Mountain Spotlight Photo

Photographer’s Note

Moraine Lake, in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.

I've been absent from TE for a while, taking a break as things were getting a bit too routine for me, which is bad for creativity. Now I'm back with some shots from this summer. Moraine Lake is one of my favourite places, and best places for photography. The mountains and the lake are spectacular, and the light is often very dramatic. In this shot you can see the natural spotlight effect from the sun peaking through a hole in the clouds and lighting only a few places while the rest is in darkness.

This was taken with a Nikon D700, which I just got recently. It's an amazing imaging making machine. The photos are incredibly clean and noise free. It's well know for being able to shoot well at high ISO's like 3200 or 6400, but even if you shoot at low ISO's there is a big advantage with this camera. Since the images are so noise free, you can push much harder in processing to raise the levels in the shadows, recovering lots of detail without running into a lot of noise. That comes in very handy in a shot like this, with the extremes of light and dark. I shot this same scene with my old D200, a very good camera, and the difference is quite noticeable. I can't believe that I'm the first person on TE with one of these cameras, but it wasn't on the equipment list so I added it.

gary91, nwoehnl, mdetay, PixelTerror, ChrisJ, cherryripe, luisafonso, Philippe, Bartleby, zanzi, kmarscher, jonathan_hart, AiresSantos, josepmarin, pierrefonds has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

gneufeld (15235) 2008-09-02 18:15

Hi Alvin,
Awesome shot and so glad you're back, and...with a D700 in hand! Wow, talk about a powerful way to roll back into the TE scene. I am still shooting the D80 but am in the market to move up but more likely to the D300? Any thoughts? TFS. Gerald

nwoehnl (120) 2008-09-02 18:27

Hi Alvin, I hope that all is well. Well, you have my sincere envy for getting a D700 already, and Moraine Lake is a fine scenic choice to validate the new equipment. Well composed and a good atmosphere created by the early-morning lighting. Nice work, and greetings from Jasper.

chpp (4007) 2008-09-02 18:34

Hi Alvin
everything looks great in the shot except for that little part that seems too dark, it's a pitty but I guess it still have a lot of elements that are worth being seen
nice job
cheers
C

pboehringer (770) 2008-09-02 18:36

Alvin,
what a nice surprise to see you back to active duty after such a long period of abscence. What a come back. Not only the shot itself but also the upgraded gear. D700? Good start and I'm quite envious. I'm just waiting for that special financial entry to get there too. I guess the glass 17-35mm is also a new one for you, right? I purchased the same glass about 6 months ago with the plan to get later the full frame. D700 fits that quite well.
Quite interesting to see Moraine Lake as a second entry today. The first came from Norbert and it's quite curious to see that I aslo got some shots from the same place to the left of the rock pile. It is a rather non classic POV for this place. I hope to find soon some time to get back active myself at TE and present my version.
Wonderful morning atmosphere with stong contrast and light just at some critical spots to enhance the view at a maximal effect.
Peter

mark_mk (246) 2008-09-02 18:55

Hi Alvin,
I remember this place from Norbert`s posts and I can just say I totally regret I didn`t have the oportunity to visit this place when I was in Canada a few weeks ago. It`s just beautiful, the reflections, the wonderful light, everything. A shot to die for, perfect! A real beauty, thanks for sharing!

Take care
Mark

PJE (19527) 2008-09-02 19:12

Hello Alvin...long time no critique.. or say hello for that matter. I see you jumped into the full sensor size DSLR which I think from reading up on dpreview..which says that this camera is Nikon's first 'compact' professional SLR, and seems designed to go head-to-head with whatever Canon has up its inscrutable sleeve to replace the EOS 5D! Excellent choice Alvin. I think its time to give Daniel Walsh a run for his Canon investment. I see the Canon 50D recently came out but I think best to wait what Canon has in store to replace the 5D.
The scene here is stunning to say the least. The shoreline driftwood details compliments the dark hillside on the other side of the lake. Excellent timing in capturing the highlight details on the peak. That is by far my favorite part of the whole scene. Keep up the good work Alvin!

kensimage (8543) 2008-09-02 20:30

Hi Alvin, welcome back! You're picking right up where you left off, with a really pleasing landscape. Everything from the foreground logs (which with the green hill and its reflection form a nice "Z") to the glint of golden light on the distant cliff fits together really nicely.

"A bit too routine"? I don't understand--you're still shooting the same general style which you have perfected so well, so apparently it doesn't bore you--which it shouldn't, of course, but it's not necessarily a rational matter.

Regards, Ken.

rgarrigus (0) 2008-09-02 22:30

Hi Alvin,

And welcome back! I thought we'd lost you to Flickr or other communities...totally understand the need to stir the creative pot from time to time.

This one is that classic Alvin Brown scene that brought me to TE in the first place. Love the foreground and the reflection and the composition is spot on to keep my eye moving around and within the frame. I so want to visit this place someday.

I think Christophe Carlier (maddog) might have been the first on TE with the D700 but spelled it "D 700". I love my 5D but being able to open shadows with less noise would be a really, really nice enhancement given my chosen times of day to shoot.

Thanks for coming back!

Bob G.

Loro (364) 2008-09-03 0:19

A pleasant layered composition with an attractive colour palette!

mdetay (4348) 2008-09-03 1:14

Hi Alvin
Great capture.
Excellent colors.
Well done.
Congratulation.
Cheers from Antibes.
Michel

velocista (881) 2008-09-03 1:35

ola Alvin,
this one is perfect! perfect for its colors, sharpness, composition, and above all, for the reflex on the water. congratulations
pedro

Gustaw (21670) 2008-09-03 2:57

Hi, my friend!
It is very oryginal photo. I like your composition. Very interesting colours and light. I like your reflections in water. Well done.
Marek

PixelTerror (86853) 2008-09-03 3:04

Hi Alvin,
I had been wondering where you had gone, welcome back and congratulations for getting into a new dimension with that new toy, I'm currently in FF expectation mode too ! It's interesting to notice that you have been standing pretty much where Norbert has come some days later and you present us the horizontal version of his vertical picture with an interesting light effect, the eye leading shore curve and the mountains background complete well this nice landscape.
Have a nice day JY

ChrisJ (70443) 2008-09-03 4:03

Hi Alvin & welcome back!

I've booked & paid my flight to YVR, & will arrive on October 7. I have friends in Victoria, & may stay with them a day or 2. This image is the reason I am coming to Canada. Fantastic colour, sharpness & reflections. Tfs!

cherryripe (19187) 2008-09-03 4:27

Hi Alvin
Nice to see you back on TE.
Wow you've already got a D700 !!!!! Congratulations. Having ready the revues, I can understand that you must be happy with it.
Anyway it's a beautiful place taken in a beautiful light especially how the sun lights up the tree tops making them golden. Excellent sharpness too.
Regards
Nikki

luisafonso (858) 2008-09-03 7:36 [Comment]

Show Comment

Philippe (11787) 2008-09-03 8:18

Hi, Alvin. Spectacular scenery and spectacular light. I particularly like the light that brushes the trees on the crest. Nice reflections and good foreground with the logs and stones in the crystal clear water.
Have a nice day,
Philippe

Bartleby (5140) 2008-09-03 9:12

Well Alvin, the range of color and hues here is simply amazing. The spot of light on the hill is almost unreal. This D700 does seem worth the financial effort...with an eye like yours of course ;-) Also love the crisp sharpness of the whole picture. I really gotta but one of those wide-angle lenses to shoot landscapes like this. brings so much depth....Anyway, two thumbs up!

Cheers,

Philippe

gary91 (15321) 2008-09-03 10:05

Hello Alvin,
Nice to see you around and to hear that you have brand fresh stuff for us ;-)
You begin with this wonderful composition where I love the foreground with the trunks and the beautiful reflection of this shiny slope.
Great light management on this one to render perfectly the light spot through this cloudy sky.
Have a nice evening.
Best regards, Christian

carper (65696) 2008-09-03 10:10

wellcome back Alvin.
I had mis you for a couple of mounths now. I am glad to see you back and that we can enjoy your photo's again. I like you point of viw here, good composition very good handled the light, thanks for sharing.
have anice day.
gr. jaap

yaya13baut (2353) 2008-09-03 11:22

Hi Alvin,
wonderful landscape shot !
fine compo (the wood on the first ground, the curves of the lake and of the mountains in the backgroung), great light with the sun ray on the right of the picture, great reflection.

zanzi (4802) 2008-09-03 11:40

Hi Alvin
Nice and original POV with a perfect timing for the light on the trees.
I'm dreaming of a D700. Is it really worth so much money? I guess I will continue shooting with my D80 for a while...
Chris

wilkinsonsg (8646) 2008-09-03 12:19

Excellent composition, as you say, the camera gives you the ability to bring out the shadows to great effect - well seen and done - BTW nice to see posting again :)

toni_al (15476) 2008-09-03 13:38

Salut Alvin
ça fait plaisir de te revoir. et en plus tu reviens avec le magnifique D700, Wuaoooo. D700 ou D200 les paysages sont toujours superbes.
Salutations
Toni

Nelu_Goia (2742) 2008-09-03 17:59

Hi Alvin,
"File Size 173 kb"...just because you were away for such a long time...now the size limit is 300KB; 50% more!
I`m glad you came back with such a great photo.
Cheers:)
Nelu

keribar (42760) 2008-09-03 22:12

Hello Alvin,
And welcome BACK with this incredible landscape:
The light on the crest would have drawn me mad, and I would wish to last it for ages and try to take as many pictures I could if I were there with you.

Friendly yours- Izzet

I wish very much that you send me a short report with your thoughts about the D700, which would not be an easy pray for me because I would need at least the 24-70 mm which is also very costly. Noise free is a big advanate for sure, but what else ?

westozman (2887) 2008-09-03 22:45

G'day Alvin!
Glad to see you're back from your 'walkabout' - and no skills lost in between! I'm sure this posting, and so many others from your gallery, will keep us all inspired and in awe - it is little wonder that 265 TE members (at last count!) include you as a 'Favorite'' From a humble apprentice - "Welcome back, Master'!
Best wishes,
Jeff

Gerrit (36287) 2008-09-04 0:17

Hi Alvin,
welcome back. I'm glad to see your well composed landscapes in strong colors again.
Beautiful, this one with the timber floating in the foreground and the lighting up of the treetops.
Regards, Gerrit

brevbrev14 (372) 2008-09-04 2:26

Hi Alvin, WELCOME BACK! :))
and with the new D700....! great camera, i am thinking to buy it, so your note is more than useful!
the image is superb as usual!
ciao!
Valeria

kmarscher (2881) 2008-09-04 7:27

Good to see your work again, Alvin. Congrads on the new D700 and thanks for continuing with Trek postings that really dazzle me.
Best regards,
Kathy

dkeus31 (26365) 2008-09-04 7:57

hey hey hey, a D700 now!
I'm almost jealous ;) but you deserve it for sure!
A nice picture, I like the little amount of light on the upper part of the hill.
regards
didier

maximage (13602) 2008-09-04 14:17

Bonjour Alvin,
Quel plaisir de te revoir sur TE mais je comprends également ta lassitude et parfois j'ai aussi le même sentiment.
Excellente image de Moraine Lake que j'ai visité cet été et je posterai prochainement une photo de cet endroit magnifique.
Amitiés.
max

smarcell (14653) 2008-09-05 8:13

Here the line of light on the mountain on the right is what really makes the picure special
Regards Stefano

AiresSantos (42924) 2008-09-06 1:17

Absolutely amazing this composition, dear Alvin !
Wonderful POV, colours and light contrast !
Congratulations and well come back after some time away
Have a nice weekend
Aires

Bluejeans (33081) 2008-09-07 3:38

Ola Alvin,
Bem vindo :) Capturaste um belo reflexo neste lago magnifico onde a natureza e linda e pura gostei muito deste primeiro plano com estes troncos , muito bonitas as cores ,parabens !!
Um abraço Gonçalo

josepmarin (34107) 2008-09-07 9:10

Hi Alvin,
is nice to see again your photos after several months absent from TE. Welcome!
And you delight us with another wonderful sight of this lake in the Canadian Rockies, in an excellent capture and with a good setting, in which you have obtained a great aesthetic and chromatic level, a magnificent luminosity, and and a few impressive reflections, as usual.
It is a beautiful work, my friend. Thanks for share it with us.
Best regards,
Josep

dcawker (5691) 2008-09-08 16:50

Fantastic light.. I love the perspective (and new camera's image quality) as well! Regards, Doug

crhieatt (5145) 2008-09-10 10:04

Alvin,

Good to have you back and, for myself, good to be back on a proper monitor - now I can see what's going on!

Indeed, there is quite a lot going on in this shot! Quite apart from the burst of light and the huge mountains, I'm so pleased you found these floating poles for a water's edge foreground. They add a great deal to the overall - quite full - effect.

Now you're back, I'm also reminded - and pleasantly so - that you're not one of those landscapers who considers the height of the art is simply to +300% saturation! What a relief!

Regards
colin

Rodrigues (995) 2008-09-11 13:54

Hi Alvin. I've been away from TE and photography, but noticed your absence...I was wondering you could have left us ;-)
How I wished I could go to Morraine lake... sniff, sniff...lucky guy.
I must underline I will never get tired of Morraine lake or Lake Louise.
This is not the classical view and the game of light (in the hill upfront) and shadow works wonderfully, even originating a complex reflection...unusual.
I hope you backpacking plans with Peter can be completed. Even if I can't go to those wonderfull places, I'll be quite happy to see the result ;-)
You know I love your shots :-)
Congratulations on your return.
Congratulations on the new gear ;-)

pierrefonds (26659) 2008-09-15 13:37

Hi Alvin,

The reflections in the water are assets to the composition. The point of view leads our eyes toward the Ten peaks in the background which gives depth to the picture. The details and colors are clear and sharp. The luminosity brings out the best of the colors. Have a nice day.

Pierre

PS:Nikon D700 is it a new camera from them? I just got a Nikon D300 about two months ago.

jdomingues (583) 2008-10-06 5:27

WELCOME back Alvin,
this is the most amazing image I've seen in quite a time. What more can I say? It's simply perfect, everything falls in the right place and the light is perfect. Keep doing a great job with your new 'partner'! :)