Saturday, 23rd January 2010
Upon Reflection
by Stephen Oachs
Nestled into the magnificent Snowmass Wilderness in Colorado, Maroon Lake gracefully reflects what are widely considered the most photographed peaks in North America...the "Fourteeners" known as the Maroon Bells.
The Maroon Bells are actually one mountain with two peaks. The South Maroon Peak is the 27th highest peak in Colorado, and North Maroon Peak is the 50th highest. The stunning Bells achieve their amazing color from their composition of ancient mudstone.
Even such a popularly photographed location can result in a fresh impression. This view was captured immediately after the skies released a dusting of snow on the Snowmass peaks, as if to warn of winter's coming. Maroon Lake serenely reflects back the richly detailed, pristine panorama, causing the scene to glow with a remarkable light fueled by the amazing autumn color of Colorado's Aspen groves and evergreen forests.
Equipment: Canon 1Ds Mark III
Stephen Oachs
Stephen W. Oachs is an award-winning photographer, successful entrepreneur and technology veteran who began his journey in photography the moment he picked up his first camera.
Completely self-taught, Stephen's unique and distinctive style has earned him recognition as one of today's finest nature photographers. He was recognized in 2007 as wildlife photographer of the year by the National Wildlife Federation and was awarded best nature photographer in 2008 by National Geographic.
Stephen has received many other awards and achievements. His work has graced the pages of such notable publications such as National Geographic, Popular Photography, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Magazine and many others.
In 2009 Stephen founded The Aperture Academy, a unique combination of fine art photography gallery in conjunction with classroom and workshop instruction. Students of the Aperture Academy recieve hands on instruction designed for their individual skill level which includes everything from learning to shoot in the field to digital post processing techniques.
Whether trekking through the wilds of Alaska, enduring the raw challenges of nature or experiencing the thrill of life on the edge, Stephen captures rare and breathtaking moments of light and time. His exceptional eye is filtered only by his passion for life, deep affinity with nature and love of adventure.
Website: www.ApertureAcademy.com
Upon Reflection by Stephen Oachs was photo of the day on Saturday, 23rd January 2010. It is tagged Lakes, Mountains, Reflections. You can leave a comment below.
17 Comments
Photos by Nik
What a nice shot, its incredible how calm this lake was. Wonderfully executed shot, and the blue in the skies looks so pure.
Anurag
Rejuvenating serene beauty.
su
You are a master at shot like these Stephen, congrats,
JRKyle
Great photograph here Stephen… Really great dynamic range here…
Pauline Jones
Simply gorgeous; I’d love to paint it.
Wanda Krack
Looks like perfect timing for this lovely shot!
Stephen Oachs
Thank you everyone! This shot took some patience…I arrived in Colorado to pretty poor weather and my first day to Maroon Bells there were nearly white caps on the lake it was so windy. I stood there thinking “oh boy, this isn’t good” so I parked my motorhome to see if the next day would be any better.
The next morning a fresh dusting of snow had graced the peaks and when I saw the glassy water I was GIDDY!
renee
Excellent shot it looks so nice there!
mike
I like the colors and the reflection is great.
Marie Dunphy Harding
The snow cover really accentuates the lovely scene, thanks for sharing.
Harriet B
Thank you, Stephen, for an absolutely beautiful photograph. It takes such patience to arrive at just the right moment for something like this. Thanks, also, for sharing your experience.
Katherine Lee Strassburg
You have a wonderful way of ‘taking us there’. Perfect composition, lighting, color, weather(you get credit for patience only on this), but most of all, depth of field. We see the lake bottom in front of us, the shades of vegetation and rocks, the reflection, and then the peaks highlighted with snow. Absolute magic!
João Ganhão
This picture is brilliant! Nice colors and an amazing reflex created by a nice composition! Perfect! Congrats!
Linda Groover
I actually have a picture of Maroon Bells in my home. I have been there and it is a beautiful sight that all should see.As a photographer you captured the look beautifully!
Steven Davis
Congrats Stephen! Once again you win on this site
Grete
Great shot, excellent landscape! I like so much the reflexes. Congrats and Greetings from Argentine
kim lepke
beatiful breathtaking photo.