Last week was a bad one to be in the mountains for photography. I had sunrise ideas of shooting Chair Mountain from a high perch of 11,000-ft across the Crystal Valley that just wouldn’t work because of the high winds and consistent overcast conditions. I had last wed to shoot something before a drive to Canyonlands; so I drove up to my brother’s in Glenwood Springs. Considering it snowed most of my drive, I was not optimistic for the next morning. I began to think of a consolation prize that wouldn’t require a high elevation perch for weds morning.
Before I left Denver, I researched the idea of shooting the famous Crystal River Mill in dead winter. I googled “winter crystal mill” and found nothing regarding winter photography of the iconic mill. So I thought this was my opportunity if I could get the right conditions for weds morning. I knew it would be a 10 mile RT snowshoe, however I wasn’t about to get up at 3:00am weds morning and just hike out there blindly without knowing I could make it safely in the dark. Plus I just wanted to see if it was worth the effort.
The Crystal River Mill is likely a top 3 Colorado Fall photograph. The mill is encompassed by perfect landscape subjects; beautiful aspen color, a stunning waterfall, a meandering clear river; and the mill itself has to be an architecture achievement for its time. The way the building just teeters high above the river, and that square shaft that descends from the building to the river is the iconic feature.
I arrived at noon in Marble on Tuesday and began my 5 mile recon snowshoe trot under more grey skies. While the road is a fairly popular rough 4wd road in the summer months, in winter, it gets zero snowmobile traffic, including foot traffic. While the road traverses a few steep slopes, there are a few spots that I would advise avalanche caution after a big snowstorm. I made the mill in three hours and to my dismay, it just wasn’t very beautiful in a photographic way. It didn’t take long to realize that the overcast skies, the lack of fresh snow cover and the horrifying back lighting behind the mill was to blame.
The potential here in winter without all that beautiful fall color, is limited. UNLESS….you shoot it before sunrise, and the kicker….you have to have at least 5 inches of fresh powder to highlight the building and river rock in the low light. The composition down on the river is very dark with huge shadows before sunrise Otherwise for get it the Mill in winter.
I hiked back out to my car fast. I was eager to check the forecast for overnight. Just praying for an overnight storm to make my weds morning idea have the potential to be a winner. I got back to my brothers place in Glenwood, looked up NOAA and lo and behold, the overnight forecast for Marble was for 7-9 inches of fresh powder!!!! Holy crap, this thing might work. That night I didn’t sleep much with anticipation.
Alarm rings at 3:40am. Look out the window…Snow. The raod to the trailhead isn’t too dicey. Looks like 5 inches. I’m snowshoeing in the dark by 5:00am. There’s more snow the higher I go, this is a good thing. Familiar terrain keeps me focused on my hiking cadence. Need to be set up in the river for the shot by 7:00am. Boy was I happy I scouted the trip the day before. No route guess-work, just cruising. I plowed through 8-9 inches of snow and made the Mill by 7:05. I know the first shot I want is down on the river with all of them foreground snow covered rocks that pop up out of the river. Now, how the hell am I to drop down into that creek with all my camera gear, without killing myself? Off I go; wallowing in 4-ft of very steep unconsolidated snow. After a ridiculous class 4 wallofest, which included falling forward on my face, losing both snowshoes, and bending a trekking pole…I made the river waters in one piece. Nobody saw that right?
The view was everything I had hoped for…. I ended up doing a 24mm tilt shift double exposure for the foreground, then a double exposure for the sky and building. Later I would blend the 2 comps, then stitch them in ptgui. Overall I’m happy with the results, however I did have some trouble handling the huge dynamic range for the shots.
I hope you enjoy the result of over 20 miles of hiking in less than 24 hrs to get a few pretty good images that you just don’t see everyday.
Posted by Darren Huski on April 3, 2011 at 6:42 PM
Great story!!! That is what we need to all be doing and sharing. Good images too. My fave is #3, then #2.
Well done!
Posted by Jack Garrett on April 3, 2011 at 6:56 PM
Wow!! Number 3 is just crazy Good! The first 2 ain't bad either. Loved your story Kane...that shows some real dedication as a photographer to get a unique capture.
You are just certifiable, Dude! But then crazy always mixes well with art, doesn't it? Your series is not only very unique, it is outstanding. They get stronger from 1 to 3 imo with #3 being extraordinary.
What a story and experience Kane! It's clear the photos were well worth the effort!
For me #3 rocks!!! The mill, snow, water, icicles and beautiful sky all come together for a beautiful photograph!
Thanks for the story and for sharing the photos!
My preferences are also in the order you've arranged them. And I most certainly do enjoy the results of your epic trek!
I believe that you're the first to capture this scene in the winter.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on April 3, 2011 at 10:03 PM
The story and all three images are pure enjoyment. Preference to #2 then 3.
Kane, you're the poster boy for motivation and dogged determination! Big congrats on a super series, very unique and beautiful images, you must have been super stoked to get those conditions!
Posted by Kalin Wilson on April 3, 2011 at 10:14 PM
Thanks for the background, Kane! That's the research, dedication, and prowess that makes a landscape photographer. It paid off for a nice unique shot. I like #3 best with #2 close behind. I can imagine how hard it would be going down that slope into the creek with snow on it, let alone getting back up it and set up to catch the sun coming over the ridge for #2. Congrats!
Posted by Art Escobado on April 3, 2011 at 10:22 PM
The third shot is very nice. Consider regaining shadow detail on the mill/stairs with some localized level adjustments (or dodging).
...love the "ethic" you bring to photography: physically demanding shots that require persistence, fitness, and just a little luck.
Awesome story and beautiful results. Classic Kane.
Posted by Rene Pirolt on April 4, 2011 at 10:40 AM
Awesome, Kane! This is an excellent example of having a vision, persisting, executing, and succeeding with phenomenal results. Way to go.
The shots are just superb. Image #2 is simply Epic!
Posted by Rod Chandler on April 4, 2011 at 5:39 PM
Thanks for an interesting story and some awesome photographs. I have taken those tumbles in snowshoes and wondered at times if my body might not be found until spring. Glad you made it and share these wonderful images. #1 is my favorite.
Ha! Youre an animal, Kane! I knew your plan would work, with your determination. 1&2 are nice, but 3 is the winner--just needs some minor work on the one dark area across the mill/sky (polarized?). Nice set!
Thanks for the comments. #1 has been the big trouble maker for me. No need to go into details however I think this one still has some post processig potential. #3 might go well without the dusting of snow. #3 was an afterthought that just worked out. I was killing myself not having a ND filter. Will buy one.
Wow, great idea Kane. I hadn't even thought of going up there in the winter. All 3 shots are very nice. I have a minor nit pick with number 2 though. The tops on the mill are a little dark, I'm guessing from darkening the sky? Bring those up a pitch and you are golden. Just my 2 cents. Excellent work, thanks for sharing these and the story. :)
Discussion
16 repliesBefore I left Denver, I researched the idea of shooting the famous Crystal River Mill in dead winter. I googled “winter crystal mill” and found nothing regarding winter photography of the iconic mill. So I thought this was my opportunity if I could get the right conditions for weds morning. I knew it would be a 10 mile RT snowshoe, however I wasn’t about to get up at 3:00am weds morning and just hike out there blindly without knowing I could make it safely in the dark. Plus I just wanted to see if it was worth the effort.
The Crystal River Mill is likely a top 3 Colorado Fall photograph. The mill is encompassed by perfect landscape subjects; beautiful aspen color, a stunning waterfall, a meandering clear river; and the mill itself has to be an architecture achievement for its time. The way the building just teeters high above the river, and that square shaft that descends from the building to the river is the iconic feature.
I arrived at noon in Marble on Tuesday and began my 5 mile recon snowshoe trot under more grey skies. While the road is a fairly popular rough 4wd road in the summer months, in winter, it gets zero snowmobile traffic, including foot traffic. While the road traverses a few steep slopes, there are a few spots that I would advise avalanche caution after a big snowstorm. I made the mill in three hours and to my dismay, it just wasn’t very beautiful in a photographic way. It didn’t take long to realize that the overcast skies, the lack of fresh snow cover and the horrifying back lighting behind the mill was to blame.
The potential here in winter without all that beautiful fall color, is limited. UNLESS….you shoot it before sunrise, and the kicker….you have to have at least 5 inches of fresh powder to highlight the building and river rock in the low light. The composition down on the river is very dark with huge shadows before sunrise Otherwise for get it the Mill in winter.
I hiked back out to my car fast. I was eager to check the forecast for overnight. Just praying for an overnight storm to make my weds morning idea have the potential to be a winner. I got back to my brothers place in Glenwood, looked up NOAA and lo and behold, the overnight forecast for Marble was for 7-9 inches of fresh powder!!!! Holy crap, this thing might work. That night I didn’t sleep much with anticipation.
Alarm rings at 3:40am. Look out the window…Snow. The raod to the trailhead isn’t too dicey. Looks like 5 inches. I’m snowshoeing in the dark by 5:00am. There’s more snow the higher I go, this is a good thing. Familiar terrain keeps me focused on my hiking cadence. Need to be set up in the river for the shot by 7:00am. Boy was I happy I scouted the trip the day before. No route guess-work, just cruising. I plowed through 8-9 inches of snow and made the Mill by 7:05. I know the first shot I want is down on the river with all of them foreground snow covered rocks that pop up out of the river. Now, how the hell am I to drop down into that creek with all my camera gear, without killing myself? Off I go; wallowing in 4-ft of very steep unconsolidated snow. After a ridiculous class 4 wallofest, which included falling forward on my face, losing both snowshoes, and bending a trekking pole…I made the river waters in one piece. Nobody saw that right?
The view was everything I had hoped for…. I ended up doing a 24mm tilt shift double exposure for the foreground, then a double exposure for the sky and building. Later I would blend the 2 comps, then stitch them in ptgui. Overall I’m happy with the results, however I did have some trouble handling the huge dynamic range for the shots.
I hope you enjoy the result of over 20 miles of hiking in less than 24 hrs to get a few pretty good images that you just don’t see everyday.
http://www.kaephotography.com/gallery/crystal-river-mill/
Well done!
For me #3 rocks!!! The mill, snow, water, icicles and beautiful sky all come together for a beautiful photograph!
Thanks for the story and for sharing the photos!
I believe that you're the first to capture this scene in the winter.
...love the "ethic" you bring to photography: physically demanding shots that require persistence, fitness, and just a little luck.
The shots are just superb. Image #2 is simply Epic!