joshbryant

Hidden Lake

Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park.

Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park.
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Canon EOS 5DS R

settings

Aperture 18/1 ISO 100 Shutter 1/30 Focal Length 18/1

upload_date

Jun, 2016

Views

195

Likes

+18

Awards

Summer Selection

Absolute Masterpiece

+11

Superb Composition

Outstanding Creativity

Top Choice

Peer Award

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

Top 20 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

This was taken on the trail back to the Logan Pass Visitor Center from Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park. I'd hiked all the way down to the shore, taking many shots along the way as well as on the way back. I was one of the only people that continued past the overlook, had the trail almost to myself. It was well worth it.

Time

This was maybe an hour before sunset. I wanted to stay longer, but didn't have a flashlight on me, and it was a long hike back to the visitor center where my family was waiting.

Lighting

Being partly cloudy and nearing sunset provided great light.

Equipment

I rented a Canon 5DSR and 11-24mm f/4L for this trip, which is what I used for this shot along with my Sirui farbon fiber tripod.

Inspiration

I like to try and go a bit further down the trail than most tourists dare to go. The trail beyond the overlook is narrow and steep, so most tourists don't venture beyond the overlook. I knew if I went far enough I'd find a more unique view than what most people get. When I stopped and looked back on my return trip and saw the lighting, I knew this would be the shot I was after.

Editing

HDR Merge in Lightroom with minor color correction, then into Photoshop for some color and contrast adjustments using a couple plug-ins from Topaz Labs, followed by some dodging and burning. I try to keep things looking vivid yet natural to reproduce what I see on my hikes.

In my camera bag

Canon T3i, EF-S 10-18mm, EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, 50 MM f/1.4, 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM, UV and CPL filters for each lens thread size, spare batteries, remote shutter, lens cleaning supplies, Sirui carbon fiber tripod.

Feedback

Check the weather, partly cloudy days provide more interesting skies. Have good hiking boots and be willing to hike tougher trails beyond where most people would stop. Dress appropriately, even in mid summer high altitude trails can be cold and windy. Have enough patience to wait for the right light. Use a tripod with a level, and take the time make sure the camera is level when framing your shot. Being even slightly off level can ruin the shot when using a wide angle lens. Use the grid in live mode when framing to make line up the shot, and double check it after taking the shot. If it doesn't look right, or you end up with something unwanted in the frame, adjust and shoot again.

See more amazing photos, follow joshbryant

joshbryant

joshbryant

Hidden Lake

Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow joshbryant

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