Snowstorm_Above_Crystal_Mill
This is the second place I really wanted to visit on this trip to Colorado. The road was much more difficult than expected and the weather was rainy and cloudy ...
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This is the second place I really wanted to visit on this trip to Colorado. The road was much more difficult than expected and the weather was rainy and cloudy but added some drama. Colors had about another 5-7 days before peak
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Mar, 2016Views
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RDVPhotography
March 26, 2016
Well also a lot of planning and a one hour drive to go five miles. Planning is also a part of good photography by knowing when the light is right and the surroundings are best.
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RDVPhotography
March 28, 2016
Thank you very much Nina, means a lot coming from you. It was a tough place to get to but worth it. Will be off and on over the next 3 weeks as we travel to Hawaii to see our oldest son.
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NatureLoverJJWal
May 14, 2016
How I wish to come here. I love the crystal Mill., Really great. Voted Covers!
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RDVPhotography
May 17, 2016
This was difficult to get to and I would recommend an ATV. I had planned in advance but had no idea the trail was so rocky. Thanks for your support Gigi
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RDVPhotography
May 17, 2016
This was difficult to get to and had planned in advance but had no idea the trail was so rocky. Glad you like it and appreciate the comments.
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RDVPhotography
May 25, 2016
Thanks Patrick, supposedly they have rebuilt the road, but still 4 wheel drive.Good luck it is a beautiful spot even in the spring with flowers from what I hear.
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RDVPhotography
May 25, 2016
It was well worth the trek, but be sure and plan ahead, thanks for the comment
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RDVPhotography
June 27, 2016
Hi Nina, Thank you very much. Been back to Colorado the past several days on more 4wheel drive roads. Nothing this spectacular this time around.
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RDVPhotography
August 07, 2016
Thanks, took several shots here and like this one the best. Wanted the stream to the left that feeds the waterfall but never got a good exposure.
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RDVPhotography
August 11, 2017
Thanks again Gigi. This one and the Maroon Bells image have turned out to be two of my most popular shots here on VB and a few other sites. Both taken in Colorado and fairly close to each other. Did quite a bit of planning for both shots.
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RDVPhotography
September 16, 2019
Thank you for the nice comment Gregory, not an easy place to get to but well worth it
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
I captured this image along Crystal Creek east of Marble and west of Crystal, Colorado.Time
It was 2:46 PM on September 30, 2014 when I took this shot.Lighting
There was a light rain shower which then turned to snow, while photographing here, so I had to deal with changing light as well as keeping my lens dry. While no snow stuck by the mill it was evident higher up on the mountains and trees and at times the visibility was reduced. This necessitated changes in settings and graduated filters I was using to bring out details in the clouds.Equipment
I used a Canon 5D Mk II with Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM Gitzo Tripod with RRS Ballhead. I also used Lee Graduated Filters. I tried both a 2 stop and 3 stop grad while shooting and am not sure which was used for this specific shot.Inspiration
I had seen this shot online and in a couple magazines and also found this is one of the most photographed places in Colorado, so I wanted to give it a try myself.Editing
I used LR5 to develop the RAW image. In LR I made adjustments to the the white balance, shadows, highlights, blacks and whites. I also adjusted the clarity and vibrance. I then tweaked the the luminance for greens, yellow and orange. Then I took the image to On1 Perfect Effects for noise reduction and sharpening.In my camera bag
On this day I had my bag with my 5DMKII with the 24-105mm f4.0 attached and also carried my 16-35mm f/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8. I also carry a full set of Lee Soft Graduated ND Filters (1,2, 3 &4 stops) along with a CPL and two solid ND filters, one 3 stop and 1 4 stop. I also carry lens cleaning wipes as well as an extra battery and memory cards.Feedback
Plan ahead! Also, better have a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle and fasten your seat belts for a rough ride. Supposedly this is an intermediate 4 Wheel Drive Road, but my 4Runner made the trip. Think next time it will be in the Jeep :D. Watch the weather and check it before going. Also recommend stopping in Marble and getting a local report on the condition of the trail from the locals. Have fun and be careful.
