Night at the Ice Caves

This is a picture I shot 2 weeks ago tomorrow night out at the Ice Caves on Lake Superior. You can be out there all night if you wish and it can be very cool. What is nice is that the crowds of people are gone so you are pretty much alone. The almost full moon (2 nights away) gave some light and glow here but I also made my first attempt at a little light painting on the cliffs. Not totally happy with that but it sure was a fun evening. This image was made around 8pm I believe. Do be careful especially if you go out at night and alone.

Very nice image and thanks for posting it as you have given me some ideas to try out.

Thanks. I like the image and think that would be a great time to be there, alone or with very few people. This and Tim M's reply on Phil's post lets me know that others are thinking along the same lines.

Great shot. When we were coming back to the car on our last visit there were a number of photographers pulling sleds loaded with gear. I assumed they were going to be spending the night. Hope to make it back up there but definitely not on a weekend. The count a couple of weeks ago was 21,000 people visiting on a single weekend. Biggest thing to happen in Bayfield county ever.

Thanks guys!
Phil, Yes, it sure is different from when I was last out there. Then there were just a few people and plenty of room in the parking lot.
I was surprised to see cars parked out on Hwy 13 when I got close to Meyer's Beach Road but was lucky and found a place in the parking lot, and that was on a Wednesday 2 weeks ago today. I met up with Tom Haxby from MI and we headed out to the caves after 4pm on the first day. We pulled a plastic sled with all of our gear in it and it worked great! Sure does have to be helping the economy in Bayfield County this year. I would like to make the 6 hour drive and go out one more time while there is still access.

This is a link to some photos that were taken using light painting. I can't say I'm impressed with the results.
http://www.wqow.com/story/24744719/2014/02/17/must-see-photos-ice-caves-lit-up-in-colors#.UwgSZIIfXeM.email

Hey Phil, Well, I looked and like you I'm not at all impressed. Just way to artificial for me. I think I would stay with a white light and use carefully if I was going to do it. Thanks for the link though! Are you going back up? Also, are you staying in Duluth some of the time...just curious.

Phil checked the link, sure different. I followed a couple links and looks like they shoot some weddings/ receptions with the same light set. I would think couple flash heads and or led with plenty of throw.

Cool shot!!! Sounds a fun way to spend the night.

Thanks Darren! Yes, It was a fun time. Nick

Nick - I really like this composition. It's different and very emotive/evocative with the twilight lighting. And, it takes a lot of gumption to be out there this late! Did you spend the night?

Tim!

Hi Tim, Thanks! It was pretty cool being out there at night, but no, I didn't stay all night. I had a motel room in Bayfield so headed there later that night. Nick