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Wycliffe

the light of summer

Scorching hot day at Elk Lake Provincial Park

Scorching hot day at Elk Lake Provincial Park
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iPhone 11 Pro

settings

Aperture 12/5 ISO 20 Shutter 1/171 Focal Length 77/50

location

British Columbia, CA

upload_date

Jan, 2023

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Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken in Elk Lakes Provincial Park in British Columbia near the Alberta/BC border in the Rockies. The hiking trails here are as beautiful as anywhere in the Canadian Rockies but without the crowds of people. The lower Elk Lake pictured above is a beautiful cobalt blue from the glaciers and is nestled into the forest that includes the golden autumn larches. We had dragged kayaks into the campsite from the parking lot (hike in only campsite) and were able to take photos from the middle of the lake highlighting the beauty of the surrounding peaks. It was tough bringing the kayaks, two dogs and tons of gear up a hiking trail but worth every moment being able to appreciate the beauty and quietness of the lake.

Time

The early morning quietness of the lake made it especially wonderful to kayak into the lake and watch the peaks light up with the morning sun. The golden light and stillness made for a very special experience.

Lighting

The morning light and stillness made the lake calm and quiet. It was a very hot day in early July but the mornings were still crisp and cool. The campground had not woken up yet and there was a hush over the lake as the sun made its way up the sky. The light is that special light that only early morning can bring and it changes so quickly as the sun rises.

Equipment

Shot with an iPhone 11 Pro wide angle (13mm). I didn't use my Canon because of the quickness of trying to get out on the lake with a kayak and still get a shot in the rapidly changing light.

Inspiration

The experience of hauling up a kayak up a hiking trail and camping beside a glacial lake in one of the hottest days of summer (36 C) with the dogs so they can get relief from the heat, inspired the effort to get out on the lake early and seek the quietude of the moment as the sun rose behind the peaks. It was one of those once in a lifetime moments that I wanted to capture.

Editing

I always edit every photo to ensure the horizon is level and crop out any distractions. I also, in this case, darkened the overall exposure and brightness to bring out the colours (basically like a polarizer). Other than that, I did not adjust colours or white balance or remove anything or change any specific parts ie the sky.

In my camera bag

I have usually one iPhone for testing the scene and then in the bag - two tripods (one for the camera and one for the iPhone), a remote for both, my canon Eos r with 2 wide angles, a telephoto up to 300mm, 2 50 mm, filters, extra batteries and extra card

Feedback

Plan for the expected but hope for the unexpected. In this case, the lake was unusually still and the temperature was warm as opposed to the usual windy and cool (even in summer). It was a moment to just get out there and get the shot. I had hoped for something in the morning golden hour but it was better than I could dream.

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Wycliffe

Wycliffe

the light of summer

Scorching hot day at Elk Lake Provincial Park

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow Wycliffe

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