Castle Mountain Fortress

Gallery: LandscapePosted December 3, 2013421 views14 comments

I had just arrived in Banff a couple of weeks ago during their 1st substantial snowfall of the season. I'm sure many of you can relate to the anxiety (not sure if the right word) that comes with the fear of not being in the right place at the right time to take advatage of creative atmospheric conditions. I was driving from Calgary to Banff in a disaster of a Rental Car in a snow storm. Not a fun drive in this car (2 front doors, 1 rear door

) Hope I am not offending anyone out there

The storm was clearing as I neared Banff, so my initial fears of not making it there due to the storm changed to getting there and having the fresh snow melting, as clearing was coming fast. Just kept driving past Banff, looking at map and the weather around and made a stab at a possible location. I wish I had known the area better. Ran up a trail well unprepared, but did get this shot out of the chase. My wife just kept shaking her head when I returned to the car 2 hrs later

Dog house!

I hoped the wide angle distortion would add to the shot so I haven't messed with it. Some trees were leaning, but much more exaggerated with the 17-40. I did a B/W conversion, but did not get as good a separation of the rock face and trees, so decided to post the color. The B/W can be found with the Purchase Print Link. Sugggestions/comments welcome.

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by Dan Kearl on December 3, 2013 at 3:13 PM

I don't mind the distortion in this one.
Your POV made the already significant mountains look very towering and the trees add to the feeling.
Glad you made it......

Registered on September 2, 2013, 209 Posts, 1514 Comments

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on December 3, 2013 at 3:28 PM

Wow, sounds like a ride! And kudos to your wife for putting up with you...

But that's the thrill moments we seek as naturephotographers. And yes, three-door cars are the crappy, I agree.

So, about the shot: I think the distortion works for that type of image. It is clear that the idea is to emphasize height and the leaning trees and the mountain top lead up to a common vanishing point. Nice clear light too, the result of clearing weather I guess.

Registered on January 26, 2007, 360 Posts, 9876 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on December 3, 2013 at 3:29 PM

Hi Harry, To bad you ended up in the Dog House, but I think your image made it worth while. Sounds like kind of rough traveling conditions too. I think the distortion works very well here and I like this comp very much. The light and color is especially nice...so natural. I looked at your b&w version and it looks good, but like you I prefer the color one here. Very nice!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Campisi on December 3, 2013 at 7:25 PM

Well at least the dog got a bone!

Cool perspective Harry!

Registered on November 24, 2008, 304 Posts, 3211 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on December 4, 2013 at 10:02 AM

I am leaning toward the B&W presentation. It has more impact for me. I am on the fence over the lens distortion. Probably a bit much for my tastes. Great conditions and well worth a little dog house.

Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on December 4, 2013 at 11:10 AM

I hope your wife is an avid book reader like mine.

I've gotten that head shaking thing all to often.

I like your comp, and the distortion adds for me as well. Pristine comes to mind when looking at this one. I would rather not have the shadow llc, but that's not something you could probably do anything about.

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on December 4, 2013 at 11:23 AM

I agree with Harley in that B&W would be a nice departure. I'm on the fence with the distortion. You had some great conditions. I hope your wife renews your hall pass.

--P

Registered on November 1, 2003, 471 Posts, 5188 Comments

Comment posted by David Chauvin on December 4, 2013 at 10:27 PM

Both are strong images but I'm leaning to the B&W. But then again I've been in a B&W mood lately.

Registered on August 5, 2004, 1007 Posts, 5595 Comments

Comment posted by Harry Lichtman on December 5, 2013 at 10:33 AM

Thanks for the feedback.
Moris - I was hoping the left shadows would be balanced by the righ shadows, but they look deeper so I may try and open them a little to match and not stand out as much. I actually may have an exposure without or mor even lighting on that corner. Thanks

Registered on September 17, 2010, 304 Posts, 3507 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on December 5, 2013 at 12:29 PM

The light and comp work nicely together. The distortion feels correct here.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on December 5, 2013 at 9:17 PM

Fantastic perspective Harry. Been here in summer so no snow, and I did not get a fantastic perspective as this. I really like this and the majesty it portrays.

Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Koepsel on December 5, 2013 at 9:40 PM

Harry, I think the inward leaning trees help draw the eyes up through the image. Does the tall left tree have a serious bend in the middle by the trunk that is showing? I do prefer the B&W version.

Registered on April 1, 2010, 196 Posts, 1592 Comments

Comment posted by Harry Lichtman on December 6, 2013 at 6:28 AM

Doug - the tree had a bend, but it was exaggerated by the lens and shooting upward.

Registered on September 17, 2010, 304 Posts, 3507 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on December 9, 2013 at 3:42 AM

Love the distortion here! Powerful presence.

Registered on June 19, 2009, 276 Posts, 6240 Comments