Posted by Joshua Hardin on January 2, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Like several others, I wanted to start the new year off with some photography. I began at Lily Lake, RMNP, at pre-dawn but the heavy winds made getting shots at slow shutter speeds difficult. There were gusts strong enough to nearly knock me off my feet and they of course wobbled the camera & tripod too. I wasn't getting the comps that I wanted there so I drove a little further down Hwy 7 to this spot just as the sun was illuminating the clouds/snow blowing around Longs Peak & Mt. Meeker. The winds let up temporarily enough to get a few clear shots with the morning light. Comments on this shot welcome!
I also saw more bighorns in the Big Thompson Canyon on the way down that morning. Will post some photos of them soon.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on January 2, 2009 at 4:44 PM
Lots of nice colors here. Josh. I think I would have liked a foreground of just ice better though.
Posted by Joshua Hardin on January 2, 2009 at 4:56 PM
I agree a foreground of just the ice would have been better (would have caught more reflection of the glow that way) but unfortunately I would have had to jump a fence with "private property" signs nailed all over it to do that.
Posted by Jeff Hackett on January 2, 2009 at 5:15 PM
Looks cold up in those mountains! Damn private property! Nice way to start off the new year. I did the same, but all of my images from yesterday sucked!
Posted by Jack Brauer on January 2, 2009 at 5:56 PM
Wow, this is a beauty! I love the layering and the contrast of warm and cool colors.
This is one beautiful photograph, Joshua. Wow! Love it all! Amazing scene and excellent capture!
Posted by Paul Wegemann on January 3, 2009 at 10:09 AM
The wind kept me home that day, otherwise you might have seen me at Lily Lake. I know right where you shot this from, and that fence has always bummed me out. I love what's going on with the mountains, but the foreground isn't working for me. It's personal taste, but I'd be tempted to crop this right below the aspens and go with more of a pano comp. I applaud you for getting out of bed and dealing with that wind. Happy New Year!
Posted by Stan Rose on January 3, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Cool shot, Josh--and excellent idea for the morning !
I agree with Mel--next time just jump the fence, ill bail you out
I really like this shot...nice job! The winds were definitely crazy that day. I think there may just be a tad too much saturation of the colors...maybe it's just me. On the whole, excellent!
I love this spot, Joshua, and you did a marvelous job with your capture here. great light and comp from this location.
Posted by Joshua Hardin on January 5, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Thank you all for the comments. I agree that the foreground could be better, if there had been a fresh snowfall the night before it would have been more ideal than the grayish-looking grass seen here. I warmed up the grass a little on this version and it looks like a modest improvement.
Discussion
10 repliesI also saw more bighorns in the Big Thompson Canyon on the way down that morning. Will post some photos of them soon.
I agree with Mel--next time just jump the fence, ill bail you out