This is a shot from a couple of years ago when I was in Vancouver, Washington. It showcases the importance of always having a photo scouting mentality, as well as perseverance to get the desired shot, even if it takes multiple visits.
I first spied this scene while on a trail run along the creek. It was midday, with horrible lighting. The wind was blowing ripples all through the water. But in my mind’s eye, I thought, “Hmmm, that might look really nice in early morning with calm water and reflections.” The sun rises behind the mountain, so I figured about 15 minutes before dawn could light up the sky, if the conditions were correct.
So I mentally marked down the spot and continues on my run. Several weeks later the weather conditions looked promising. There were going to be mixed clouds (giving the sky a little texture), and clear skies to the east (allowing the rising sun to light the clouds and the sky without obstruction).
The image above is what I was able to achieve that morning. The windless morning allowed reflections in the calm waters of the creek. However, the clouds in the sky never materialized, and I believe the atmospheric conditions were diffusing the rising sun, giving a dull yellow cast over everything. Certainly not what I had previsualized on my run.
Time to try again.
My next try was several weeks later – the weather forecast looked promising once again. This time I was greeted by much more successful weather – lots of high clouds to reflect back the rising sun. Crisp reflections and light pastels painted the surface of the water. I spent about 15 minutes in total, just trying different things. The composition I started with however, (the one I had decided on weeks earlier on my run), was indeed my favorite, and the one I went with here.
After I took this shot and processed it to my liking, I didn’t stop thinking about what else this photo could be. I’d love to go back some day after a winter storm and get light pinks highlighting river banks of freshly fallen snow. Perhaps I will some day, but for now, I’m happy with my efforts.
