Trip Report
Hidden Lake Lookout — Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Type of Hike
OvernightTrail Conditions
Obstacles on trail:Overgrown in places.
Snow
Snowfields to cross - could be difficult
Bring your trekking poles (and maybe an ice axe) because there is still lots of snow on the trail and it is steep! There were some snow bridges that looked sketchy so make sure you pay attention to where you step. I met a couple hikers who turned around because they didn't have poles and were not prepared for such steep snow crossing.
Wildflowers are blooming before the pass, absolutely beautiful. Lots of bugs. The trail is overgrown at times. Lots of water on the trail and mud, my feet definitely got soaking wet.
Hidden Lake is still covered in ice and snow, there's snow all around it. But at least the first mile of the trail that goes through the forest is all cleared of downed trees from last season.
Comments
photo
Posted by:
jeffbottman on Aug 09, 2012 01:22 PM
Sunrise Shot, Camera Question
Yes, great shot. In the interest of trying to learn to take such photos myself, what kind of camera are you using? Special lens, settings, tripods? Photoshop used at all? Etc. Fantastic photo.
bk
Posted by:
bk3 on Aug 12, 2012 12:07 PM
Camera stuff
Thank you! It definitely takes right place and time to get perfect shot. I find the most dramatic photos are the ones taken at the hours when the sun is at extreme angle to the viewer like sunrise or sunset.
In terms of gear, I use Nikon D300s, great camera, semi-pro, the body is more weatherproof than models below it so since I use it mainly outdoors that's really wort extra money. For this shot and honestly most of my outdoor photography I use Nikon 18-200 mm with 3.5f. Works for landscapes, works for tele, works even for macro (sorta). Great lense for traveling too!
I don't use Photoshop bc I hate messing on the computer so I utilize filters a lot. I use a polariser almost all the time unless it's very dark. I use it for this shot. I also use graduated neutral density filters. I got 3 f-stops and 2 f-stops, both by Lee. For this shot I used 3 f-stop bc the background was waaaay too bright.
I rarely use tripod mainly bc I don't have a nice one I Coukd carry around easily and I have inhumanly steady hands. :-)
I hope this helps you on your quest for better photos. Check out this website for more detailed camera gear info: DpReview.com
-climbear
Posted by:
"Climbear" on Aug 10, 2012 09:24 AM
The Camera Doesn't Matter Much
The reason that this photo is outstanding has nothing to do with the camera. It's all about the photographer. This is all about composition, lighting and cloud conditions. Getting a great picture is about being in the right place at the right time. A photo like this could be taken with almost any camera that allows exposure adjustment and attachment of a polarizing filter.
Steve Cobert
Posted by:
maddymcgoo on Aug 14, 2012 07:49 PM
Thanks
Thanks. Pretty much all new information for me (except for the part about 'right place and right time', sunset/sunrise [magic lighting hour] and 'read dpreview', though good to be reminded). Very useful information. I hope to study it (both your replies) and understand it [them] . . . Thanks again . . . yeah, that is fantastic stuff (the photos, and the info.).
bk
Posted by:
bk3 on Aug 14, 2012 07:49 PM