Lots of great things about the winter in the Rockies, including exploring the tracks I come across. And that’s what I did about an hour before sunset. I was also looking toward Castle Mtn, I did not think the light was going to make it through the clouds toward the end of the day, it did. I still had time to get back to my car and drive some 20 kilometers to the location where I normally like to take the mountain’s picture. But there was a chance by the time I reached the spot, clouds would move in and block the light. So I continued exploring, looking at the tracks that were not there in the morning. Elk and wolves had moved through the area. At the same time, I was figuring out how to get the picture of Castle. Moving around in the knee-deep snow to find a location where the trees helped frame the mountain but not blocked the mountain. Once I got the picture, it was back to looking at the tracks and seeing if I could get some good pictures of them.
Castle Mountain
I try to get to the location where I’ll be taking sunset or sunrise pictures half hour or more before it occurs. To decide where I want to take the picture from and then have the camera equipment I’ll need ready. Knowing ahead of time where the sun will rise or set will be of great help when locating the ideal spot to take the pictures from. Also being comfortable will help me get the right image, even more so in the middle of the winter. It’s hard to focus on photography when I’m thinking about staying warm. Extra layer is always appreciated when standing in one area. If I’m comfortable, I can relax and enjoy the views as the light keep changing the look of the landscape around me. The experience of being out there during sunrises and sunsets is one of the best things about being in the mountains. Each experience is unique and trying to capture that on an image is always the challenge.
Castle Mountain
It’s hard to believe, but another year has past and its time for another slideshow presentation. It’s two weeks away for my 9th annual Moment Slideshow Presentation. Taking place on Saturday, February 8 from 7 to 9 pm. I’ll be looking back at 2019 with images and stories at the Cave and Basin NHS. There will be one show and the cost will be $4.90 per person. So, if you are in the Bow valley on the mentioned evening and looking for something to do, then come join us.
Now back to regular programming. After I had taken pictures of the moose I shared last week, I started looking around as the morning light was starting to light up the mountains around me. It was a cold morning, but after seeing the moose cow and its calf, the adrenaline rush pumped warmth through the body. I took few pictures looking to the north and south of me, then moved back to see what was happening with Castle Mountain in the distance, it was all lit up. This picture could have been more interesting if the moose had stayed put, perhaps I’ll get that picture in the future, for now here’s Castle Mtn as seen from a distance on a cold morning.
Castle Mtn
During the winter there are more or at least different options when trying to take pictures of the same mountain in the morning and the evening. The sunlight is coming from a different angle, thus different part of the mountain lights up first thing in the morning and same when the sun is setting. During the summer the open water may decide where I can go and not go to get the picture. But with colder temperatures, being careful, I can easily walk over the frozen water to gain different opportunities. In this case picture of Castle Mtn in the middle of winter.
Castle Mountain
There was a bit of pressure to quickly decide where I wanted to take the picture from. The little light that was on the mountain was gone and the clouds were soon going to cover the mountain. I started thinking in black and white and then moved around the open water until I had the composition that worked for me.
Castle Mountain
A picture taken during one of the cold evening this winter. Standing along the Bow River, where I had found some open water. Lowered the camera enough to get the rocks and snow covered with frost. The clouds were lit up and top of the Castle Mtn with warm light. Lot easier to handle the cold when you get the picture.
Castle Mountain
Before the snow arrived I was standing along the Bow River in the evening to take pictures of Castle Mountain. I always look for open water, I found this small pool of water, just what I needed to get the pictures I wanted. I took few variations of the picture being posted, moving slightly left and right, back and forth until getting what I felt was the best picture for me.
Castle Mountain
I do lot of exploring by foot, learning about the areas I visit and looking for new photography opportunities. No matter if I have been there before or not, there is always something different to see, During one of my adventure I came across a place to take different view picture of a popular mountain in Banff, Castle Mountain.
Castle Mtn
More fall colours seen while driving through Banff National Park, I take this road often, so when I was headed out I had the gear I needed to get the picture. Pulled off the road and stepped out and took the picture. Knowing the area goes a long way getting the picture I want.
Castle Mountain
It had been few months since I took my last picture of Castle Mtn, I was there few days back. Snow and ice is melting and slowly the water level is rising.
Until next moment,
Amar
Castle Mountain
It was a cold day and even a colder morning and evening. I was out in the morning to explore the area where the picture was taken. At that time everything was right but Castle Mtn was covered with clouds. I moved on, thinking perhaps another time when it would all come together. By mid afternoon I was still exploring when I looked toward Castle, The clouds were above the mountain now and the light was great but it was going to take an hour to get back to my morning spot. It was starting to get cold again and there was always a chance the scene could change by the time I got back. I took the chance and I was not disappointed.
Until next moment,
Amar
Castle Mountain
The sun was setting and I did not have enough time to get to location where i was headed to take pictures of Castle Mtn. So I decided to stop along the road I was travelling on and take the picture of the mountain, providing me with a different prospective of the sunset and the mountain.
Until next moment,
Amar
Castle Mtn
Castle Mountain is one of the popular mountain to take pictures of, and I have many times. It's a mountain that stands out from other, due to where it's located, particurally viewing it from the East. With some fresh snow on the mountain, providing nice contrast, and with sky opening up I just had to take its picture.
Until next moment,
Amar
Castle Mountain
I was back along the Bow River taking pictures of Castle Mtn. Walking along the shores looking for a spot to take the pictures, I stopped when I came across untouched snow on top of ice that forms on and side of the river each year.
Until next moment,
Amar
Castle Mountain
In September it looked as if winter was going to be here early, but the warm October changed all that. Now winter is trying again in November, this time it has a better chance of staying. The peaks in the park are starting to hold on to the snow, looking beautiful during sunrises , sunsets and in between.
Until next moment,
Amar
Castle Mountain
Picture of Castle Mountain from a different view. Had to fight of mosquitoes to get the picture and then I had to make my way out of there before the storm in the distance reached me. All part of nature photography.
Until next moment,
Amar
Castle Mountain
Was taking pictures of Castle Mountain with the evening light on it. At that time the clouds were too far away and I was not liking the pictures I was getting. Once the light was off the clouds, the clouds in the distance lit up. Then it was a hurry to find a spot without falling off the ice into the cold water to take the picture I was hoping for.
Until next moment,
Amar
Castle Mountain
With the light coming from a more southernly direction, the evening light really lights up Castle Mountain. I'll be spending more time taking pictures late in the day and hopefully more in the morning as well of castle.
Until next moment,
Amar
Castle Mtn
Snow had stopped falling during one late morning, the clouds were moving out and evaporation was taking place, giving the impression that Castle Mtn was on fire.
Until next moment,
Amar
Castle Mountain
The temperature was about minus 23 degree Celsius and I was standing next to the Bow River looking for a spot to take a picture of Castle Mountain. The challenge was not surviving the cold morning temperature, but to find the picture before the light changed. The adrenaline of getting the picture kept me warm and that picture was being on my knees while balancing the tripod on thin ice, so I could get the reflection of the mountain in the still water along the river.
Until next moment,
Amar