Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Go West VII - Alluvial Fan

Alluvial Fan, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved


In 1982 the ice age terminal moraine that contained Lawn Lake gave way, unleashing millions of gallons of water. A flood swept down the mountain tossing and tumbling trees and boulders with it. In the valley, Horseshoe Park meadows was submerged, and the nearby town of Estes Park was inundated with 6 inches of water.

But the good news is an interesting geological formation was created... an alluvial fan... and a cool new environment to explore. Short trails lead to rapids where visitors can climb on the boulders or wade in the cool waters. It is a very popular spot for picnics as well.

I made this "snap and go" image by resting my camera on the railing of a wooden bridge which spans the stream. I waited till people on the bridge stopped moving and vibrating my support, then made a series of pictures with the longest exposure I dared hand hold (1/4 of a sec). Luckily one was sharp enough to use!



My previous attempts at making this image involved balancing my camera on my nose, like a seal, and clapping my hands and feet together. But for some reason the photographs came out blurry. 


14 comments:

  1. very beautiful landscape - perfectly captuired

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  2. LOL, Doug. You did good! :) Some natural "disasters" do come out for the good in the end, don't they!

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  3. You have achieved a great photo. Love the effect with the water and the colours are glorious. I was experimenting with shutter speeds and water on the weekend....maybe I will buy a tripod one day....

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  4. I know you are kidding! ;)
    Hey...I'm always enchanted by your talent, your pictures are wonderful!
    Léia

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  5. Ha,ha, very funy! The photo came out great.

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  6. great dof and perspective! i like those longer exposures and the milky effect they cause! isn't mother nature a wonderful landscape architect ?!?

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  7. The perfect perspective and the effect on the water is very well done :)

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  8. LOL!!
    Beautiful composition, Doug.
    It looks like an amazing place.. at the moment. :)

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  9. This is super sharp, D!
    Bravo.
    You got my seal of approval. :o)
    Not that camera-balancing seal.

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  10. The water comes to me!!!
    A beautiful perspective with a very good long exposure to get short trails.
    Fantastic.

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  11. Great picture and story, must have been a surprise for the inhabitants of Estes Park. But don't forget to post the images whilst imitating the seal...

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  12. Hey, water is going out of your picture!! Gorgeous capture.
    Have a nice day.

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