Broken Top
A view from "No-Name Lake" at the base of Broken Top, in the Oregon Cascades
A view from "No-Name Lake" at the base of Broken Top, in the Oregon Cascades
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Jul, 2015Views
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Awards
Amateur Winner HDR Landscapes Photo Contest Explore Series
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Contest Finalist in HDR Landscapes Photo Contest Explore Series
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
All Star
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken at the outlet for an unnamed lake in the caldera of Broken Top, in the Oregon Cascades. It's one of my favorite hikes; above treeline all the way, with fantastic views.Time
This photo was taken after climbing a ridge and looking down on the lake. We had hiked down from the ridge, and were headed out. I stopped for one last look at the lake, and had to take just one final photo! It was taken on August 17, 2013, at 12:56 pm.Lighting
As I mentioned earlier, this photo was taken at 12:56 pm ... NOT the best time for outdoor photography! That's where I was, though, and that's what time it was. When you're out on a hike, not everything can be shot at sunrise or the golden hour of sunset. Sometimes, you just shoot the beauty with what you're given. I believe the play of light and shadow on the mountain from clouds overhead are what make the lighting beautiful in this photo, even in midday.Equipment
This was taken with a Nikon D3100. No tripod. This photo was taken a few years ago, at a time when I didn't know much about camera settings. It was taken at ISO 200; f/4.5; 1/250th sec.Inspiration
I love this spot so much, that I always hate leaving! I remember telling my partner, Rick ... "Hey, I have to take just one more shot before we start down." I rock-hopped into the middle of the outlet stream, and balanced on a couple of rocks.Editing
Post-processing was done with Lightroom, and also with Photomatix. I did need to lighten the shadows on the left side of the photo a bit, but didn't do too much there, because it would have looked "off".In my camera bag
Today, I shoot with a Sony a7II. I love that camera, and the internal stabilization system that makes it easier to take photos at at slower shutter speed without always having to rely on a tripod. I take most of my photos while hiking, and I hate carrying a lot of weight, so I'm a minimalist. I carry my camera (28-70 lens), lens cloth, spare batteries, and a tripod. My camera has a polarizing filter. That's it ...Feedback
Today, I do try to plan hikes to arrive at a beautiful destination at the best time for lighting. Frequently, this means getting up at 3:30 or 4:00 am to drive to a trailhead ... or sleeping in the back of the truck at the trailhead, to start out at the earliest time possible. Even though I try to do this, sometimes an amazing scene unfolds at midday ... and every once in awhile, those photos can also turn out beautifully. I guess, it's important to just keep shooting!
