On October 27, 2014 I went to photograph Lake Louise in Banff, Alberta. While I have been there countless times, I am always hoping to capture a better image than I have before.
I arrived early in the morning, before sunrise, and the temperature was near 0C or 32F. At about 8:15 a.m., the sun finally began to appear over the mountains. After I captured this photograph, I waited for a while longer hoping to get better or more even light. When I felt that was not likely to happen anytime soon, I headed toward the other end of the lake, closer to the base of the glacier.
When looking back toward Chateau Lake Louise, the Chateau was partially in shadow. Consulting apps on my iPhone, I knew that the sun would not swing around for a couple more hours. So, I headed up to the top of Beehive to capture my next photograph looking down at the Chateau.
I typically carry too much stuff. In this instance, I carried my camera gear, including my tripod and its case. I felt like a pack mule going up the mountain. By the time I finally reached the top, I was exhausted. A key lesson when hiking in the mountains is to keep your stuff to an absolute minimum.
After capturing my shot from the top of Beehive, I returned the same way I came so that I could take my photograph of the Chateau from the end of the lake near the base of the glacier. On my way down, I noticed gathering clouds above. When I initially got myself into position for my final photograph, the Chateau was hidden in shadow. So I waited for a few minutes for the sun to move from behind the clouds and light up the Chateau.
Behind the Chateau is the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Although it appears to be located directly behind the Chateau, it is actually across a valley through which the Trans-Canada highway is routed. The base for the ski runs is nearly 5 kilometers or 3 miles behind the Chateau.
Looking at these photographs, you’ll notice that the color of the lake changes considerably. Although I am sure that there is some scientific explanation as to why the color varies from photograph to photograph, I don’t know what it is. I know that lakes in the Rockies usually have a turquoise color because of the dissolved rock silt from glaciers. In the last photograph, however, the color is closer to a traditional blue lake color. I have a hunch that photographing from behind the sun on a cloudy day affected its color.
Here’s a link to a photograph shot by my Flickr friend Bernie. You’ll note that he is even higher up the mountain than I was, and from his photograph, you can see Lake Louise and Lake Agnes. Notice the difference in color between the two lakes. And, from Bernie’s photograph, you can see Chateau Lake Louise, the valley, and the ski trails.
In reviewing these photographs, I know there is room for improvement. When I get home and review my pictures, I compare what I recall seeing in my mind to what I see on the computer screen. It’s a tough challenge, because the immense grandeur of Banff is difficult to capture. Yet, it’s a valuable exercise because I discover where my photographs fall short. Sometimes it is something as simple as lighting. That can only be fixed by being at a location at a different time, or a different time in a different season. Other times, I see that my lens selection is poor. Perhaps a wider or narrower lens would be more appropriate. Perhaps some photographs would be better captured from a different location or angle. And at other times, Mother Nature wasn’t cooperating. In the last photograph, for example, the water was too rough. In that instance, it simply means that I have to try it again on some other day. Even with all the shortcomings, the trip was a valuable exercise because it is only through experience that one learns to become better.