Mountain of Gold
Oct, 2016Views
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Awards
People's Choice in Greatest outdoors Photo Challenge
Contest Finalist in Celebrating Nature Photo Contest Vol 6
Contest Finalist in Fall 2017 Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Nature And Patterns Photo Contest
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beckykempf
October 03, 2016
Wow! I love everything about this - the composition, the clarity, the lighting, the color!
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ShutterBuzz
July 17, 2022
Very well done. I love the tones in this beautiful image. Would love to have it on my wall 🙂
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
The drive to Maroon Bells from Aspen Colorado is such a scenic drive with mountains of thick, beautiful aspens interspersed with a few evergreens. The image was taken about 8 miles from the iconic Maroon Bells.Time
Morning sun dancing with golden rays on the aspens provided perfect lighting for the scene. The image was taken after a lengthy early morning shoot at Maroon Bells. I would say it was about 7:30 AM that I got this shot.Lighting
Was not able to be at this location at sun-up, which would have been optimal, but it was still early enough to get the softer, golden light of morning.Equipment
This was taken with a Canon 1DX, 70-200 mm Canon lens about 20 yards from the turn-out on the highway.Inspiration
After a 3:00AM shoot at Maroon Bells, was returning to Aspen. I had been hoping to find thick stands of Aspen as I had somewhat pre-visualized the shot. Was also looking for "groupings" of the trees with the white trunks visible. When we came upon the scene, I knew this was it. Took several shots trying to isolate just the right pattern and groupings.Editing
Most of the post was done in Adobe Camera Raw and a little cloning in Photoshop. The final workflow came in Nik Color Effects Pro, where a little color saturation on the golds and selective sharpening of tree trunks.In my camera bag
For most wide angle landscapes, I use a Nikon D800e. Most detailed, isolated or distance shots, low light, and action images, I prefer the Canon 1DX with the 70-200mm lens. Also use a Gitzo tripod with Really Right Stuff ball head. I take two packs...one Think Tank with the Canon, filters, and lens and a LowPro sling with the Nikon. Always carry spare batteries, blower/brush for lens cleaning, a flashlight and ClifBar snack with water. It does depend on the type of images I'm after as to what filters and lens are in the packs. If I'm getting bird and animals, have a 100-500mm. If water scenes, usually a Big Stopper 10 stop ND filter to put on the 16-35mm wide angle lens. If shooting events, some architecture or animals, use a Really Right Stuff monopod for the heavy, bulky lens where I need flexibility of movement.Feedback
I don't usually pre-visualize a shot, but I did on this one because there are so few opportunities to see fall color in close, clustered groupings. Did have to do a little off-road hike to get the exact pattern I wanted and took several shots of different groupings in order to find just the right combo. Of course lighting plays such a key role in getting a dynamic, stand out image. Be early, scout around and try shots from various perspective... With trees, laying on the ground, shooting up gives interesting dynamic effects when trees are closely clustered. Try them all!!!! Post processing is essential, no matter how great your equipment. I am now finding that Luminar, Aurora, and Topaz have wonderful presets that take little skill to achieve professional results. You can create so many different effects with the same image that you may not have tried on your own...and it's really fun...and it makes me look like a MUCH better photographer than I really am!!!!
