Posted by Jesse Speer on January 16, 2009 at 3:27 PM
I'm slowly processing pics from my last outing to the Tetons - a quick overnighter that introduced me to shooting in outrageously cold temps. Here's one of my better images so far ... an early-morning shot near Moran Junction. Nikon D2x + 80-200mm.
I can't see it...my eyes are watering after seeing -30....my hands are claws....and my feet feel like stumps....oh, there it is - damn, that's a nice image! It's hard to make an original out of an icon like the Tetons, but you pullled it off. Awesome shot!
Posted by Brett Deacon on January 16, 2009 at 3:40 PM
Wow, sweet shot Jesse! Damn, that looks cold. Very cold. In fact, that might be a nice title for this one. Out of curiosity, how desaturated is this image? I'm envious that your overnight trip resulted in this great image since the Tetons didn't make a single appearance out of the clouds during all of my recent 4-day trip there.
Posted by Jesse Speer on January 16, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Thanks guys. I was blessed with dynamic weather. Cold, clear and just a bit of fog in the morning.
This is split-toned Brett (digitally).
Posted by Nick Moore on January 16, 2009 at 4:06 PM
This is a really sweet shot Jesse!. I really like the orginality, the mood and the toning!. Great catch!.
I'll tell you the same thing I am told when I put the peak this close to the top of the frame:
"It's too tight at the top." However I think you achieved the same feeling I try to produce when I do this, and that is to give a feeling of the mountain looming over me. Excellent shot and processing as usual. Nice different treatment of an icon.
Very nice Jesse!!
I once photographed in the Canadian Rockies at -20 F with 4x5 ( had to hold my breath so as not to fog/freeze the GG) so I think I know how you felt. Anyway a really nice image made for BW!
Posted by Jim Caffrey on January 16, 2009 at 4:49 PM
What can I say that hasn't already been said? I think the split toning gives the image just that extra touch of Brrr... Nice touch
Posted by John Mumaw on January 16, 2009 at 6:09 PM
I really like the fog departing the mountains and the split toning very much!
Posted by John Zinn on January 16, 2009 at 6:18 PM
Posted by Guy Schmickle on January 16, 2009 at 6:35 PM
Beautiful image, Jesse. Love the processing both in terms of the split toning and the vignetting (which I assume you added) to really highlight the mountain.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on January 16, 2009 at 6:49 PM
Beautiful in all respects! Props for braving the cold!
Posted by Todd Caudle on January 16, 2009 at 7:37 PM
Geez, this is absolutely stunning! I like it as is, but as an additional image (not to be confused with "instead of this"), how would it look with a darker sky?
Posted by John Klotz on January 16, 2009 at 8:25 PM
Spectacular Jesse! I can really feel the cold and .... dang... my computer just froze! Extra points for braving that kind of cold!
Posted by Drew M Wright on January 16, 2009 at 8:46 PM
Not even sure what to say about this one...it's a phenomenal capture! The fog and the processing really make the image sing IMHO. Looks like the D2x is working out well for you even in extreme temperatures - funny how the LCD is really slow when it gets below 0.
Posted by Paul Wegemann on January 16, 2009 at 9:02 PM
This is great, Jesse. Your toning really adds to this.
Posted by Jeff Hackett on January 16, 2009 at 9:38 PM
If -30 ever had a look this would be it. Beautiful image Jesse.
Posted by Jesse Speer on January 16, 2009 at 9:50 PM
Thanks for the feedback everyone!
Yeah, Todd I tried a red filter conversion first, to go for a dark sky - as is my normal habit. And on a few different shots actually. Didn't work at all for me. The results just didn't say "FREEZING" like this conversion did - which relies more on a blue filtered effect. The overall lighter tone really works well for other images from the morning. I'll post some more.
The Nikon didn't even hiccup in the frigid temps. I was seriously impressed.
Posted by Don Grall on January 16, 2009 at 11:37 PM
Beautiful shot, reminds me of my visit there about 6 years ago in January at a -22. Brrrrrrr!
Posted by Bob Dent on January 16, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Stunning! In addition to what's already been said, I also like the amount of snow on the peaks. Great work as always!
Posted by Art Escobado on January 17, 2009 at 12:43 AM
Crisp image-nice sharpness.
Posted by Stan Rose on January 17, 2009 at 3:02 AM
That shot totally rocks, Jesse! Im still hopin to make it up there before Spring, i hope i find the time.
Posted by Don George on January 17, 2009 at 11:39 AM
NIce image. How many batteries did it take
Posted by Les Barstow on January 18, 2009 at 11:59 PM
Very wonderful, Jesse! Brrr!!!!
Don, the D2X runs on Li-Ion rechargeables, which aren't quite so affected by the cold. I used to hate that with my F100; alkaline batteries would go bye-bye in no time in cold weather.
Posted by Jack Brauer on January 20, 2009 at 3:10 AM
WOW! One of the best Tetons images I've ever seen, if not the best. The comp is gorgeous. Wow.
Posted by Kurt Bowman on January 22, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Jesse, this is amazing! I thnk you did a fantastic job of transferring the -30 degree temp onto this image! BTW, big fan of your work!
Posted by Kurt Bowman on January 22, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Jesse, this is amazing! I thnk you did a fantastic job of transferring the -30 degree temp onto this image! BTW, big fan of your work!
Posted by Derek Sedillo on January 22, 2009 at 5:47 PM
Jesse,
Glad to see you make the most out of your new diggs.
Very nice Winter image of the Tetons. This has a real timeless look to it. Excellent post processing as well. What a glorious place to shoot in the Winter.
I look forward to seeing some of your other images from the same trip as well.
I would also be interested to hear what kind of gear you wore to avoid frost bite - especially your gloves. Having shot at around zero degrees with very cold hands and feet (despite wearing what I thought was decent cold weather gear) I just don't see how one keeps warm for any length of time in those conditions.
Derek
Posted by Jesse Speer on January 23, 2009 at 1:58 AM
Thanks again for the feedback everyone. I'll post a bunch on my website within a week or so, if anyone is interested in seeing more.
Derek, I've always used those thin liner gloves - along with goretex mittens - for cold winter outings. But those liners don't do squat at -30 ... let alone in wind. I plan to replace the thin liners with thicker, windproof gloves - with a tacky grip - after some advice from D. Showalter. I have insulated boots rated to -40 degrees. But even those don't stop your feet from getting cold if your standing around on ice/snow for a long time. So I walk around a lot between shots, use a lot of hand warmers and keep my hands out of the mitts for only a minute or two to shoot.
Discussion
29 repliesThis is split-toned Brett (digitally).
"It's too tight at the top." However I think you achieved the same feeling I try to produce when I do this, and that is to give a feeling of the mountain looming over me. Excellent shot and processing as usual. Nice different treatment of an icon.
I once photographed in the Canadian Rockies at -20 F with 4x5 ( had to hold my breath so as not to fog/freeze the GG) so I think I know how you felt. Anyway a really nice image made for BW!
John
-------------------------------------------------------
John Zinn
Enduring Light Photography
"A moment in time... experienced, captured, preserved."
Site Updated 10/27
Yeah, Todd I tried a red filter conversion first, to go for a dark sky - as is my normal habit. And on a few different shots actually. Didn't work at all for me. The results just didn't say "FREEZING" like this conversion did - which relies more on a blue filtered effect. The overall lighter tone really works well for other images from the morning. I'll post some more.
The Nikon didn't even hiccup in the frigid temps. I was seriously impressed.
Don, the D2X runs on Li-Ion rechargeables, which aren't quite so affected by the cold. I used to hate that with my F100; alkaline batteries would go bye-bye in no time in cold weather.
Glad to see you make the most out of your new diggs.
Very nice Winter image of the Tetons. This has a real timeless look to it. Excellent post processing as well. What a glorious place to shoot in the Winter.
I look forward to seeing some of your other images from the same trip as well.
I would also be interested to hear what kind of gear you wore to avoid frost bite - especially your gloves. Having shot at around zero degrees with very cold hands and feet (despite wearing what I thought was decent cold weather gear) I just don't see how one keeps warm for any length of time in those conditions.
Derek
Derek, I've always used those thin liner gloves - along with goretex mittens - for cold winter outings. But those liners don't do squat at -30 ... let alone in wind. I plan to replace the thin liners with thicker, windproof gloves - with a tacky grip - after some advice from D. Showalter. I have insulated boots rated to -40 degrees. But even those don't stop your feet from getting cold if your standing around on ice/snow for a long time. So I walk around a lot between shots, use a lot of hand warmers and keep my hands out of the mitts for only a minute or two to shoot.