Posted by Todd Caudle on June 12, 2009 at 12:46 AM
Being out for two days and coming home with a grand total of 17 images would be okay if I were still shooting large-format. But 17 digital images? Not so much. Oh well, this is one of them, taken in those great aspen stands on the west side of Independence Pass as you approach Aspen. This was near sunset, and the sun shone through some thin clouds that created this really nice, even glow in the forest.
I spent the night up near Maroon Lake, intending to shoot sunrise there, but drab clouds thwarted any possibility of decent light, and the snow from about the 13,000' level on down was all brown from this year's southwestern dust storms. I ended up taking two shots each of two different scenes, none of the Bells, and then took a nice nap.
There are still some trees around the lake that have yet to leaf out, but none that would hinder taking classic Maroon Lake reflection shots. Not much in the way of flowers near the lake, but there are lupines sprouting vociferously lower down the road, which will be making their way up the road in the coming days.
Posted by Todd Caudle on June 12, 2009 at 12:51 AM
One more thing: Unlike in the fall, when there's typically 100 photographers lining the shore on any given weekday (don't even mention weekends!), I had the lake to myself, which was similar to June of last year's trip to the lake, when I shared the shoreline with just two other shooters, one of which was a tag-a-long point & shooter with the one other tripod-wielding photog. Fall colors are nice, but the Bells are just as awesome in the spring and summer.
I like this intimate landscape shot and would be satisfied if the other 16 images are of this quality! How about sharing some images of the Bells? I am curious how much the snow has melted since I was planning to go to Capitol Creek drainage this or next week.
Fall colors are nice, but the Bells are just as awesome in the spring and summer.
I totally agree. I'm hesitant to publicize that "secret" any more, but I really enjoy shooting the bells in June or July. Not just because of the lack of crowds, but the more direct angle of the sun on the bells during this time of year is preferable to fall when Pyramid Peak's shadow falls on the bells at sunrise. The alpenglow is much better in spring/summer. Nice image of the aspen grove by the way. The greens are very vivid. That is definitely one of the most photogenic stands in Colorado.
Posted by Steve Sieren on June 12, 2009 at 2:06 AM
Can't wait to get there. The aspen shot is very well done Todd.
Posted by Jack Garrett on June 12, 2009 at 9:30 AM
Well I went out for 2 days and took about 300 digital shots and cant say I found one that I really like. I was sort of tornado chasing and saw lots of clouds but nothing that warrants sharing
I really like this image because it isn't your typical fall shot of aspen groves...very nice capture Todd.
I would have taken 17 shots of this comp alone between my need for bracketing. The comp is very good, and the light is fantastic. Very well done. Sometimes it's good to just get away. Now I must get up to the Bells for spring sunrise as well. Some of my favorite shots from there are at mid-day in summer when a storm was rolling through.
Lovely image - very nicely balanced composition. Those greens are spectacular!
Posted by Guy Schmickle on June 13, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Yeah, I've had a couple of short trips this spring with the same (lack of) results so I know where you're coming from. This is a beauty though. I've always loved shots like this when done right.
Todd, I'd love to have an image like this. I would be thrilled if I came away with just this one from a two day trip. If you are not happy with it, I'll take your scraps.
Discussion
22 repliesI spent the night up near Maroon Lake, intending to shoot sunrise there, but drab clouds thwarted any possibility of decent light, and the snow from about the 13,000' level on down was all brown from this year's southwestern dust storms. I ended up taking two shots each of two different scenes, none of the Bells, and then took a nice nap.
There are still some trees around the lake that have yet to leaf out, but none that would hinder taking classic Maroon Lake reflection shots. Not much in the way of flowers near the lake, but there are lupines sprouting vociferously lower down the road, which will be making their way up the road in the coming days.
I totally agree. I'm hesitant to publicize that "secret" any more, but I really enjoy shooting the bells in June or July. Not just because of the lack of crowds, but the more direct angle of the sun on the bells during this time of year is preferable to fall when Pyramid Peak's shadow falls on the bells at sunrise. The alpenglow is much better in spring/summer. Nice image of the aspen grove by the way. The greens are very vivid. That is definitely one of the most photogenic stands in Colorado.
I really like this image because it isn't your typical fall shot of aspen groves...very nice capture Todd.
Jack
It has such a feeling of depth. Love the feel.
Beautiful capture of the aspens. This is my favorite tree.