heidialberto

_MG_6319

1st snowfall in the mountains just after sunrise and along the resevoir

1st snowfall in the mountains just after sunrise and along the resevoir
Read less

Canon EOS 30D

settings

Aperture f/9 ISO 1000 Shutter 1/1600 Focal Length 27/1

upload_date

Nov, 2015

Views

239

Likes

Awards

2020 Choice Award

Top Choice

Superb Composition

Top Ranks

Top 20 rank

Top 30 rank

Top 30 rank week 2

Top 30 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken at Two Jack Lake Reservoir in the Banff National Park, Alberta Canada. I am a self taught photographer and just love being in the outdoors. Having lost my short term memory from a car accident many years ago, I sometimes struggle with my settings and am pleased when the photo's turn out the way I envisioned them. A 12 hour day trip taking photos is not unheard of for me.

Time

Since Banff is about an hour's drive from Calgary and I wanted to get to there for the early morning sunrise, I was up and gone by 6:15am. I have always loved the reflections of the mountains in the reservoir and decided to start here. Tracks in the snow showed signs of wildlife making their way down to the waters edge, too early yet for humans.

Lighting

I arrived with the morning light, just before the glow of the sunrise came over the mountains.

Equipment

Shot with a Canon EOS 30D, 17-40mm lens, hand held.

Inspiration

Arriving just as the light was changing and the steam still rising from the cold, still, waters, my eyes wondered from the warm glow of the grasses and fresh snowfall, to the reflection of the mountains in the reservoir. The lighting was perfect. The glow from the sun had not yet come over the mountain, but the view was warm and inviting and I knew I had to try and capture the beauty of the 1st snowfall.

Editing

I really don't know how to do much processing in the computer, I may brighten the colors slightly, but have old programs in Corel Paint Shop.

In my camera bag

I now have 2 camera bodies, Canon EOS 30D, 3 backup batteries & charger, remote trigger and Canon EOS 70D, 2 backup batteries & charger, remote trigger and since my 'day trips' are generally up to 12 hrs long, I want to make sure I have most of my lens with me. 17-40 mm IS wide angle,100mm IS Macro, 55-250mm 2.8 IS Macro, 100-400mm 5.6 IS Zoom, Tamron 1.4 Tele-Converter, basic tripod, variable ND filter, cokin adapters & fader /sunglow filter, Lowepro backpack. camera that lives in my car. I also have a waterproof point and shot And I rarely leave home without the bag!

Feedback

If travelling great distances over the day, make sure to have a range of lenses with you, as the weather is always changing here and you never know which lense you will need. I have gone on trips to the mountains where I have literally had all 4 seasons over several hours. Make sure you pack clothes for both warm and cold weather. Be prepared to 'camp out' if waiting for the light to change or animals coming to you. I once spent an hour camped out on the side of the road, waiting for a herd of elk to walk into my picture, with the mountains in the background. That was -25 degree weather too! I make sure I have a complete change of clothes with me. I have ventured down path's to the river, where there is a little stream flowing down the path, only to try and jump over it and end up mid calf in mud. So a change of socks, shoes and pants was in order. Make sure to also bring a plastic bag to put the soiled clothing into. A supply of water and snacks or lunch is a must, as you never know when you will run into a convenient store. I always make sure that I have toilet paper, paper towel and hand sanitizer with me too. Booster cables, 1st Aid Kit, rain / winter boots, wool blanket, yogo mat, flash light, water purifying pills, knife, candle / tin can, safety becon, lighter, portable shovel and a pair of shears. Now don't laugh, but the shovel and shears actually helped free a deer tangled in barbed wire. The shears can also be used to clip pussy willows in the spring. These are always in the trunk of my car. And now I have a kayak to get some different angles.

See more amazing photos, follow heidialberto

heidialberto

heidialberto

_MG_6319

1st snowfall in the mountains just after sunrise and along the resevoir

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow heidialberto

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes. Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.