted by Laurie Wendt on August 19, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Jack, What an amazing collection of shots! The Sunlight Basin Sunrise is absolutely stunning!
Not to bad for a broken camera.
Do you have any idea how far you hiked over the 7 days?
Posted by Paul Beiser on August 19, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Spectacular, I love your shots and learn so much from them. thanks, Jack!
Posted by Jimmy Gekas on August 19, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Awesome stuff! Man, you are indeed a jerk
Posted by D J Kuklinski on August 19, 2008 at 10:51 PM
What a story and images! Amazing, simply amazing!
Posted by John Klotz on August 20, 2008 at 12:02 AM
Wow! I can't choose a favorite but Wind Flowers is pretty cool because it is different. Nice work as usual Jack! Now show a little respect for the hardware eh?
Posted by Harold Ankney on August 20, 2008 at 12:41 AM
Wow! All of them are amazing shots Jack. I'm not going to try to pick one as my favorite, I like them all. Bummer about the accident with your camera.
Harold
Posted by Momo Vuyisich on August 20, 2008 at 1:18 AM
They are all amazing. One of the best posts ever (IMO). Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Bass Sears on August 20, 2008 at 1:20 AM
duuuuude that is some awsome images you have there, dang dude
Posted by Rajeev Thomas on August 20, 2008 at 3:10 AM
Jack I am a worshipper of your work!!! I had a tough day at work...but after seeing your pics I am all calm!!! Are they large format pictures? Great job as usual...very inspiring...regards, Rajeev.
Posted by Roger Rouch on August 20, 2008 at 8:07 AM
Jack, when I was a younger (and more fit) fellow I went up No Name Creek, over a pass and down Ruby Creek drainage to Ruby Lake. It remains one of the most delightfull backcountry trips I've taken. At the time, I wasn't into photography, and I've only seen quality photos of this area from one other photographer. Your photos are not only excellent, but a great reminder of this wondrful area. Thanks for sharing your fine work!
Posted by Kalin Wilson on August 20, 2008 at 9:06 AM
Great collection, again! I'm jeolous as usual. This is an area that I'd love to get into. Very inspiring!
Posted by Paul Martin on August 20, 2008 at 9:16 AM
Wow Jack, sorry to hear that your camera took a tumble -- but it served its purpose very well indeed. Awesome collection of images and as others have hinted, I too am green with envy at your trip.
Posted by Scott Bacon on August 20, 2008 at 9:35 AM
Wow, great collection! Looks like a fabulous trip. You got some amazing light. And I can't believe you pieced your camera back together and got it working - MacGiver!
Posted by John Mumaw on August 20, 2008 at 9:38 AM
A complete joy to view! Thanks so much for sharing these with us.
Posted by Lance Warley on August 20, 2008 at 9:40 AM
Geez, Jack......no beach chair and drinks with little umbrellas on your vacations.
That's a jaw-dropping collection for a lifetime in the San Juans. Those Eolus images and Jagged sunset are off the charts. Glad to see you're so prolific with the little camera and that it survived the tumble.
Posted by Stan Rose on August 20, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Jack, what an awesome collection! They all leave me speachless, but my fav is Eolus Dawn, almost feels like im there. It's posts like this that keep me excited about my next photo excursion. I dropped my camera a couple weeks back, unfortunately it busted some interior parts and the focusing ring (lens took the hit) which will cost 1/2 the price of the lens to repair!
Posted by Doug Andrews on August 20, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Thanks for sharing these fantastic pics. Glad you were able to keep your camera working.
Posted by Ted Griffith on August 20, 2008 at 11:13 AM
I agree, WOW. I also agree with the Needles being the best mountian range in Colorado. I especially liked the Ruby Lake image. It holds a special meaning for me. My grandfther and father took me there for a 5 day fishing trip when I was about 7. The sunrises were spectacular every day. Your shot is like stepping bakc in time.
Thanks for the memory.
Posted by Jeremy Week on August 20, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Wonderful work!! My favorites are Wind Flowers and Animas River.
I guess I don't have a favorite, because that would imply there is 1 that I like better than the rest. So instead I'll proclaim that this is my favorite gallery of images I've seen from you.
I've always wanted to backpack into the Needles ever since 1978 when I first kayaked the upper Animas between Silverton and Rockwood. Your photos have kept that fire alive and some day I hope to still do that. Thanks for the visual treat.
Everything I want to say has been said by everyone else, but well done. It is pictures like this that inspire those that see no beauty, no fulfillment, no calling to nature. You have the rare ability to capture nature at its finest in its most simple forms, yet in their simplicity they leave us begging for more and in awe of what, for many of us, is right out our door.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on August 20, 2008 at 3:15 PM
Being more serious about it and having a moment. Lots of nice stuff in that collection.
Sunlight Basin sunrise is excellent.
Window Sunrise is excellent, but the cyan and magenta are both a bit strong for my tastes.
I'm late to the game but what the hell, I'll add my big ol' fat WOW! Too many fantastic images to pick a favorite but I do have one question - Where did Jagged Mountain get its name? I just don't see it.
Seriously, phenomenal work Jack!
Posted by Joshua Hardin on August 20, 2008 at 4:59 PM
Looks like an incredible trip Jack. I like the Windom and Sunlight sunrises the best. Hope your camera will be OK, but it looks like it's been functioning well to me. Great stuff.
Posted by Grant Collier on August 20, 2008 at 8:24 PM
I know everyone has already said it, but these shots are just horrible...
Posted by Jesse Speer on August 20, 2008 at 9:02 PM
Posted by Laurent Baig on August 21, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Jack, are these all with the Olympus? Nice nice work and another emphatic wow!
Posted by Jack Brauer on August 21, 2008 at 1:18 PM
Thank you for your comments, everybody!
These shots were all taken with my Olympus E-420 + 12-60mm lens. After this trip, I can't believe that I hauled my 4x5 setup all through these mountains last summer. What a difference in weight.
Discussion
42 repliesI had a very productive trip... check out all my photos here.
I took over 900 photos, despite smashing up my camera halfway through the trip. I was on a 13k-foot summit for a sunrise, and as I was hopping around on the rocks, the camera fell off my tripod and smashed off several rocks. You can imagine my shock and disappointment, first of all since I was about to witness an incredible sunrise, but most importantly because it would still take me 2-3 days to hike out... without a functioning camera. Luckily, I had a UV filter on the lens which took the brunt of the destruction. I had an alan wrench which I used to break out the glass (couldn't unscrew the filter), and I jammed the viewfinder back into the camera. The camera worked!!! So I was able to finish out the trip with the camera, which was really lucky since my best shots were still to come.
Anyways, I hope you enjoy the photos. I appreciate any comments you have. Thanks!
Very glad that you were able to get the camera working; that would have been downright tragic.
Not to bad for a broken camera.
Do you have any idea how far you hiked over the 7 days?
Harold
-- Bass
That's some story, and some save.
That's a jaw-dropping collection for a lifetime in the San Juans. Those Eolus images and Jagged sunset are off the charts. Glad to see you're so prolific with the little camera and that it survived the tumble.
Congrats on your journey!
Guy
Thanks for the memory.
Absolutely fantastic!
I've always wanted to backpack into the Needles ever since 1978 when I first kayaked the upper Animas between Silverton and Rockwood. Your photos have kept that fire alive and some day I hope to still do that. Thanks for the visual treat.
Everything I want to say has been said by everyone else, but well done. It is pictures like this that inspire those that see no beauty, no fulfillment, no calling to nature. You have the rare ability to capture nature at its finest in its most simple forms, yet in their simplicity they leave us begging for more and in awe of what, for many of us, is right out our door.
Sunlight Basin sunrise is excellent.
Window Sunrise is excellent, but the cyan and magenta are both a bit strong for my tastes.
The Eolus reflection is great.
Seriously, phenomenal work Jack!
:-)
These shots were all taken with my Olympus E-420 + 12-60mm lens. After this trip, I can't believe that I hauled my 4x5 setup all through these mountains last summer. What a difference in weight.
Inspirational images, every one of them. One of the most beautiful areas in Colorado, and you've certainly shown that here.