During a cold evening I stood on the shores of lower Waterfowl Lake, hoping some light would get through the clouds moving in. For few minutes it did, the clouds did not light up but it did touch Mount Chephren.
Mount Chephren
To me it seems to occur during winter, when wherever I go into the mountains I see possible black and white images. I think for me it has to be the snow, with much of the surrounding covered with snow it lot easier to imagine the scene I want to take pictures of. And the chances are more likely I will take a picture in black and white if there are clouds in the sky. As well, most of my black and white are taken after sunrises but always before or after the sun has reached its highest point in the sky. There are no right or wrongs, it's just my preference for monochrome images. For this image it was about two hours after sunrise, I had crossed over the frozen lower Waterfowl Lake. While walking along the Mistaya River I walked into this picture. There was more than enough light to take the picture hand holding the camera. Trying few variations, this one was my favourite of Mount Chephren that morning. I then snowshoed along the river to the creek coming from Chephren Lake and then using it as a guide to get up to the lake to explore.
Mount Chephren
It looks like a another warm winter, compare to what they used to be like. When I took this picture of Mount Chephren, it was a cold morning, everything covered with snow except for the running Mistaya River. But few weeks later the area looked like spring had arrived and then few more weeks it was back to winter.I grew up experiencing cold winters and when I moved to the mountains, just meant more layers needed to enjoy the winter. It's also lot easier moving over frozen water during cold winters, for now my winter exploring has been limited. If you have not figured it out yet, I'm bit outside the norm, like my winter full of snow and cold air to keep it light and fluffy. I just eat lot of chocolate when I want to connect with others.
Until next moment,
Amar
Mount Chephren
Parts of Banff National Park are already looking like winter has arrived then other places. Here are part of Waputik Mountains under the snow.
Until next moment,
Amar
Mount Chephren
I was walking along Mistaya River, when I came across this open water with the reflection of Mount Chephren in it. Took the picture and with a very overcast sky, and black and white look seemed appropriate.
Until next moment,
Amar
Mount Chephren
There is no better way to enjoy the mountains then to wander through valleys. There are so many surprises waiting around each turn, from different views of the surroundings to the possible chance of coming across creatures, from an insect to a large mammal. I'm not picky, I always find something to enjoy and to take pictures of. Few weeks back on a cold morning I walked along the river until I was tired and came back with few pictures to remind me of that adventure.
Until next moment,
Amar
Mount Chephren
Relatively speaking, it has been a warm winter in the Rockies. Frozen water I would not even think twice about walking over in previous winters, this winter I had to slow down there and access the risk more carefully. I did not have lot of time, I wanted to quickly make my way over to the area where the lake gives its water back to the river. There with the running water I wanted to take the picture of the sunrise. Making my way around thin ice, I made it to the spot, then took the pictures and after some exploring followed my tracks back.
Until next moment,
Amar
Trailhead
Every hike is a small journey, it all starts with the first step. Sometimes you can see where you going to end up, in this case it can be the base of Mount Chephren in the picture by hiking to Chephren Lake. Other times you have to wait until you get there, same trail head as the first to reach Cirque Lake. But so often I find, the important part is not just about reaching the end, it's the discoveries you encounter along the way.
Until next moment,
Amar
Signs of Ptarmigans
I was on a search for White-tailed Ptarmigans on a cold morning. I was enjoying the morning but was not having any luck finding ptarmigans that morning. But I was seeing signs of the ptarmigans, including where they had burrowed in the snow to avoid the cold weather.
Until next moment,
Amar
Mount Chephren
2012 was a great year for photography, the diversity that I was able to come across and take pictures of could not have been better. Looking forward to another great year.
Until next moment,
Amar
Mount Chephren
The original plan was to take picture of Mount Chephren from one of the Waterfowl Lakes, but it was windy and the water was not calm. So I decided to follow Mistaya River and see if I could find an area that would work better. Soon after with very little effort I came across shrubs still showing the fall colours, that is where I grabbed this picture.
Until next moment,
Amar
Mount Chephren
It was another warm morning middle of the winter. River section that was to be frozen had water flowing in the middle and my snowshoes were sinking in the slush beside the river. I was waiting for the clouds to move, so Mount Chephren would be covered with direct light. As well waiting for a fresh ripple of water to flow over the ice front of me to get a clearer reflection of the peak. The light was on the peak, the reflection was much better, grabbed the picture and just got myself out of the slush. Then it was time to find the dippers I was hearing and find a place to eat.
Until next moent,
Amar
Mount Chephren
Mount Chephren is an impressive mountain, standing along Lower Waterfowl Lake, rising some 1600 meters from the valley. You see it long before you reach the lake. When I was there few weeks ago, it was a very frosty cool morning, with low clouds in the area. I was taking pictures from different parts of the lake, trying to get the view that would show just how impressive the mountain is. The light was great and the water was still, could not ask for more. Started taking pictures when the first light touched the top to the peak and about hour later session came to end, picture I wanted in hand.
Until next moment,
Amar
Mount Chephren
I started the days adventure at upper Waterfowl Lake, with the goal to snowshoe to Mistaya Lake. Snowfall in the mountains has been below average this winter, but here along the Waputik Mountains below average is still enough to play with. But first thing first, need to capture the morning light. Standing on the east side o the lake, I started to take pictures of the mountains across the lake, as the light made its way toward the bottom of the valley.
It was a cool morning, I wanted to start moving and to get back some of the heat I lost taking the picture of the sunrise. Was hopping to head for the other side of the lake where the sunlight would be hitting soon, but was having way too much fun exploring the side of the lake I was on. Exploring places I wanted to come back to take pictures in winter and during the summer.
I made my way toward the small section of the Mistaya River that connects Waterfowl Lake to the Mistaya Lake. Due to low temperature mist was rising from the open running water, visible from a distance as the the sunlight came in contact with it. Being careful to stay on solid surface as I walked along the running water, open in some area and covered by ice and snow in others. Water was cool and clear as the surrounding landscape reflected off the water. Walking with snowshoes, made it easier to walk on the snow and at the same time carry the camera on the tripod.
So many place to take pictures, would be great to return and capture the early light on the mountains being reflected in the water. I was seeing so many possibilities for pictures, every few steps produced a unique opportunity for pictures. I was so involved taking pictures of the landscape , did not the mountains were holding a surprise for around the corner. A surprise that heard me coming. To be contuined... .
Until next moment,
Amar