Photographing this iconic feature of Lake Tahoe.
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Location
Spanning the state line between Nevada and California, 191-square-mile Lake Tahoe is surrounded by a mixed conifer forest and breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada. Bonsai Rock, located just off Tahoe’s eastern shore in Nevada, is approximately five and a half miles south of the town of Incline Village, which offers nearby camping facilities, food, lodging and recreational opportunities.
Finding Bonsai Rock can be a challenge, as the spot isn’t marked. Approximately one mile south of the Sand Harbor Overlook, there’s a gravel turnoff on the lake side of Highway 28 from which the rock is barely visible through the trees. From there, it’s a short but steep hike down one of the various sandy and rocky trails to the shoreline. If you can’t snag a coveted parking spot at the turnoff, accessing the location will require some hiking to get to, as there are minimal opportunities for parking on the winding, shoulder-less road along the lake.
Weather
Lake Tahoe has warm, dry summers and cold winters with regular snowfall. The drier east side of the lake gets most of its precipitation in the form of snow between the months of November and April. In any season, be prepared for windy conditions and watch the forecast for lake wind advisories. Check with the Nevada Department of Transportation for road conditions prior to visiting. Make sure to wear good shoes with ankle support and, even in summer, clothing layers for highly variable Sierra weather. Gloves and hand warmers thrown into your camera bag are really useful here to help keep you comfortable when photographing in the elements.
Photo Experience At Bonsai Rock
Bonsai Rock, with its miniature trees growing out of the granite, provides a unique focal point for photographing the largest alpine lake in North America. Depending on the lake level, smooth granite rocks can offer additional foreground elements in the vast lake. I find myself most often utilizing a 16mm to 24mm focal length to capture the tree-lined shoreline and dramatic skies. There are multiple vantage points from which to photograph this scene.
During a summer camping trip to photograph the nearby purple lupine that blooms along areas of the lake’s north shore, I used the PhotoPills app to determine when the Milky Way and its galactic core would be vertical and in a location that rises from the best angle of Bonsai Rock looking south. In the dark, pre-dawn hours, light pollution from nearby South Lake Tahoe and California’s Central Valley provide an ethereal orange glow at the horizon in long-exposure photographs.
Best Times
Facing west overlooking the sapphire blue lake, Bonsai Rock is a beautiful location to photograph sunsets in any season as the sun dips below the Sierras. At sunrise, with the sun at your back, the distant California mountains across the lake can sometimes be lit a serene pink. During the late spring and summer months, there are ample opportunities for unique astrophotography of the Milky Way, and I’ve even photographed here in winter months when the turnoff was accessible to capture a light dusting of snow on the boulders under cloudy skies with a 10-stop neutral density filter.
Contact: Nevada State Parks, parks.nv.gov/parks/lake-tahoe-nevada-state-park.
See more of Beth Young’s photography at optimalfocusphotography.com.
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]]>Named after Ben A. Morton, a civic leader and conservationist of Knoxville, Tennessee, Morton Overlook in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, offers stunning vistas for photography.
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Location
Morton Overlook is a vantage point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and has become one of my favorite spots. It faces west so, in my opinion, it’s the best place in the Great Smokies to catch the sunset.
The overlook is named after Ben A. Morton, a civic leader and conservationist of Knoxville, Tennessee. He was one of the voices behind the preservation of the Great Smokies. Located just off U.S. Route 441 on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, Morton Overlook is roughly 14 miles from the nearest town, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where you can find lodging, dining and entertainment.
Gatlinburg was a travel spot I had often visited growing up and continue to go to today. Morton Overlook is about a 30-minute drive from the town, and it’s a drive filled with elevation changes, twists and turns, and wildlife. Take into consideration that traffic, weather and other drivers taking in the scenery may prolong your commute time to the overlook.
On your way from Gatlinburg to Morton’s, you’re also given multiple opportunities for pull-off locations to shoot the ridgeways, mountain peaks and creeks. If you have children or family in tow, Morton Overlook is an easy spot to stop and sit for a while. If you plan on capturing the sunset, get there well before, as this pull-off doesn’t allow for much parking. Other cars will also stop once they see multiple tripods set up capturing the sunset, so it can get quite crowded. We photographers are like a magnet to the common traveler, as they’re curious to see what we’re shooting.
Weather
The climate of the Great Smoky Mountains is ever-changing. I‘ve spent hours perched out at Morton Overlook to witness complete fog coverage disappear in minutes and transform to sunny skies. I have seen moody weather dissipate to allow a break in the horizon. If you’re going in the summer months, be prepared for warm weather, but bring a light jacket or sweater when you make your way into the mountains. In the fall when the Smokies’ deciduous forests change colors, be sure to bring warmer jackets, as the weather gets quite cool.
Photo Experience At Morton Overlook
Any lens you bring will capture this view, but since there is a valley flanked by ridgelines and peaks, I recommend bringing your wide-angle lens with you, as it won’t disappoint. Also bring a tripod because it can get quite windy. The best recommendation I could offer is to be patient—I have witnessed photographers pack up their gear and head to dinner while I stayed behind to capture a break in the clouds revealing sunrays and spectacular skies.
Best Times
My favorite time to explore the Smoky Mountains would be in the late spring before the rush of school getting out and in the fall when the leaves change color. The prices for nearby lodging tend to rise in the summer months and in peak fall season as well, so those factors play into my decision-making process of when to visit.
Contact: National Park Service, nps.gov/grsm.
See more of Brian Koprowski’s photography at briankoprowski.com.
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]]>The centerpiece of Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas, Cedar Falls is a 95-foot waterfall that's especially stunning in spring, when the redbuds along the creek are in full bloom.
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Location
Petit Jean State Park is a wonderful place to spend a few days enjoying the natural beauty of the Arkansas Ozark Mountains. If you’re planning on visiting Cedar Falls and Petit Jean State Park, make sure to look into staying at Mather Lodge or the nearby cabins. Mather Lodge was just remodeled about four years ago.
The centerpiece of the park is Cedar Falls, which is approximately 95 feet tall. The falls are best viewed by hiking the trail to the bottom of Cedar Creek Canyon. This trail is about 1.5 miles long and starts directly behind Mather Lodge, winding down the canyon to cross Cedar Creek. It then turns right and follows Cedar Creek upstream to the falls. As you start down the trail, you follow a small feeder creek that features many small waterfalls to photograph. After the crossing, the hike up to the falls is especially pretty, as it winds through rock falls and stands of dogwood. Petit Jean State Park also offers many other hiking trails. I strongly recommend the Seven Hollows trail after you finish with Cedar Falls.
Weather At Petit Jean State Park
The best weather conditions for shooting Cedar Falls are in the winter and springtime. In the winter, expect ice along the trail and very possibly an impressive icefall display at the falls, with large icicles. Springtime offers both the best water conditions and the overall best weather. Expect cool days with partial cloud cover and moderate flows in Cedar Creek that can become an overnight torrent if a spring storm delivers a large amount of rain.
In the summer, expect long, hot days with very low water unless a storm has moved through. Autumn days tend to be cooler, and the foliage display at the base of the falls can be spectacular, as the falls are surrounded by a large number of sweet gum and maple trees. The sweet gum trees will offer a tricolor leaf display of green, yellow and red.
Photo Experience
Ideally, you want to photograph Cedar Falls two days after a good rain. This shot was taken on the third of April, when the water level was perfect and the redbud was in full bloom. Earlier this day, the sun had been covered with low clouds, allowing for very flat light. Around 9:45 a.m., the sun came out and the scene totally changed. The entire area around the falls was illuminated, and the light was playing beautifully on the creek. It’s always nice to see the right combination of light and water come together.
For the image in this article, I used a Canon EOS 5D Mark II with a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II lens at 48mm. I also used a circular polarizer and three-stop neutral density filter. The polarizer mainly helped to cut the glare on the rocks and leaves. The neutral density filter allowed for a slower shutter speed to add blur to the water. The shot was taken in one exposure of about two seconds. I captured the image as a RAW file and used Adobe Lightroom with Topaz Clarity for the final image.
Best Times To Visit
One of the best times to consider a trip to Cedar Falls is the early springtime, when the redbuds along the creek are in full bloom. There’s one redbud that has always caught my eye. This tree is on the left side of the falls and hangs out over the creek. The issue has always been finding this tree in bloom combined with sunlight.
Due to the large number of people who visit Cedar Falls daily, I like to get an early start. Try to pick a weekday to minimize the crowds. Since Cedar Creek Canyon is quite narrow, there’s only a brief timeline where the sun will hit both the falls and the redbud. Optimum illumination of this scene will be between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Contact: Petit Jean State Park, petitjeanstatepark.com.
See more of Paul Caldwell’s work at photosofarkansas.com.
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]]>Part of Franconia Ridge, Mount Liberty is the second-highest mountain peak in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
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Location
Mount Liberty is a 4,459-foot high peak in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It’s part of Franconia Ridge, the second-highest mountain range in the Whites. Often overlooked by hikers traversing the popular Franconia Ridge loop hike just a few miles north, Mount Liberty's pointy summit ledge is a landmark readily identifiable from below, and for hikers summiting the mountain, the 360-degree view over the surrounding peaks and Pemigewasset Wilderness is well worth the effort.
To ascend Liberty, hikers can do the four-mile route from the southern end of Franconia Notch via the Whitehouse and Liberty Springs Trails. As an alternative, a great 10-mile loop hike can be made by climbing neighboring Mount Flume via the challenging Flume Slide Trail and descending from Liberty via Liberty Springs. Ambitious trekkers can also access Liberty from the popular Franconia Ridge Trail, descending along the northern ridge for two miles from the peak of Little Haystack to reach the trail junction just below the summit. And longer still, a journey up from the town of Lincoln via the Lincoln Woods and Osseo Trails will bring you to the top from the lesser-used east side.
Weather At Mount Liberty
While not as fully exposed as the northern peaks of Franconia Ridge, Liberty can have its share of severe weather. On a sunny winter day in the nearby valley, it could be cloudy with frozen fog up on the summits. Fortunately, the path up to Mount Liberty is sheltered for most of its length, so if the summit is inhospitable, it’s a quick escape to the safety of the trees. In the summer, the summit is apt to be a good 10 to 20 degrees colder than the valley below but rarely dangerous, except in the event of thunderstorms.
When planning a trip up any of the high peaks in the White Mountains, it’s best to check the weather forecast at the Mount Washington Observatory. The online Higher Summits Forecast is updated daily and will give you an accurate idea of what to expect above 4,000 feet. Look for a clear day with excellent visibility and mild winds to enjoy this summit.
Photo Experience
I've long wanted to take a winter shot of Mount Liberty with the summit rocks covered with rime ice. The best time for these conditions is early in the morning or any cold day that the clouds obscure the sun, as direct sunlight can melt delicate rime feathers.
One February day, several conditions lined up perfectly for me. A bitterly cold, cloudy day was expected to clear in the late afternoon. As a bonus, the moon would be rising a few hours before sunset. My plan was to hike up midday and time my arrival for about one hour before sunset.
I arrived just on time and was pleased to see the weather forecast was accurate. Bundling up with several layers, I set up to shoot the sunset and enjoyed watching the day wind to an end over the distant peaks. But the real treat started about 10 minutes after the sun dipped below the horizon. The cool darkening blues blended with the magenta of the fading sunset, and the rising moon was a nice addition to the clear sky. Using my 16mm wide-angle and the camera on a sturdy tripod, I got a few shots at ƒ/16 with a two-second exposure at ISO 100. The long exposure brought out the colorful sky as well as the icy branches of the scrubby summit trees.
Best Times
Liberty is a great peak in any season. My favorite times are late winter (the rocky trails are filled with snow and make for great snowshoeing, and the days are longer), and the months of September and October. In September, you can enjoy a great summer hike without the crowds, and, in October, the fall colors in the valley below are a sight to behold.
Contact: New Hampshire’s White Mountains, visitwhitemountains.com.
See more of Chris Whiton’s photography at whitemountainimages.org.
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]]>Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon.
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Location: Trillium Lake
Trillium Lake is located 7.5 miles southwest of the summit of Mt. Hood in the state of Oregon. From Portland, the drive takes about an hour and a half and climbs around 3,600 feet in elevation. The 63-acre lake is surrounded by a mixed conifer forest and has breathtaking views of the 11,249-foot-tall Mt. Hood. There’s a campground on the east side of the lake, as well as day-use facilities. Located in the Mt. Hood National Forest, Trillium Lake offers ample opportunities for hiking, canoeing and biking nearby. Mt. Hood also boasts one of the longest ski seasons in North America, so you could potentially shoot in the morning and ski in the afternoon. Government Camp is the closest town and has options for food and lodging.
Weather At Trillium Lake
The weather is relatively mild, with summertime highs in the 60s and lows in the mid-40s. Shooting in late spring and fall is slightly cooler but typically not extreme. Mt. Hood is completely covered in snow much of the year, but in the summertime months it can shed much of its snow cover. The campground is closed from Oct. 1 to the middle of May most years, but oftentimes the road is still open. Check with the Mt. Hood National Forest for road conditions prior to a visit. Make sure to bring warm clothes even in summertime; once the sun sets, the temperature drops quickly.
Photo Experience
This is a great location for wide-angle shots all the way up to moderate telephoto. On the southwest side of the lake, there are some fantastic rocks that can be used for foreground framing, and this area is often very calm for reflections. When shooting wide here, I try to stick around 18mm to 22mm so the massive peak isn’t diminished. As you move east along the shoreline, you’ll encounter some tall grasses in the water that can add depth to your shot. If the lake isn’t still, try shooting with a telephoto lens to isolate the peak and trees below. This is a perfect location for a “mountain portrait,” and there aren’t many locations where Mt. Hood looks more impressive. The wind and weather can change very quickly here, so make sure to watch the peak for any dramatic lighting, low clouds or incoming storms.
Best Times
The most idyllic conditions happen after one of the first snowfalls of the season while the lake is still open. Mt. Hood looks incredible when snow covered, and the conifer trees around the lake appear light and airy with fresh snow. The best chance for a shot like this is in early November, before the lake freezes. Early to mid-May can also be a very good time to shoot: the road is usually open, Mt. Hood still has its snow cover, and the area is very peaceful. During summer, the campground and day use areas can be very busy. If you decide to visit during this timeframe, I would suggest a sunrise shoot to get calm water on the lake, free of boaters and people. Sunrise and sunset both offer very nice side light on Mt. Hood, while twilight softens the contrast of the scene as the stars begin to twinkle above.
Contact: U.S. Forest Service, www.fs.usda.gov.
See more of Max Foster’s photography at maxfosterphotography.com.
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]]>Unique for its bogs and wetlands, Black Moshannon State Park is secluded and surrounded by a 43,000-acre state forest, ideal for landscape photography.
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Location: Black Moshannon State Park
Black Moshannon State Park is secluded, surrounded by the 43,000-acre state forest also named Black Moshannon. Close to I-80 and I-99 on the Pennsylvania map, the park is in the southern reach of Pennsylvania’s forested northern tier in the west central area of the Keystone State. The closest town is Philipsburg.
This park is unique for its bogs and wetlands, which extend in wide areas around the 250-acre lake. The bog area is now protected by the state as a Natural Area and has increased in size to 1,992 acres with many trails as well as boardwalk overlooks. Unlike most bog habitats formed in Pennsylvania by the receding ice sheets, Black Moshannon Bog Natural Area stands at 1,900 feet above sea level on the Allegheny Plateau and was created not from the last ice age but from the less permeable sandstone just below the ground’s surface.
Groups of Native Americans probably hunted and fished here as long as ago as 10,000 years. The name Moshannon comes from a Lenape Indian term, Mos'hanna'unk, meaning "elk river place." The “black” in the park name describes the dark, tea-colored waters, a result of local vegetation such as sphagnum moss tannins in the bog.
Weather At Black Moshannon State Park
Due to its higher altitude, Black Moshannon State Park temperatures are pleasant during the summer. In the fall — the best time for capturing the muted colors of the bog plants — temperatures can fall close to freezing during the night. In October, the average high temperature has been 57 degrees Fahrenheit, with a low of 36.
Photo Experience
Low in nutrients and high in acidity, the bogs attract specific plants, including varieties of sedges, orchids, blueberries, wild cranberries and viburnums. The muted browns with spots of reds, greens and blues emerging from the dark water fulfilled my desire to find unique color. The bogs carried me into a primitive, seemingly pre-historic space on a cloudy day.
My current gear is a Sony digital camera with lenses from 10mm to 1200mm, though the photograph displayed was made on Fujichrome Velvia film with a 17mm Minolta Rokkor lens placed solidly on a heavy Bogan tripod with a center pole custom-made for extra-long extension. I stood on a 2.5-foot stepladder at one of the viewing platforms. I stayed overnight in the park’s primitive cabins.
Best Times
Black Moshannon State Park is a locale for bird photography. The bogs and lake hold species of waterfowl — loons, mallards, wood and red-necked ducks — that nest here through the summer. The forests of Black Moshannon are home to hermit thrush, the dark-eyed junco and northern saw-whet owl as well as songbirds, including scarlet tanagers and red-eyed vireos. Migrating waterfowl can be found in the area in May and September.
In the winter, the lake is a popular spot for ice fishing, where bluegills, yellow perch, pike and largemouth bass are pulled through the ice.
Contact: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/BlackMoshannonStatePark.
See more of Blair Seitz’s photography at blairseitz.photoshelter.com.
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]]>Best times and locations to photograph in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan.
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Location: Lake of the Clouds, Porcupine Mountains
Lake of the Clouds resides in Ontonagon County in the Upper Peninsula region of Michigan. It’s nestled within the 58,000 acres of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The lake is situated in a valley between two ridges and is fed by the Carp River Inlet on the east end of the lake. It’s surrounded by a beautiful virgin old growth wilderness and is the most photographed feature in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The lake can be viewed most easily by driving to the Lake of the Clouds Overlook at the west end of the 107th Engineers Memorial Highway (M-107). Here, you’ll find a large parking lot at the top along with a short, paved trail leading to the various lookout points along the north side of the lake. You can also hike from there along the Escarpment Trail to explore other views of the lake. Access other wonderful photo opportunities at the base level of the lake by hiking the North Mirror Lake Trail near the lookout point.
Weather In The Porcupine Mountains
Weather conditions in the Porcupine Mountains can vary greatly, from well below freezing during the winter to the warmest months averaging 70 degrees Fahrenheit and above during the day. Fall temperatures can range from the low 40s to 70s during the day. One thing I’ve learned from living in the Midwest for the past seven years is that the weather can change on a moment’s notice, so regardless of the time of year, be prepared and bring layers. Also, be aware that thunder and lightning can seemingly come out of nowhere, so pay attention to weather forecasts, especially if planning extended hiking trips in the area.
Photo Experience
I’ve returned to photograph this location three times. Fall is the ideal time because of the beautiful foliage colors engulfing the lake. Timing is critical, and it can be hard to find both peak color and ideal weather conditions to photograph this location. My first two attempts were unsuccessful in capturing this scene as I had envisioned. The first time, I was about a week too late for the best fall color, and high winds had also taken their toll, blowing a considerable amount of leaves off the trees. The second time, I left very early from Milwaukee and actually ended up getting lost due to a lack of cell service when attempting to navigate there before sunrise. It’s important to note that cell service in the Porcupines is minimal to nonexistent, so it’s best to plan ahead and bring a map or GPS.
On my third attempt, when I captured this shot, I studied the fall color and weather reports carefully, and ended up making a last-minute decision to travel to the lake. When I arrived at the viewing platform about an hour before sunrise, I quickly noticed about 20 headlamps shining with moving figures heading toward the viewpoints. As I reached the main platform, it was completely filled with photographers already shooting in the dark. I was late, and it was very crowded. I managed to scramble below the deck and find a spot where I could set up. As I was shooting, I was so focused on technical concerns that I didn’t notice how nice the incoming cloud formations were lining up over the east end of the lake. I was pleasantly surprised when I reviewed my files.
I used a Nikon D800E and AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens mounted on a Really Right Stuff TVC-34L tripod and an Arca-Swiss D4 Geared Head to capture the image. The exposure settings were 1/6 sec., ƒ/16, ISO 100.
Best Times To Photograph In The Porcupine Mountains
I shot this scene in the second week of October. Typically, the peak color in the area reveals itself two weeks prior. So, it’s important to research foliage sites and monitor the weather forecasts in advance. Speaking to locals can give you more current updates on the ever-changing fall color.
The other key concerns are high winds and heavy rainstorms. If a significant storm comes through, the trees may lose too many leaves before peak color arrives. The ability to be flexible in your schedule is the key to success.
Contact: Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, porcupineup.com/lake-of-the-clouds.
See more of Jeff Stasney’s photography at jeffstasneyphotography.com.
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]]>Photographing Courthouse Rock, a formation of clay, sandstone and volcanic ash towering above the open prairie near Bridgeport, Nebraska.
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Location
As if lifted from within the earth, a formation of clay, sandstone and volcanic ash known today as Courthouse Rock towers above the open prairie. Lesser known than Chimney Rock a few miles to the west, Courthouse Rock and its little brother, Jail Rock, were nonetheless important and identifiable landmarks for settlers in the early pioneer days. Early travelers on the Oregon, Mormon or Pony Express trails called the rock a "castle" or "capitol" for its resemblance to a large building, before settling on "courthouse." A remaining symbol of days gone by, Courthouse Rock sits in the panhandle of Nebraska south of the town of Bridgeport. Not far from Highway 88 out of town, a small gravel road leads out to the two bluffs, making them very accessible.
Weather At Courthouse Rock
Nebraska is generally hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Courthouse Rock lies in the western part of the state, in a semi-arid climate, which means little rainfall, though this doesn't exclude the region from powerful storms. On the prairie, the weather can change suddenly, and this tumultuous weather often makes for good images. Regardless of time of year, I recommend long pants as you may run into prickly yucca plants, ticks and the occasional cacti when climbing around Courthouse Rock.
Photo Experience At Courthouse Rock
I spent a warm August morning at Courthouse Rock looking for a view that would capture the feel of this rocky butte on the prairie. For that perspective, I chose to go wide to include the entire scene—sky, flowers and bluff. Additionally, I utilized a polarizing filter, to slightly darken the blue of the sky and add contrast. While I normally espouse the "golden" or "blue" hours for the best times to shoot, this image happened to be captured later in the morning, when the sun was higher. On this day, the clouds cooperated nicely, and the sunflowers were at their peak, an example that a successful landscape image can be made at any hour.
Best Times
Each season brings a unique nuance to the landscape. Spring features blooming, colorful wildflowers and summer produces amazing storms that frequently reveal a rainbow as the finale. During the autumn, trees and prairie grass transition to warmer hues, and in the winter snow is a nice contrast to any landscape. Besides the occasional buzz of a bug or the sound of a slight breeze across the plains, silence will reign. As such, be prepared for a solitary experience, as this location is off the beaten path. Whenever you visit, be certain to enjoy the time to yourself and explore different angles and compositions of the unique Courthouse Rock rising from the plains.
Contact: National Park Service, nps.gov/nr/travel/scotts_bluff/courthouse_jail_rocks.html.
See more of Derrald Farnsworth-Livingston’s photography at www.journeyoflight.com.
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]]>Tips for photographing Bow Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.
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Location
The Canadian Rockies are home to some of the most spectacular scenery and breathtaking lakes in the world. Most people hear names like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Maligne Lake. These famous glacially fed lakes are most recognized when the words “Canadian Rockies” are mentioned, and for good reason. The Canadian Rockies have an abundance of lakes, each possessing their own special beauty.
Bow Lake is approximately 30 minutes north of Lake Louise, off the Icefields Parkway (Alberta Highway 93) and a half-mile north of the Crowfoot Glacier. This stunning lake sits at an elevation of 6,300 feet and is one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park. Fed by meltwater from Bow Glacier in the Wapta Icefield, Bow Lake lies at the base of Bow Summit, which is perfectly reflected in its aquamarine waters on a calm day. Crowfoot Mountain really stands out when reflected in the early-morning still waters. The Bow River starts at Bow Lake and flows past Lake Louise and Banff. The Num-Ti-Jah lodge sits next to this beautiful lake and is the perfect stay for those wanting early-morning and late-night photo shoots.
Weather At Bow Lake
The weather in the Canadian Rockies is always changing, be it from valley to valley or hour to hour. Temperatures vary greatly from day to night, and often weather predictions can be wrong from one day to the next. December to March is the peak period for skiing. Day temperatures will rarely surpass 32 degrees Fahrenheit until mid-March and will dive toward zero at night. From April to May, there can be everything from blizzards to warm weather. Although springtime highs can reach the mid-50s, June to August are the most crowded months with the warmest weather, and average highs are in the mid-70s. Most lakes are frozen until June. September here is the height of fall with nice 60-degree temps. October can turn treacherously cold in a hurry. October and November range from mid-30s to negative digits. Snowfall ranges from 104 inches to 137 inches on average.
Photo Experience At Bow Lake
When planning to shoot an area that I’ve never been to before, I spend a great deal of time researching it, such as typical weather conditions for the time I plan to visit, and where and when the sun comes up and goes down. For early morning and late-night shots, I also consider how far away the location is from available accommodations. I always carry with me two cameras, several lenses and a good tripod with a great ballhead and filters. This covers a broad range of photographic opportunities.
For this image, it was still dark when I left the lodge, and the sky was cloudy. My expectations were very low that I’d have any great morning light. I headed to the west side of the lake for the Bow Glacier Waterfall. After a while, I noticed a bit of an alpenglow from light breaking through the clouds to the east, so there was some hope. The sun was now up, but it was still cloudy in the direction of Bow Falls. I decided to head back to the lodge and was thrilled to see great light on the lake and Crowfoot Mountain. I kept taking shots as I headed back, and everything came together perfectly when I reached the little river flowing into the lake. I carried two cameras over my shoulders that day—one with my telephoto, as I was told there were a few bears in the area, and the other with my wide-angle lens.
Best Times
Fall is my favorite time to visit. I did see wonderful pictures of wildflowers growing around the lake, so late spring and summer would be another choice. Winter has its own kind of amazing beauty. I think anyone could find great times of the year to visit the Canadian Rockies; it just depends on what they like.
Contact: Banff National Park, banffnationalpark.com.
See more of Sherry Bell’s photography at sherrybellphotography.com.
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]]>Photographing Cinnamon Bay's turquoise waters and warm white sand beaches on the island of St. John, Virgin Islands National Park.
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Location
Cinnamon Bay is located on the tiny island in the Caribbean called St. John, so small it has no airport, no traffic light and no movie theater. What it does have is unbelievably turquoise waters surrounding its warm white sand beaches that are void of large hotels because two thirds of the island is home to Virgin Islands National Park. Everyone arrives here by boat, unless you have a helicopter. The roads are steep and full of curves; the maximum speed limit is 20 mph and, to throw in another twist, we drive on the left. We share the roads with chickens, donkeys, goats, cattle, iguanas and mongoose. The town is affectionately dubbed “Love City,” and you can walk from one end of town to the other in five minutes. At nine miles long and three miles wide at its widest, this place is explored using feet, fins or four-wheel drive. Many of the cars on the island are Jeeps, and of those vehicles many of them have paddleboards on top and beach chairs in the back.
Weather At Cinnamon Bay
From December through March, early-morning temps are in the low 70s and daytime temps are in the low 80s. The air is dry and clear, and the sky is ripe with perfect puffy cumulus clouds. Traditionally, May and November are the rainiest months. Summers are hot and hazy with frequent but short rain showers.
Photo Experience At Cinnamon Bay
There’s a national park campground at Cinnamon Bay just behind the beach and a watersports concession. There’s an added bonus to photographing in the tropics: In addition to capturing long shadows and warm light around sunrise and sunset, most North American photographers don’t realize that the best time of day to capture the aquamarine colors of the Caribbean Sea is between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is high enough to penetrate the surface of the water to reveal an amazing variety of turquoises. Around 10:30 a.m. is the ultimate best time to capture the color of the shallow tropical ocean. The most useful filter is a polarizer. It not only cuts the glare, but it deepens the green of the vegetation and enhances the contrast with the clouds. Pay attention to the highlights of the white sand in the scene.
If you’re lucky enough to shoot underwater, remember a few essential tips. Shoot wide, get close, then get closer. If you're not using flash, keep the sun at your back. Angle across or up to include blue water in the shot. The least-attractive underwater angle is downward. Set the white balance for Daylight, not Auto. Slow down and don't chase the marine life. If you stay in one spot, the wildlife will eventually return to what they were doing before you showed up. Be careful changing lenses at the beach, because there’s a ton of salt in the air. Don’t spray sunscreen or bug spray near your uncovered lenses, as bug spray can damage lens coatings and the oils in sunscreen are difficult to remove completely.
Best Times
Best times to visit and photograph the Virgin Islands are typically in season, which means December through March. Fall is also a great time to visit, not because the leaves are changing color, because they don’t; it’s when the summer’s moist, hot, hazy skies disappear and the island is super green as a result of a summer full of rain showers. If you want the “virgin” in Virgin Islands look, then October is the quietist time of year, and you’ll have the place to yourself. As with most national parks, people don’t start arriving until 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and most of the beachgoers begin leaving late in the afternoon, after 4 p.m. The no-see-ums (tiny sand fleas) come out around dawn and dusk. They can be so bad that they chase you off the beach.
Contact: National Park Service, nps.gov/viis
See more of Steve Simonsen’s photography at stevesimonsen.com.
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