The saying of "photos do not do it justice" seems to be overused, but I think throughout my photo journey, this one place will be the first time I say it.
We had hiked in the day before to camp at this lake for our first night along the Enchantments Trail. I can vividly remember just standing there and my mind was stunned with how steep Aasgard's pass and Dragon Tail looked from the lake front. I had never seen with my own eyes something so massive before.
I've seen the photos and videos before but it never occurred to me just how large everything was through my own eyes. Seeing Aasgard's pass for the first time in person, I just though to myself, "how is climbing that thing possible?". This forever will be remembered with me and for that reason I firmly believe that the one time I use the saying, it will be saved for this place.
Lens: Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6
The Enchantments - Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
September 2022
Tags: enchantments core zone alpine lakes wilderness washington national forest colchuck lake dragon tail peak mountain sunrise light clouds fall golden larches
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As a hobbyist landscape photographer you have very limited opportunities to actually go out and photograph places like the Enchantments. Through my years of photographing places I've always wanted to visit this place, but the process of winning a Core Zone permit from the lottery is near 1% chance. Getting the chance to be here would fulfill a dream.
In 2022 was I was finally lucky enough to win a permit through the lottery and the months leading up to the hiking day was a long wait. Mentally preparing to do Aasgard Pass with a 35lb pack was just the beginning. Two weeks before my hiking date major thunderstorms struck the Central Cascades and specifically the Bolt Creek Fire near Index had flared up. Smoke in the air could possibly smother my one chance to finally backpack and photograph this area at sunrise.
I do feel very lucky that the week I entered the Enchantments the smoke would stay away and the hiking and photography conditions were perfect! I saw mountains, lakes and places from only from my dreams.
Lens: Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6
Enchantments - Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
September 2022
Tags: enchantments core zone alpine lakes wilderness washington national forest prusik peak mountain sunrise light clouds fall golden larches
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This was my first time hiking up Tolmie Peak and I was so impressed by the view. I was also impressed by how many Instagrammer people were already up here waiting to take some portraits with some golden light.
Luckily after the light really started to fade I was able to make my way up to get a higher view above the trees.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
October 2022
Tags: mount rainier national park tolmie peak mountain lake night stars moon blue hour wide angle landscape
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Rain storms continue in the west coast, here's something wet.
This waterfall appears to mirror itself creating a V-shape.
Shasta Trinity National Forest, California
August 2020
Tags: venom rainforest shasta trinity national forest waterfall california sony 70-200 landscape
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This is a vertical frame of one of my favorite waterfall shots I've photographed. The way the light hits some of the moss and the cascades completes this shot for me.
I didn't get the chance to photograph many waterfalls this year and with the rainfall finally arriving in Northwest I thought I would upload a shot from a few seasons ago to welcome autumn's first rainfall.
Willamette National Forest, Oregon
August 2020
Tags: dancing veil willamette national forest waterfall pacific northwest rain light moss telephoto landscape sony 70-200
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