A Small Slice Of Heaven Photo

Photographer’s Note

This was shot from our window at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada. This was day 5 of our vacation and as you can see, the weather just could not have been more beautiful.

I know there are several photographs very similar to this one, but even though we knew what to expect when we got here, we were still taken aback by the beauty of the scenery and the opulence of the hotel, so I had to post this image for completeness of my travelogue. Of course, I have a few more shots to post, but I thought the time was right for this one.

We put money aside all year to be able to afford to stay in the Canadian Pacific Hotels while we were in the Rockies. Not that they were any better or we felt like we should go "high class", but because I am now spoiled. Yep. It's all my fault. I stayed one night in the Fairmont Windsor in Toronto in 2006 and it was no more fifty dollar a night hotels for me, brother. Now my idea of camping is the Holiday Inn Express. I have to have a full service spa and the coffee must be the good stuff, no supermarket grade for me, no sir...

Well, all that plus we wanted the full Canadian Rockies experience, kind of like they did it back when the park was first created. The history is incredible in that hotel and in Banff itself. We looked out that window and decided that we probably didn't want to leave for a long time. We got three nights and four days to enjoy it. This particular view from that particular (upgraded) hotel suite (two flat screen TV's and actual rooms, with an 'S'!) let us know that we were in for a small slice of heaven.

Oh, this is the Bow River Valley you are looking at.

Have a great day today!

leo61, hispic has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

BlueRaven (35) 2009-03-25 4:44

Hi Reed,

This looks like paradise indeed. Well, except for that groomed piece of lawn which is the only sign of so-called civilization. I wonder if those reddish trees are maple trees with fall colours, or if they are "sick" trees?
I saw the view from the hotel but never from inside a room. I think the money I'd pay for one night there would buy me a week at some other place. ;o) Thing is, when I travel, I only use hotels/motels to sleep at a night. All the other time is spent exploring the area, so I don't really see a point in paying big bucks for a fancy hotel room. But as you said, it's easy to get spoiled and when you spend several days at one place, chances are you'll spend at least some time in your hotel where you can use all the place has to offer.
Anyway, the colours on this shot are wonderful - strong and natural at the same time. Perfect sharpness, too, and excellent framing. That "expensive POV" sure paid off! ;o)

Have a great day, see you around
Claudia

kiks (6097) 2009-03-25 4:47

Indeed, a liitle slice of heaven! What a wonderful plae and you show us that in a wonderful composition with perfect light management.
Best regards
KIKs

giorgimer (21254) 2009-03-25 5:48

Hi Reed,

this is an incredible natural place that I wish to visit in the future. Excellent POV, clarity and details.

TFS

Gio

tober (3960) 2009-03-25 9:36

That's a very well chosen title and perspective Reed. It's really a small slice from paradise. The view is quite refreshing for body and the soul. The softness of the green texture and the crystal-clear blue river, wildness of the rocky area and the mountain range at the background, everything is simply wonderful. Enjoy !!!

Regards, Tolga

brano14 (1884) 2009-03-25 9:46

Hello Reed,
Interesting title to get attention, but it looks great. Amazing view,well captured, very nice colors and interesting story.
Thanks!
Brano

rey316 (1902) 2009-03-25 10:45

Hi Reed
Just beautiful photos and a panorama.
What a beautiful place. Beautiful nature. Good color
Well done
Andrey

Pablo25 (1741) 2009-03-25 12:23

Hello Reed,
very striking indeed. I must admit this is a landscape i would love to go and photograph. Very well taken.
Reagards
Pawel

leo61 (43426) 2009-03-25 12:27

Hi Reed!
This national park will be the first adress when I visit Canada one day.
Great POV and a good shot of this wonderful landscape.I like the many different green tones and the depth of the image.
Regards,leo

cdmonson (2753) 2009-03-25 18:31

Hi Reed:

I've got a similar shot, except it was taken from the balcony at the back of the Banff Springs by the pool (and it was free, haha). This is a nice one: well-composed, wonderful light, fantastic colors, and great clarity. It seems a bit oversharpened however, kind of like it's overcompensating for softness. But everything else is beautiful.

Sounds like a fun experience. I couldn't afford $500 a night (or whatever the prices are now). Holiday Inn Express is luxury for me, haha, so we did a lot of camping in the Rockies. :) Maybe someday I'll get to stay here though. My wife has stayed here numerous times, but her favorite hotel in the Banff area is actually not the Banff Springs but the Rimrock a bit up the road. It's basically built into the side of a hill--I haven't stayed there but I've been through it. Anyway, can't go wrong either way. :)

Clark

barni (14541) 2009-03-26 4:25

Hello Reed
Excellent le point de vue en hauteur.
Magnifique couleur.
Have a nice day
Christophe

CoastalScapes (150) 2009-03-26 5:38

very well taking considering the harsh light given
i like the way the hill (left and right) help to frame your shot
also a good compostion with the river leading the eye to the focal area of those stunning moutains

hispic (7399) 2009-04-02 19:42

Hi Reed,
Splendid landscape like Ansel Adams, crystal clear blue sky and an excellent rendition of the distant mountains.
I didn't know that such an amazing landscape can be captured from the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Best wishes, Hisashi

dvlazar (6488) 2009-04-02 22:36

Hi Reed - A really lovely landscape of this Canadian scene. Looks like my idea of paradise.
Very sharp and well framed.
Cheers,
Dave.