Although not anywhere as spectacular a capture as what Kane posted earlier, I felt I should post something a little different from Chasm Lake. As Kane mentioned the sunrise was quite intense that morning, and the dynamic range was very dramatic. I had to blend multiple images to achieve a result that I was even remotely pleased with. The reason why I decided to even attempt to work this shot was because of the beautiful orange glow reflecting off the ice. I found it interesting enough to deal with the other complications and the lack of dramatic clouds. The ice we stood on was solid in some places, but as I found out the hard way, not so solid in others. I crunched through to slushy waters not once, but twice! I think I will need to mentally start preparing for cold winter shooting. Your C&C is always welcome and appreciated.
PS: Yes, that is a little tiny cloud hanging there. Sad I know, but I guess the hope for clouds will be motivation to hike back into there again.
Posted by Stan Rose on October 15, 2010 at 9:41 PM
This is super pretty, Koveh--clouds or not, definitely worth the trip. The comp is solid and i especially like the dusting of snow. IMO, the shadows are unnaturally bright here, id burn the midtones a bit. Let the alpenglow and reflected glow be the star here.
Posted by Morris McClung on October 15, 2010 at 10:03 PM
Strong comp, Koveh! Lovely color and light as well. The only part that doesn't look perfectly natural to me is the first shadowed area below the brightest light on the peak. It looks a tad bright and slightly magenta on my monitor. May just be my monitor, so let's see if anyone else picks that up. Striking image!
Posted by Bret Edge on October 15, 2010 at 10:08 PM
This goes to show that you don't need clouds to make a compelling image. Sure, clouds would be a nice addition but as-is this is a stunning photo. I'd be proud to call it my own.
Posted by Pam Colander on October 16, 2010 at 12:55 AM
Yeah I'd say the hike was worth it Koveh...soggy shoes too! Lack of clouds isn't an issue for me because the other elements are so striking. I think you did an excellent processing job too. Either my eyes are screwy or it looks like it could use a tad more sharpening.
Gorgeous! I love this area of RMNP...you've captured it so well!
Posted by Paul Wegemann on October 16, 2010 at 6:38 PM
I'm with Stan and Morris about the shadows and I see the magenta cast Morris mentions. BUT, this is gorgeous and we're just being picky. I love the dusting of snow. Nice work.
Kovah, Love that foreground rock with the dusting of snow. Too bad I didn't notice it two feet from you.
Overall, I think we missed out on a better opportunity...which means a future trip. Clouds, yes, but for me what really makes our shots is the dusting of snow, BEFORE the lake ices over more than 20% (just the edges.) Right now, that lake is iced about 2-5%. The night shots really Wow me with the dusting; imagine about a ft of powder in there.
What we need is more snow, but not too much where getting in there is dangerous. I'm thinking we could easily get a foot of snow in there without being worried about the traverse into the Chasm from the pass. I bet the "more snow, without Ice" shot is somewhere in the next two weeks. I say we go back...If not this year then next. Conditions will only get better after the next week. And we might actually get those clouds too! That would be killer.
Posted by Rod Chandler on October 17, 2010 at 8:21 PM
Koveh, a wonderful shot. I love the composition. You did wonders in PS.
Posted by Ken Wyatt on October 18, 2010 at 2:19 PM
Good work Koveh!
Posted by Kurt Bowman on October 18, 2010 at 8:16 PM
Absolutely ove your comp on this Koveh! I agree with Stand's suggestions and think they will make this even better
Discussion
11 repliesPS: Yes, that is a little tiny cloud hanging there. Sad I know, but I guess the hope for clouds will be motivation to hike back into there again.
Overall, I think we missed out on a better opportunity...which means a future trip. Clouds, yes, but for me what really makes our shots is the dusting of snow, BEFORE the lake ices over more than 20% (just the edges.) Right now, that lake is iced about 2-5%. The night shots really Wow me with the dusting; imagine about a ft of powder in there.
What we need is more snow, but not too much where getting in there is dangerous. I'm thinking we could easily get a foot of snow in there without being worried about the traverse into the Chasm from the pass. I bet the "more snow, without Ice" shot is somewhere in the next two weeks. I say we go back...If not this year then next. Conditions will only get better after the next week. And we might actually get those clouds too! That would be killer.