Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Leigh Lake Reflections
‹ PreviousLandscape GalleryNext ›

Leigh Lake Reflections

by Chip Phillips

Gallery: LandscapePosted June 15, 20101,817 views70 comments
Some pretty cool clouds over Mt. Moran, seen over Leigh Lake in Grand Tetons Ntl. Park. (sorry-had to repost due to some missed crumbs-I fixed some distortion and was wondering how I did-I'm not great at that)
Thanks for looking!
Chip
Canon 5d, Canon 16-35 f2.8 II, polarizer, 3 stop soft gnd.

Comments

70 comments
Comment posted by Jeremy Kessler on June 15, 2010 at 11:36 PM
Beautiful Image chip, love the clouds radiating from the peak! :toast:
Registered on September 13, 2007, 36 Posts, 1283 Comments
Comment posted by Todd Liotine on June 15, 2010 at 11:39 PM
Great image, the reflection is spot on and the water clarity is really perfect, and the clouds add great visual interest
Registered on July 1, 2008, 131 Posts, 671 Comments
Comment posted by Shaun Mazurek on June 15, 2010 at 11:45 PM
This is a stunning image. I think you polorized the reflection just right. The reflection of the mountain is present but you convey all the wonderful foreground rocks beneath the waters surface. As far as distortion...the trees are leaning a bit but it only adds to the sense of deep space. I would be very proud of this shot.
Registered on June 12, 2010, 21 Posts, 162 Comments
Comment posted by John Lehmkuhl on June 15, 2010 at 11:49 PM
STUNNING dude.... LOVE LOVE LOVE the water detail.. one question, is that wind blowing snow on the mountain ? It looks like a gaussian blur layer almost. This is a big WOWOWOW shot.
Registered on May 22, 2005, 165 Posts, 2008 Comments
Comment posted by Zack Schnepf on June 15, 2010 at 11:55 PM
Awesome Chip! That about sums it up. Incredible image my friend, I hope I get to print this for you just so I can look at the print :)
Registered on November 1, 2003, 403 Posts, 2528 Comments
Comment posted by Chip Phillips on June 15, 2010 at 11:55 PM
thanks guys, and thanks John! I think it was pretty windy up there-I heard the wind howling most of the night and during the morning, and those clouds were moving and changing really, really fast. And I did add just a little bit of magical paint on the mountain I think....
Zack-Thanks man. I'd love to have you print this one up for me.
Registered on November 26, 2007, 128 Posts, 1436 Comments
Comment posted by Marc Adamus on June 15, 2010 at 11:58 PM
Easily your best from the recent travels in my opinion, Chip. Absolutely stunning clouds. They couldn't have been better if you'd have painted them. I love the processing which adds extra depth to the peak.
Registered on September 17, 2005, 780 Posts, 8091 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Metternich on June 16, 2010 at 12:45 AM
Slap in the face wow!!!!!!!!!!!!! :toast:
Registered on June 19, 2009, 276 Posts, 6240 Comments
Comment posted by Richard Wong on June 16, 2010 at 12:46 AM
Really amazing shot, Chip! Not only is the light amazing but the clarify in that water.
Registered on February 2, 2006, 79 Posts, 2629 Comments
Comment posted by Doug Koepsel on June 16, 2010 at 1:11 AM
This is great! on so many facets, as others have stated.
This brings back a few memories from years ago of canoeing and camping on Leigh below Moran.
Registered on April 1, 2010, 196 Posts, 1592 Comments
Comment posted by Lon Overacker on June 16, 2010 at 1:26 AM
This is simply Glorious Chip! The combo of clarity and reflection the water is utterly amazing! Oh, how could I forget the beautiful mountain and captivating clouds??

As to your question about distortion... hard to say how well you did without seeing the original. Trees are still leaning a little bit, but it's not a big deal in the overall scheme and awesomeness of the image - at least for me.

Fantastic.

Lon
Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments
Comment posted by Jason Kim on June 16, 2010 at 1:50 AM
Wow, this is a stunning, spectacular view. Wonderful shot!!
Registered on July 1, 2006, 60 Posts, 1233 Comments
Comment posted by Verena & Georg Pop on June 16, 2010 at 2:14 AM
strikingly beautiful.
it all fits together perfectly.
georg
Registered on July 5, 2006, 272 Posts, 2823 Comments
Comment posted by Danny Laureys on June 16, 2010 at 2:42 AM
Beautiful!! Love the clouds and color :toast: :toast:
Registered on January 5, 2008, 590 Posts, 1261 Comments
Comment posted by Michael Anderson on June 16, 2010 at 2:48 AM
Chip,

Those are some wild clouds and your processing really pulls them into 3 dimensions. One of the best 'daytime' images I've seen in awhile. The lens distortion doesn't bother me at all- kinda enhances the sense of space. Amazing reflection! The snow highlights are just at the edge of the histogram and might benefit from a slight burn if you can avoid artifacts. Otherwise I think it's a fantastic image and I wouldn't change a thing. :toast:
Registered on January 31, 2006, 228 Posts, 3072 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Metternich on June 16, 2010 at 3:30 AM
I came back to this a second time. I am a reflection freak and have a few wowzers in my collection as well. Having said that, this is one of the most amazing reflection shots I have ever seen. Might make Tim Fitzharris jealous! :eek: Just try to stay humble now! :biggrin:
Registered on June 19, 2009, 276 Posts, 6240 Comments
Comment posted by Sebastien Lamadon on June 16, 2010 at 3:55 AM
This shot is up there with the stars. I love everything about it.

Seb
Registered on April 7, 2008, 23 Posts, 97 Comments
Comment posted by Andreas Resch on June 16, 2010 at 4:10 AM
Classical composition with marvelous ingredients. Technically there are two things I noticed. The reflection looks a little too bright to me. The blues in the sky are a little uneven (especially a little darker in the center). This results in a somewhat inverse vignetting which looks odd.
Registered on November 14, 2007, 322 Posts, 6101 Comments
Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on June 16, 2010 at 5:28 AM
Masterfully composed; really like how you controlled the polarizing! Spectacular scene, indeed, with great color and detail. As to the distortion, I confess to be awful fussy about it, so please bear that in mind when I say that the trees on the right are leaning unpleasantly much. But if straightening it out causes too much of a crop, I say forget it. :rolleyes:
Registered on August 16, 2006, 603 Posts, 9192 Comments
Comment posted by Mohsen Al-Dajani on June 16, 2010 at 6:09 AM
very beautiful image. I like it.
Registered on August 23, 2007, 160 Posts, 432 Comments
Comment posted by Matt Anderson on June 16, 2010 at 7:38 AM
Chip it's a home run. I love how the near water slowly fades to reflection of the Grand peak. The cloud movement and arrangement is icing on the cake. A natural beauty you've captured perfectly and composed like a Master.
Registered on September 6, 2007, 346 Posts, 2696 Comments
Comment posted by Anthony Vincent on June 16, 2010 at 8:00 AM
Fantastic shot Chip! One of the best grand scenics I've seen this year, imo. The comp couldn't be better and what a place to shoot. The clouds really make this one sing for me. I do notice (about the clouds) some greying in the streaks of clouds, maybe too much burning or something. The reflection doesn't show that color so it's got me a little confused. Im not nitpicking just a stellar shot that deserves perfection.
Well done
Registered on February 5, 2009, 199 Posts, 2775 Comments
Comment posted by Bill Chambers on June 16, 2010 at 8:06 AM
Wow - superb image Chip. Jumps off the page it's so good.
Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments
Comment posted by Balakumar Kaushik on June 16, 2010 at 8:08 AM
One of your best images Chip !
Excellent composition, lovely light and beeaauutiful cloud patterns.

:toast: :toast:
Registered on January 4, 2008, 98 Posts, 1403 Comments
Comment posted by Paul Marcellini on June 16, 2010 at 8:46 AM
SWEET! I'm a bit immune to distortion, but it looks good to me. The processing and depth is great in this.
Registered on November 27, 2007, 250 Posts, 2468 Comments
Comment posted by Keith Bauer on June 16, 2010 at 8:52 AM
Wow. I can just smell the lake and the clean air from here. I like this very much. Great reflection. The composition draws me in and I just want to keep looking. Very nice.
Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments
Comment posted by Mike Horn on June 16, 2010 at 9:13 AM
Amazing conditions, and pefectly shot Chip. Wow, this is a beauty! The depth, processing, comp, all come together to make an amazing image. Well done!
Registered on March 6, 2006, 82 Posts, 918 Comments
Comment posted by Larry Fischer on June 16, 2010 at 10:10 AM
Great knowledge-based photo.
the fisch
Registered on July 28, 2008, 155 Posts, 874 Comments
Comment posted by Nick Bristol on June 16, 2010 at 11:30 AM
Perfect! A stunning image. I absolutly love this. If I had time I would look at this the rest of the day.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, Wi
Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments
Comment posted by Kyle L. Krause on June 16, 2010 at 11:44 AM
Chip,

WOW! Absolutely a great shot. Strong composition, one of your best.
Registered on June 15, 2010, 29 Posts, 605 Comments
Comment posted by Julian Barkway on June 16, 2010 at 12:00 PM
I love the dramatic sky but I just wish this current fad for lightening reflections so they match the brightness of what's being reflected would pass. It just looks wrong to me. That criticism isn't specifically aimed at you, Chip. It's a general moan...
Registered on January 18, 2007, 344 Posts, 1961 Comments
Comment posted by Luis Argerich on June 16, 2010 at 12:19 PM
A total beauty, the transparent water and the way the elements point to the center is fantastic.
Grat work Chip!
:toast:
Registered on December 22, 2009, 91 Posts, 1349 Comments
Comment posted by Stan Rose on June 16, 2010 at 12:28 PM
Well, at least the refelctions arent brighter than the sky, which is what you often see. I think this is a terrific shot overall, but i wouldnt call it one of your best (still, its darn nice!). The conditions and lighting couldnt get much better. I personally would have preffered this a bit less polarized, and partly for that reason id prefer this as a 50/50 split, to take advantage of the awesome symmetry here. I dont really need or want the rocks at bottom--with the polarization, they look like theyre above water, so it just adds unnecessary confusion to the scene IMHO. But overall thats pretty minor.
Registered on September 15, 2005, 836 Posts, 17099 Comments
Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on June 16, 2010 at 1:08 PM
Fantastic. This one really has it all. :toast:
Registered on July 26, 2007, 244 Posts, 2807 Comments
Comment posted by Chip Phillips on June 16, 2010 at 1:11 PM
Thanks guys! I really appreciate all the great comments and advice.
Julian-I know, I kind of kept the reflection on the brighter side knowingly cause I liked it. It's all a personal preference and I can see how some people might not like it.
Stan-Thanks for well thought out comment! I polarized and composed the shot this way on purpose just for that effect. I shot many images that morning, even quite a few with no foreground interest and the polarizer cranked the other way. They didn't work as well in my opinion, this one stuck out to me most so I considered it one of the keepers of the bunch. It's all a personal preference though, and I can totally understand how some people might not like it-and respect that.
Anthony-Thanks man! I see a bit of that, and don't know what's up with it, nor do I really know how to fix it. I think it's from the polarizer though. Thanks for the compliments on this!
Registered on November 26, 2007, 128 Posts, 1436 Comments
Comment posted by Dorin Bofan on June 16, 2010 at 1:26 PM
Totally awesome image, Chip! The radiating clouds and the light hitting the distant forest are my favourite parts here. Wow! :toast:
Registered on April 30, 2007, 122 Posts, 3086 Comments
Comment posted by Ken Smith on June 16, 2010 at 2:08 PM
Chip, wonderful shot! Stunning composition and artful handling of light ...esp application of polarizer and the reflecting/see thro that is utterly complimentary. I am only a bit out of sync w/everyone else regarding the lens distortion. It bothers me...purely a personal thang. Apart from photomerge or stitching...I don't know a clean way to cure it. I fail at photoshop cures of lens distortion. Your portfolio is tops! Ken S
Registered on September 5, 2008, 449 Posts, 2444 Comments
Comment posted by Chip Phillips on June 16, 2010 at 2:31 PM
Hey Ken-Thanks for the comment. I think I was a little un-clear. I actually fixed the distortion for this post. Those trees on the right were leaning quite a bit in the original, so I used free-transform and painted in the non-leaning trees. But, I think you answered my question about whether or not I did a good job. :eek:
Registered on November 26, 2007, 128 Posts, 1436 Comments
Comment posted by Karsten Wrobel on June 16, 2010 at 3:31 PM
WOW, love the stunning comp, fall colours, clarity of the fg water and the clouds...
Registered on November 1, 2008, 117 Posts, 851 Comments
Comment posted by Rick Lundh on June 16, 2010 at 4:02 PM
Yo, Chip! I am salviating all over myself on this one. Love everything about it. I dont mind the slant of the trees at all, in fact it works with the cloud directions to pull the in here.
Registered on April 28, 2004, 774 Posts, 4351 Comments
Comment posted by Bill Maile on June 16, 2010 at 4:49 PM
I mean, what's left to say. Stunning even by your standards Chip. thanks!!
Registered on March 2, 2009, 984 Posts, 2518 Comments
Comment posted by Ian Cameron on June 16, 2010 at 7:02 PM
Holy bl**dy Moly, gosh even. That really is a piece of daylight magic who needs twilight. Seriously fantastic and I am sure a highly marketable shot in light a little more familiar to the general public, even if the conditions you had aren't. My fave for a longggg time.
Registered on August 6, 2004, 1125 Posts, 3318 Comments
Comment posted by Robert Dayton on June 16, 2010 at 8:00 PM
Beautiful, Chip! It's images like this that encourage me to make a
trip to the Tetons. I like the clarity throughout, and the sky makes
this go over the top.
Registered on November 11, 2008, 281 Posts, 3958 Comments
Comment posted by Roman Kurywczak on June 16, 2010 at 9:28 PM
Hey Chip,
You crushed this one! Absolutely stunning! :toast:
Registered on November 20, 2009, 56 Posts, 748 Comments
Comment posted by Kevin Trinkner on June 16, 2010 at 9:57 PM
Incredible, bet this looks amazing printed large. Nice work.
Registered on June 30, 2008, 203 Posts, 2641 Comments
Comment posted by Ron Pullen on June 16, 2010 at 10:12 PM
Fantastic, Chip. Has me wanting to make a trip to my favorite Nat. Park. :toast: :toast: Ron
Registered on December 18, 2005, 74 Posts, 1413 Comments
Comment posted by Pramod Viswanath on June 16, 2010 at 10:25 PM
Exquisite image, Chip. Love the crystal clear waters and the foreground. Sky is phenomenal too. Superb composition.
Registered on December 4, 2008, 60 Posts, 697 Comments
Comment posted by Morris McClung on June 16, 2010 at 11:04 PM
Another killer comp from you and epic clouds. In a class by itself. :toast:
Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments
Comment posted by Hamed Musharbak on June 17, 2010 at 12:25 AM
powerful :toast:

i would like to see it in b&w :wink:

great job

Hamed
Registered on June 1, 2009, 372 Posts, 2282 Comments
Comment posted by Raymond Marlow on June 17, 2010 at 12:29 AM
This shot has all the elements and one we all would love to have for ourselves, Great motion with the clouds, love seeing the foreground rocks and the colors jump out.. fantastic work
Registered on October 15, 2008, 158 Posts, 531 Comments
Comment posted by Kah Kit Yoong on June 17, 2010 at 6:00 AM
Awesome mountain scenery and clouds. My only criticism is the radiating clouds look over-sharpened. Pretty much the best blue sky mountain shot I can recall seeing.
Registered on September 27, 2006, 636 Posts, 10682 Comments
Comment posted by Eva McDermott on June 17, 2010 at 7:32 AM
Spectacular scene Chip. I like how you semi polarized the water to get both the reflection and subsurface detail. Stunning work!
Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments
Comment posted by Ed Cooley on June 19, 2010 at 2:56 AM
Too cool Chip! Love this image!
Registered on August 22, 2007, 45 Posts, 547 Comments
Comment posted by Gale Rainwater on June 20, 2010 at 8:17 AM
Just a beautiful image Chip. I love the lakes around the tetons. The clouds really make it exceptional. Great job on the comp and processing.
Registered on June 17, 2007, 1 Posts, 75 Comments
Comment posted by Chip Phillips on June 20, 2010 at 1:20 PM
Thanks guys!
Gale and Ed-your guys back in Arkansas yet? How'd the rest of the trip go?
Chip
Registered on November 26, 2007, 128 Posts, 1436 Comments
Comment posted by Luke Ormand on June 22, 2010 at 7:51 PM
Wow. Extremely well deserving of the WP and stunning all around.

- Luke
Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments
Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on June 22, 2010 at 8:03 PM
Beautiful shot!
Congrats on the EP!

Sandy r
Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments
Comment posted by Doug Benner on June 22, 2010 at 8:52 PM
The richness of the scene and the capture of the light are wonderful. Congratulations.
Registered on December 8, 2003, 482 Posts, 1868 Comments
Comment posted by David Cobb on June 23, 2010 at 12:56 AM
Just some great drama, light, and motion here Chip - excellent.
Registered on December 14, 2007, 312 Posts, 3243 Comments
Comment posted by Kirk Greene on June 23, 2010 at 9:37 PM
Just checking in on last week's EP's & BAM..this jumped out and hit me. Congratulations on a spectacular image! :toast:
Registered on May 12, 2004, 191 Posts, 1578 Comments
Comment posted by SimonRumford on June 25, 2010 at 1:54 PM
wow amazing photo, great detail, nice reflection, excellent sharpness...very nice shot!
Registered on June 25, 2010, 28 Posts, 80 Comments
Comment posted by Jagdeep Rajput on June 27, 2010 at 10:04 AM
Great details n clarity in this spectacular landscape!
Jagdeep Rajput :toast:
Registered on April 29, 2008, 686 Posts, 2857 Comments
Comment posted by Soubhik Patranabis on June 28, 2010 at 3:25 PM
Beautiful shot !
Registered on January 25, 2010, 54 Posts, 610 Comments
Comment posted by Ken Archer on June 28, 2010 at 8:47 PM
Absolutely Amazing!!! EP is well earned, congrats. :toast:

Ken Archer
Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments
Comment posted by Gerald Neufeld on July 3, 2010 at 5:44 PM
Hi Chip,
I am totally new to this site, but just ran across your image - the absolute best landcape shot I have seen in a long while from the Tetons. Awesome light, stunning clouds, and a perfect capture. Well done. Gerald
Registered on July 2, 2010, 1 Posts, 1 Comments
Comment posted by Doug Roane on July 7, 2010 at 12:19 PM
missed this one - what an outstanding image, Chip - congrats!
Registered on December 12, 2008, 213 Posts, 2226 Comments
Comment posted by Chip Phillips on July 13, 2010 at 1:30 AM
Thanks very much guys! Very much appreciated.
Registered on November 26, 2007, 128 Posts, 1436 Comments
Comment posted by Wendy Blanchard on September 4, 2010 at 1:21 PM
This is just awesome! I would definitely put this on my wall. I would stare at it all day! Excellent work!
Registered on June 11, 2006, 58 Posts, 647 Comments
Comment posted by Håkon Iversen on October 11, 2010 at 8:16 AM
This might be the most amazing picture I have ever seen. Seriously...it is perfect in every way!
Registered on August 16, 2010, 20 Posts, 123 Comments
Comment posted by Eric Mannino on February 12, 2011 at 9:40 AM
This is a late comment, but just came across this photo and just had to comment. WOW! Very impressive and very fortunate to have been able to capture such a beautiful scene. Thanks for sharing.
Registered on November 16, 2009, 22 Posts, 65 Comments