I don't generally like to photograph the more common "hot spots" but I had seen the very unreal color of Peto Lake in photographs, and since I was in close proximity of the lake for a couple of weeks, I thought I'd at least hike up there and take a look. Nothing could have prepared me for the striking raw beauty, and shocking color of that grandiose lake scene! I was fortunate in that I got to stand there taking shots in wonderful light all alone for quite some time.
This is a simple single shot with a 2 stop ND grad, at an angle, over the sky portion to preserve the detail there, as well as a Hoya Circular Polarizer to limit glare on the water, and to define the sky a little more.
Wow that is some pretty intense color in the water. Beautiful shot. A color you don't see much in a lake, I usually think of some secluded Caribbean beach when I see that color.
That lake is nothing short of amazing. Was a polarizer used? I'm asking because there seems to be a complete lack of specular highlights on the lake and while it definitely emphasizes the blue it also makes it feel pretty flat. I see what looks like a trace of a reflection on the far left and right sides of the lake but that's about it. One other small crit is that to my eye the shadows on the mountains are a touch too opened up, giving it an HDR feel that is a little distracting. Of course my preference is toward graphic contrast rather than absolute detail so that's purely a personal objection.
Once again you're getting an overly nit picky critique, but you've only got yourself to blame for setting the bar so high!
river rover wrote:
That lake is nothing short of amazing. Was a polarizer used? I'm asking because there seems to be a complete lack of specular highlights on the lake and while it definitely emphasizes the blue it also makes it feel pretty flat. I see what looks like a trace of a reflection on the far left and right sides of the lake but that's about it. One other small crit is that to my eye the shadows on the mountains are a touch too opened up, giving it an HDR feel that is a little distracting. Of course my preference is toward graphic contrast rather than absolute detail so that's purely a personal objection.
Once again you're getting an overly nit picky critique, but you've only got yourself to blame for setting the bar so high!
Thanks for compliments and the feedback.
Yes, I forgot to mention the Hoya Circular Polarizer (I'll go ahead and put that in there). It is really essential (IMO) on shots like this.
Beautifully done Mark! Glad you made the hike and took the shot. I think far too often some photographers avoid commonly shot areas and generally do so without valid reason. Generally there must have been a uniqueness or beauty to the area for others to have made the shot. Most shots are never exact duplicates but an individual experience with the scene. I truly feel that one has to release themselves of worry about what others may think and let themselves see the scenic beauty as though it has never been seen through their eyes. The scene and beauty you capture on film will be all you and will be injoyed by others regardless of how many of images of the scene may exist.
I've seen other images of this area, but none were by you and none were like yours! Beautiful, I enjoyed and others will also!
Randy
Peyto Lake becomes this color because of the glacial rock flour that flows into it. The particles are small enough to be suspended in the water, which is also what gives it the weird opaque look.
That's unreal looking. I've done a lot of spey fishing for salmon and steelhead in the northwest and have never seen a glacial silt lake or river like that!!! I like it a lot though..
wow, it really really looks like you just selected the lake in PS and used the paintbucket tool to fill it in. i've seen glacial lakes before but that is outstanding.
this is a really cool shot, Mark. i also like that you're posting a "daytime" shot, as i think sometimes it's important to include good daytime stuff in our portfolios to help diversify and because, frankly, i think some non-photographers just like that more because it's what they're used to seeing. sometimes we get a little too purist and ONLY show off our sunset/rise shots
Amazing color indeed. Any idea what produces such intense and strange hues?
hugh
I tried finding some information on that, on the web, but have not had any luck yet. I mean, you see it in a photo and think, this has got to be a bit overdone, but then when I went there my wife and I were just stunned. Awesome. But, no, I don't know yet.
ajkessler wrote:
Beautiful scene Mark!
Peyto Lake becomes this color because of the glacial rock flour that flows into it. The particles are small enough to be suspended in the water, which is also what gives it the weird opaque look.
I have been to this lake four times and it is the best natural looking picture of it I have seen. By the way, not to be too picky, but it is Peyto (pronounced pee toe) Lake. It is usually windy there but on my last trip It was calm enought to get something you rarely see there - a reflection. I will share it with you.
-Craig
Stunning shot Mark. That really is fascinating colour in the lake.
I have taken a jaw-dropping tour of your website and I can tell you that I will most certainly be a regular visitor whenever I need a shot of inspiration. Your passion really shines.
