Instead of joining the crowd and standing shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of other photographers at the Maroon Bells yesterday, I decided to head to one of my favorite locations. There's a few things I can always count on when I go to Cataract Lake. No crowds, fog and geese on calm water, and great color. I only ran across 2 people until I headed back to the parking lot at around 10:30. I may not have captured the "Money Shot" like so many others did, but I did have hours of peaceful bliss.
Posted by Kane Engelbert on September 29, 2013 at 4:56 PM
Mike, as far as the iconic Bells shot, you didn't miss much. Clouds cleared out at 6;00am, wind picked up at 6:00am. Conditions were perfect because it snowed close to 6" at the lake Friday night and color is basically at peak.
The real winner shots were shooting tight comps of the snow covered pine trees surrounded by colorful aspens. Doug Koespel and I shot those kinds of shots all the way until noon.
Your images convey a sense if solitude that I long for, no more crowds. I especially like your duck scene with the aspens reflecting.
Posted by Debbie Yarra on September 30, 2013 at 10:51 AM
I'm with you Mike! Love your geese reflection shot and for hours of peace I would give up the money shot too! There's nothing like nature and it's beautiful sounds to make everything right again.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on September 30, 2013 at 2:41 PM
Another vote for the reflection image. The solitude after the snow must have been pleasurable.
Posted by Pete Miller on September 30, 2013 at 3:10 PM
LOL
Michael, I totally hear ya! I've battled the Maroon Lake insanity enough myself. If I want a money shot of the 'Bells at Fall Colors time, I can do that in a number of other locations, including up at Crater Lake. :D
Posted by Morris McClung on September 30, 2013 at 11:02 PM
A very nice collection, and good on you for getting away.
Posted by Kurt Bowman on October 1, 2013 at 9:02 AM
I don't blame you. That is one thing I hardly ever have to deal with shooting wildlife (unless of course it is Elk rut season up at RMNP). I have only taken a handful of landscape shots and the last time was at one of the iconic spots in Teton. I couldn't believe how pushy and rude people were getting. Arguing over who was here first, people yelling at one another because someone's foot was in the shot and they have ben waiting for hours, etc. I thought...yep, this is why I shoot wildlife.
Discussion
8 repliesThe real winner shots were shooting tight comps of the snow covered pine trees surrounded by colorful aspens. Doug Koespel and I shot those kinds of shots all the way until noon.
Your images convey a sense if solitude that I long for, no more crowds. I especially like your duck scene with the aspens reflecting.
Michael, I totally hear ya! I've battled the Maroon Lake insanity enough myself. If I want a money shot of the 'Bells at Fall Colors time, I can do that in a number of other locations, including up at Crater Lake. :D