p.1 #1 · Bucket list location: Thousand Island Lake in the High Sierra
I sometimes see people post on here, multiple images of the same subject and I think to myself "C'mon, just pick your favourite shot and show that one because I don't want to look at similar shots of the same subject."
Well today I'm eating my hat and I'm doing that exact same thing. I was so enamoured by tBanner Peak, that I couldn't help but to photograph it multiple times from different locations and times and neglect other subjects. It wasn't even that I had limited time here, which I did. The mountain just captivated my attention.
The story is, I had wanted to hike and photograph this location for years - the location is Thousand Island Lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of the High Sierra. I finally got the opportunity to put together a two night backpacking trip with my daughter. I had a 40lb pack and we started hiking from the Rush Creek Trailhead as I didn't want to have to deal with bus shuttles that are required if you start from Mammoth Lakes. The hike in was pretty brutal with about 1000m of elevation gain over 13km. It took us about five and a half hours to reach our destination but it was so worth it. Banner Peak towers above Thousand Island Lake, and as I said it captivated me. The grasses and shrubs around the lake were dressed in their autumn colours and we had variable mountain weather to work around/with - sunshine, showers, thick cloud but fortunately only mild wind.
It was a special time - Dad/daughter trip. Photography trip. Jewel like location. Unforgettable. Here are some of my captures. C&C always welcome
ILCE-7CRFE PZ 16-35mm F4 G lens32mmf/11.01/125s500 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7CRFE PZ 16-35mm F4 G lens28mmf/11.01/50s500 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7CRFE PZ 16-35mm F4 G lens24mmf/11.01/25s500 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7CRFE PZ 16-35mm F4 G lens35mmf/11.01/10s500 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7CRFE PZ 16-35mm F4 G lens16mmf/11.01/50s100 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7CRE 50-300mm F4.5-6.3 A069 lens50mmf/16.01/125s100 ISO0.0 EV
ILCE-7CRFE PZ 16-35mm F4 G lens19mmf/8.01/80s500 ISO0.0 EV
p.1 #2 · Bucket list location: Thousand Island Lake in the High Sierra
Beautiful area and incredible images! I tried to pick a favorite but couldn't - too many nice ones vying for the top spot. The best part of this has to be spending time with your daughter. I'm sure she won't forget the trip.
p.1 #6 · Bucket list location: Thousand Island Lake in the High Sierra
The first and last are my favorites of the bunch. It was good fortune to get those nice morning clouds — most often the sky here is completely clear.
I know the area well, and have backpacked all around there for decades. I’ve never come in from Rush Creek though, always starting at Agnew Meadow by, yes, taking the bus shuttle from Mammoth. It seems a bit awkward if you are, as I am, used to driving up to a trailhead, parking, putting on the pack, and just walking — but it isn’t all that bad once you do it.
p.1 #9 · Bucket list location: Thousand Island Lake in the High Sierra
I like the variety of shots of the same beautiful subject - all are good, but the first is my fav. I also wish there was a nice shot of you and your daughter in camp - I like the back story and that would make it more personal. Good job hauling your photo gear up there - it was worth it!
p.1 #11 · Bucket list location: Thousand Island Lake in the High Sierra
Al Trujillo wrote:
Beautiful area and incredible images! I tried to pick a favorite but couldn't - too many nice ones vying for the top spot. The best part of this has to be spending time with your daughter. I'm sure she won't forget the trip.
Thanks Al. Absolutely it was. She's at college now so we don't get to see her often enough!
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junglialoh wrote:
Beautifully presented the lovely image set from the Thousand Island Lake in the High Sierra -
Thanks Jung
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psharvic wrote:
Fine work on these, Derrick.
Thanks Vic! Appreciate the kingd words
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dbehrens wrote:
All strong comps! For me its #1 and #3 (although I would consider cropping out the bottom 10% on that pic). In any case these are great captures!
Thanks Dave. #1 was my daughters favourite too.
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gdanmitchell wrote:
The first and last are my favorites of the bunch. It was good fortune to get those nice morning clouds — most often the sky here is completely clear.
I know the area well, and have backpacked all around there for decades. I’ve never come in from Rush Creek though, always starting at Agnew Meadow by, yes, taking the bus shuttle from Mammoth. It seems a bit awkward if you are, as I am, used to driving up to a trailhead, parking, putting on the pack, and just walking — but it isn’t all that bad once you do it.
Thanks Dan. Yeah I've bucket listed the Minarets, and a couple of other locations further south that I'm sure you know. September is a great time to visit, so fingers crossed for next year.
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jm10_former wrote:
This must have been a very special trip for you Derrick! Well done. A great set of pictures. The first one is my favorite.
Cheers Jacob. Appreciate you taking the time to comment. It was a really special trip for me.
jacob
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Monika C wrote:
That sounds like a steep hike to a beautiful area. And you got some good clouds and perfect reflections for your compositions. Nice collection!
Thank you Monika. You have an outstanding collection of images on your website.
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Jim Dockery wrote:
I like the variety of shots of the same beautiful subject - all are good, but the first is my fav. I also wish there was a nice shot of you and your daughter in camp - I like the back story and that would make it more personal. Good job hauling your photo gear up there - it was worth it!
Thanks Jim. I do regret not getting pics of us together other than some selfie snapshots on our phones. I did meet another photographer who shoots film who got a great shot of Emma, with a puffy white cloud above Banner Peak. https://www.instagram.com/p/DPWbYVqkX26/
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guidostow wrote:
Superb images! What a fabulous set! Bravo!
Thanks Guy. Appreciate it.
p.1 #12 · Bucket list location: Thousand Island Lake in the High Sierra
Derrick, what an amazing trip — and even more special that you shared it with your daughter. The memories you created together are truly priceless. On top of that, you captured some stunning photos! I wish I could vote twice — once for the incredible images and once for making this unforgettable journey with her.
p.1 #15 · Bucket list location: Thousand Island Lake in the High Sierra
As this post winds down a quick thanks to those who commented
keepclicking wrote:
Derrick, what an amazing trip — and even more special that you shared it with your daughter. The memories you created together are truly priceless. On top of that, you captured some stunning photos! I wish I could vote twice — once for the incredible images and once for making this unforgettable journey with her.
Hi Parul. Thanks for commenting. Even a month later I still mental goosebumps thinking back to the amazing time I had with Emma.
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Ross Martin wrote:
Derrick, what a wonderful bucket list location, and you captured the beauty for sure!
Thanks Ross. Appreciate it. It's hard not to take a nice photo when you stand in front of something beautiful
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Superscroll wrote:
Ho
Lee
Sheet.
Absolutely stunning and I want MORE! So well done.
p.1 #18 · Bucket list location: Thousand Island Lake in the High Sierra
Outstanding Derrick! They are all beautiful and I love #5. The light and the composition make me want to linger long on that one. What a great trip with your daughter. I know from experience how much that must have meant to you both. Memories. Steve
