Newly Updated South and Central Cascades Gallery

Prusik Peak above Gnome Tarn.

I recently updated my South and Central Cascades Gallery to include additional images of Mount St. Helens, as well as many images from a fall trip into the Enchantment Lakes.

The images of Mount St. Helens were taken during a trip in which I spent the evening photographing on Johnston Ridge, then drove through the night to Windy Ridge for sunrise.  As I neared the Windy Ridge parking lot, the fog became thicker than I had ever witnessed, and I could not see to park!  I had to get out of my vehicle and carefully wander around in search of a parking stall.  Fortunately, I was very close to one and was able to return to my vehicle and safely maneuver to a safe parking spot for the night!

The Enchantment Lakes are a beautiful set of high elevation lakes in a granite basin near Leavenworth, Washington.  My favorite time to visit them is in early to mid October after the larches have turned.  Due to the high elevation, this can often mean snow!  Thus was the case during this visit.

I hope you enjoy the new additions!

Photographing the Tonquin Valley

The Ramparts reflected in Amethyst Lake at dawn.

The Tonquin Valley is considered the jewel of Jasper National Park by many.  Located deep in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the valley is famous for its dramatic scene of The Ramparts towering high above Amethyst Lakes, and casting their beautiful reflection into the lake’s calm waters at sunrise.  It is truly a sight to behold.

Of course, I must qualify the above description as being season dependent.  The Tonquin Valley is best visited in late season.  By late August, the bugs are gone and most of the “swampy” areas have dried up.  Visit in July and you will be swarmed by mosquitoes and horse flies beyond belief, likely requiring a head net and full clothing as you negotiate through bug hell.  Amethysts lakes can be difficult to approach in early season due to wetlands.  Trails can also be extremely muddy.

The Ramparts reflected in Amethyst Lake at sun

The valley is known for its abundance of wildlife, including caribou, cougars, wolves and grizzly bears.  During my visit, caribou were not present, while a new pack of wolves was.  It was widely believed that the wolves had migrated over from another valley, chasing the caribou away.  Fatal grizzly bear attacks have occurred in the Tonquin Valley in recent years.  While most hikers will not see a bear during their visit (I didn’t), it is very important to be prepared and aware while on the trail.

There are two approaches to the Tonquin Valley – the Astoria River trail and McCarib Pass trail.  Both are long.  While the Portal Creek Trail is longer (14.2 miles) and gains about 1,000’ more elevation as it climbs over McCarib Pass, it is much more scenic.  McCarib Pass is high, open country with views in all directions.  It should not be missed, even if it means a day hike from the lake to experience.  The Astoria River Trail is shorter (12.7 miles) and the quickest way into Amethyst Lakes.  I can’t compare the two trails because at the time of my visit, a massive slide off Mount Edith Cavell had closed the road to the trailhead, as well as the trail itself.

There are two prime campgrounds in the valley, Surprise Point Campground and Amethyst Campground.  Both are very scenic and offer excellent views of The Ramparts above Amethyst Lakes.  Amethyst Campground is more popular, and in my opinion, offering the better view and composition.  Nonetheless, I have seen beautiful images from Surprise Point as well.  Maybe you will need to visit both!

The Ramparts reflected in Amethyst Lake.

Morning is the time to photograph The Ramparts and their reflection in the lake.  Sunrise turns the rock bright pink, then gold as the morning progresses.  As long as the weather is stable, the water will be calm for the first few hours of the morning.

Getting to the lake from the Amethyst Campground can be tricky, outside the obvious trail from the campground.  This is because the rolling meadows are comprised mostly of wetlands.  For the most interesting foreground, I recommend hiking the main trail south for about ¼ mile, then aiming for the obvious rocks along the lakeshore.  This is a prime sunrise location to shoot from.

The Ramparts reflected in a tarn in Tonquin Valley.

By mid-morning the sunlight will begin to hit the meadows of the valley.  I recommend following the obvious trail from the campground to the lake as it passes several interesting rocks and tarns.

If staying at Sunrise Point, the area near the bridge entering the campground offers excellent foreground as rocks abound along the shore and in the shallow water.

The Tonquin Valley is best suited for wide-angle lenses.  My 17-40mm was my most used lens, with my 24-70mm coming in second.  I also hauled in my 70—200mm for wildlife, hoping to catch a grizzly bear or caribou.  My only grizzly encounter was at the trailhead parking lot the night before while I was sleeping.  As mentioned above, with the new presence of a wolf pack in the valley, the caribou are believed to have mostly left.  I probably would leave the large glass at home next time in consideration of the weight.

The Ramparts above Tonquin Valley.

You will want both a 2-stop and 3-stop GND filter.  I would also recommend a polarizer.  If you are into star photography, the Tonquin Valley is an excellent place for star shots as well as the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).  You might even have a wolf follow you back to your tent as I did!

If you are determined to carry heavy camera gear for your visit, there are pack guide services available that will haul your equipment for you for a fee.

I highly recommend spending a few days in the valley, with a full day on both sides for hiking in and hiking out.  Every morning offered different lighting and was a unique experience for me.  This also gives you time to further explore the area.
Enjoy your visit to this fantastic slice of heaven.  Life slows down here.  It’s okay to slow down with it.

To view more images of the area, visit my Canadian Rockies Gallery.

As always thanks for reading!

2014 Wall Calendars

2014 Mountains of Washington Wall Calendar.

I know it seems a little too early to be thinking about 2014 calendars.  Heck, we aren't even halfway into 2013 yet!  But in order to get such products on store shelves in time, planning and production must start early - often 2 - 3 years in advance.

Next year I find my work appearing in several wall calendars.  But the one I am most pleased about is the line produced by Smith-Western Co., a local company out of Tacoma.  I have worked with them for many years now, and have enjoyed an excellent relationship with them.

In 2014, I will have four images appearing in the pages and on the cover of their Mountains of Washington calendar, and one image in their Washington calendar.  The wall calendars are too large for my scanning capabilities, so you will have to settle for a picture of the pocket calendar version (same calendar as the wall version, only smaller)!

These calendars should start appearing on store shelves soon, if they haven't already.  In years past, I have seen them in Fred Meyer, Bartells, Rite-Aid, the Space Needle, and more.  Keep your eyes open and help support local business!

I haven't made up my mind yet whether I will sell these on my web site again.  The problem we run into is that shipping is so darn expensive - almost the price of the calendar.  I will likely have them available at my shows later in the year.

I hope everyone is having an excellent spring!

Seattle Waterfront

A ferry in Puget Sound with the Seattle waterfront in the background.

The Seattle waterfront is a fantastic place for photography.  There are many parks and vantages to view the cityscape from, all offering their unique perspectives.  I previously offered some ideas here.

My favorite waterfront vantage is this one from West Seattle - Hamilton Park.  This park is located on California Ave just before it descends down to Alki Ave, and makes a great evening/sunset location.

This image is currently appearing in a 2013 wall calendar being distributed worldwide.  Seattle is being represented!

This reminds me that I need to get my Seattle and Puget Sound galleries added to my web site soon.  No rest, I tell you!

Back from the Southwest

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park.

I just returned from Utah, and enjoyed photographing in Bryce Canyon, Arches and Canyonlands National Park, as well as Red Canyon and areas around Moab.  I had planned to spend time in Escalante as well, but weather was not very kind to me there.

The trip was incredible, and I am excited to begin editing images!  I hope to have some images to share soon.

Disappointed With Gitzo Customer Service

Broken Gitzo GT2531 tripod.

You may recall I experienced a failure of my Gitzo GT2531 tripod a couple of months ago.  I spent a cold New Year's Day photographing at Mount Rainier National Park and unexpectedly had. not one, but two leg hinges break.  You can read more about the experience here (or scroll down a couple of posts).

I was pretty frustrated to say the least.  This is not how I would expect a tripod to fail, especially a name like Gitzo.

My first guess was fatigue cracks had developed in the hinges, and cold temperatures accelerated the failure.

I tried to contact Gitzo, sending them several e-mails asking if this was a known problem, or one they had seen before, or entirely new.  I offered to send the tripod to them for evaluation if they wished.  I never received a response from them.

An independent analysis of the failed part detected signs of small stress cracks.  This didn't surprise me as I wondered if I was stressing the hinges when securing the tripod to my pack - possibly cinching it down too tightly and overcompressing the legs inward.  Having removed my center column long ago, this would allow even further inward movement.

Lightweight Gitzo center piece.  Yes, that is 3.5 oz!

It was also pointed out to me that we photographers pay the price for going light.  The Gitzo Mountainer GT2531 tripod uses carbon fiber legs and a magnesium center piece.  While the carbon fiber isn't greatly influenced by colder temperatures, magnesium alloy is.

The yield strength, tensile strength and hardness of magnesium alloy increases as temperature decreases, while its impact resistance decreases.  Basically, this means in cold temperatures magnesium alloy becomes more brittle.  A great source of information on this can be found here.

I originally considered replacing my tripod, but was not excited about rewarding Gitzo with my business now.  I stongly considered switching to another brand, in fact.

Then I realized a repair of my existing tripod would be a less expensive alternative.  This made more sense to me.

Gitzo now partners with a company called CRIS in Chandler, AZ for all service repairs.  On their web site, CRIS encourages you to call first to make arrangements for repairs.  I found them very difficult to get hold off, always going to voice mail and calls never being returned.  It does appear they are going through a transition period, moving stock and operations from Manfrotto in New Jersey.  Maybe things will get better with time.

New Gitzo GT2531 center piece.

It was while I was attempting to contact CRIS that I began questioning paying for somebody else to service my tripod if I could repair it myself (it was becoming clear there would be no gratuities offered).

Gitzospares.com is located in the UK and is an excellent source for parts.  They have a very large inventory, and offer free shipping - yes, even to the U.S.  In just a few days, I had the part I needed at my doorstep, and at a fraction of the price I would have paid for repairs.  I highly recommend them.

I am back up and running now and ready for my next adventure, with no help from Gitzo.

My Images in Death Valley National Park

Don Geyer at Furnace Creek Visitor Center in Death Valley NP.
(image courtesy Kyle Sides)

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Furnace Creek Visitor Center in Death Valley National Park. 

About a year ago I licensed some images for a new display they were putting together.  This was my first opportunity to view the finished product, and I was quite impressed.  The production quality is excellent, and something to be proud of.

The humorous part of my visit was that, given a year since licensing the images, I had forgotten specifically which images had been used.  As I walked through the entrance and turned the corner to the right, there I was starring at - me!  Yes, that is me hiking in Fall Canyon (I believe it is the very last hike I did with my dad).  Also included are images of Fall Canyon, Badwater and Artist Palette.

While posing for this snapshot, some visitors recognized me in the picture and came over to say hello.  I enjoyed meeting and talking with them, and listening to their stories and experiences in the park.  Everyone I talked to were travelling, some from as far away as Canada.  It was obvious that Death Valley was providing them with many special memories to take back home and share.

You can view the images included in the displays at Death Valley and many more in my Death Valley Gallery.  I hope you enjoy.

Photographing Eagles along the Skagit

Bald Eagle near Diobsud Creek.

 Every year beginning in December and peaking in mid-January, the bald eagles return to the Skagit River and its tributaries.  What makes the Skagit River so attractive to them?  Several things, actually.  The swift current promotes spawning for five different species of salmon, the river does not freeze over, and as one of the healthiest rivers in the area, the Skagit is able to absorb eagles when surrounding rivers are having poor salmon years.

The peak population fluctuates from year-to-year, reaching above 800 eagles in some years, and as little as 300 in others.

The eagles follow the salmon.  As a result, they are most abundant along a 10 mile stretch of the Skagit between the towns of Rockport and Marblemount.  Highway 20 parallels the river through much of this stretch, offering several viewing opportunities.

One of the most popular places to view the eagles is near Howard Miller State Park near Rockport.  Park here and walk to the 530 bridge crossing the Skagit.  The bridge has a pedestrian walk and offers excellent viewing of eagles up and down the river.  The park itself is home to the Skagit Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, which is open on weekends throughout the eagle viewing season.  Be sure and inquire with the volunteers for up-to-date information.

Bald Eagle along Skagit.

The next spot is at a large roadside parking lot along the river's edge at mile marker 100.  It's common to be able to see eagles perched in trees up close here, as well as flying up and down the river.

My favorite spot of all is just a mile further up the road.  It is known as milepost 101 to the locals, and I first experienced it while on an eagle watching rafting trip.  Here the river makes an abrupt turn along Highway 20 and the eagles seem to congregate here more times than not.  I've even seem them perch in the trees on the road side of the river right in front of ecstatic tourists!  They can also be seen perched in trees across the river, and feeding on the gravel bar in early morning.

Be sure to park well off the road here, and always stay on the river side of the concrete barrier and out of the road.

Continue on through the town of Marblemount and turn right over the Cascade River Road bridge, driving slowly while you scout the river for eagles.  There is a large parking lot on the other side and boat ramp if opportunity presents itself.  If not, continue driving a ways further up the road and turn right, following the signs to the Marblemount Fish Hatchery.

Bald Eagle along the Skagit.

A final recommendation is to drive Martin Road on the south side of the river, just south of the 530 bridge.  Be sure to visit the Bald Eagle Natural Area along this road.

Photography Tips.

Let's start with equipment.  Large lenses and sturdy tripods are a must.  A 200mm lens is the minimum, and is hopefully accompanied by a 1.4x or 2x extender.  It you really want to fill your frame, you will need a 500mm or 600mm lens with extender.

Your camera body will play a part in your extender selection, based on whether you are utilizing a full frame or crop sensor.  A full frame sensor, such as the Canon 5D Mark II, offers a 1:1 ratio.  A camera body with a crop sensor, such as the Canon 7D or 60D, come with a 1.6 multiplier.  This means your 500mm lens is in reality, offering you 800mm zooming.

A sturdy tripod is absolutely necessary when shooting with a big lens.  Just as important is a ballhead that can adequately support the weight of a lens and hold it perfectly still.  The best I have seen for this is the gimbal style ballhead.  Once you've tried one you will use nothing else.  Wimberly makes an excellent gimbal ballhead, which I have tried and loved.  Many other manufacturers do as well.

Bald Eagle perched in tree.

You will want to use a high shutter speed when photographing eagles.  I always try to stay at 1/1000.   While you can often get by with 1/500 on eagles perched in trees, 1/1000 will allow you to be ready for anything, especially if that eagle takes off in flight.  Crank your ISO up as needed to achieve this.  Don't worry about grain.  Grainy pictures are better than blurry or underexposed ones, and can easily be fixed in post-processing if needed.

One of the challenges of photographing along the Skagit is that the main road, Highway 20, is on the north side of the river.  This means you will be shooting south into the sun.  The trick to avoid this is to walk up or down the road to change your angle.

Arrive early in the morning.  The eagles feed early and can be found alongside the river.  Towards mid-morning, they find a tree along the river to perch in while they digest their meal.  On sunny afternoons, the birds will become active and fly around the valley, often disappearing altogether.

Also consider a rafting tour.  I've used Blue Sky Outfitters and highly recommend them.  There are many others to choose from as well.  Rafting the river offers benefits and some drawbacks.  The benefits are that they offer much closer up views of the eagles, including along the riverbanks where they can be photographed feeding and gathering.  The main drawback is that you are confined to the raft and photography opportunities are short-lived as you pass them by.  You are also expected to help with paddling, which means you have to pick your moments to put the paddle down and grab the camera.  If rafting, leave your big glass and tripod at home.  They will not be practical on a crowded raft.  I recommend a 200mm lens with extender instead.  Again, shoot at 1/1000 minimum as you will be bobbing up and down in the raft, and will need a quick shutter.

Consider a photography raft tour.  These are more expensive, but more personal and conducive to successful images.  They are typically limited to one or two photographers.

Roadside or raft?  I recommend both!

Gitzo GT2531 Tripod Fails

Formerly a Gitzo tripod, relegated to a monopod.

New Years Day was a glorious day in the Pacific Northwest.  A high pressure trough settled in above us, giving us bluebird skies and reason to get out and enjoy the day.

I spent the day at Mount Rainier National Park, snowshoeing up to Mazama Ridge and photographing the mountain above rolling mounds of snow and snow-covered trees.  It was a fantastic setting in fresh powder snow.

Then it happened.

My tripod sank into the snow with the weight of my 5D MII camera, as one would expect.  What I didn't expect was when I lifted it back out of the snow, again mostly powder, only two legs retracted from the snow.  The third remained in the snow, having broken off of the centerpiece.  There had been very little, if any, resistance when pulling the tripod out of the snow.  This was fresh snow.

Broken hinges on Gitzo tripod.

I was in dismay.  Close examination revealed that the hinge had broke.  The leg itself was still in fine condition.  I first thought that the hinge must have developed stress cracks over time and finally given way.

I was as puzzled as I was disappointed.  Fortunately I still had two legs left and could still compose pictures by sticking them in the snow, and then prop the third independent leg against the centerpiece for sturdiness.



Failed hinges on Gitzo tripod.

 Then it happened again!

Now I was in complete disbelief.  Again, no pressure applied to the legs or hinges to speak of.  Could it be the cold temps?  High for the day was forecast to be 32*F, and it was nearly noon.  I would guess temps were in the mid to upper 20s when the failures happened.

As disappointed as I am in the failure, I am equally puzzled as to why.  This is not the way I would expect a tripod to fail, especially with a trusted name like Gitzo.

I plan to get in touch with Gitzo to get their take on this failure.  I also have arranged for an independent analysis on the breaks for metal fatigue, stress signs, etc.  Why go to this length?  Because it's readily available to me at no cost.  It's just how I'm wired.

I have absolutely loved my Gitzo tripod.  It's the best tripod I have owned to date, this failure aside.

I hope to get valuable input from Gitzo.  Have they seen this before?  Is this an inherent problem with the leg hinge?  Is it a weakness of the material used? (though the centerpiece is of magnesium construction, the hinge bushing is clearly of different material).

I will keep you posted of my findings.  I also encourage anyone else who has experienced similar problems to comment, either publicly or privately.

New Canadian Rockies Gallery!

The Ramparts reflected in Amethyst Lake in Tonquin Valley.

I'm excited to announce the addition of my new Canadian Rockies Gallery to my Mountain Scenes web site!  I hope you enjoy viewing these fresh, new images.

It's been a long and tedious process, from editing the thousands of RAW images to final SEO web preparation and layout.  In fact, I forgot just how much work such a task involved!

The images represent Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kootenay National Park, Yoho National Park, Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and Mount Robson Provincial Park. 

Hikers below Mount Victoria on Plain of Six Glaciers trail.

Included are images of Mount Assiniboine, Lake Magog, Mount Robson, Berg Lake, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Mount Victoria, Mount Temple, Tonquin Valley, Amethyst Lakes, The Ramparts, Lake O'Hara, Opabin Plateau, Peyto Lake, Castle Mountain, Floe Lake and Rockwall, and more.

I've enjoyed many trips to the Canadian Rockies over the years.  I have enjoyed them while car camping with family, dayhiking, backpacking, climbing and even canoeing.  Each one of these activities offers a different perspective and experience.  I recommend them all.

I hope you enjoy these new images.  All images are available as prints, as well as for commercial use.  I believe they would make an excellent addition to your walls, electronic presentation, or publication. 

As always, I welcome your comments or questions.  If you are planning a trip yourself, feel free to drop me an e-mail with any questions.  I am always happy to help.

Thank you for visiting.