Tag Archives: snow

Photographs: Nature, Photographs: Sierra Nevada

Snow Field, Reflection

Image November 7, 2018 G Dan Mitchell Leave a comment

A late-season snow field at the base of rugged cliffs, reflected in the surface of a High Sierra lake

I can say a few things concerning both the objective facts about this scene and about my subjective reaction to it. The facts: We walked to this lake frequently during our September photographic sojourn in the Eastern Sierra backcountry. It wasn’t far from our base camp at another nearby lake, and if we walked directly there it might take all of 10-15 minutes — though, as photographers, our walks are hardly ever direct, more often devolving into stop-and-go affairs as we are distracted by various subjects. The snow bank and the steep wall above the lake were most often in shadow, and by evening the light could become quite dim.

There are many ways I could (and perhaps did) photograph this subject, but here I wanted to focus on the contrast between the form of the bright snow field and the much darker surroundings of cliffs, talus, and shadowed lake. Late in the day a long shadow began along the talus field and gradually advanced across the lake, darkening the water and the surrounding forest and rocks. After sunset, my impression of the place was of stillness and oncoming darkness, and I wanted this version of the photograph to suggest these things.

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Photographs: Nature, Photographs: Wildlife

Geese, Clearing Fog, Light

Image September 10, 2018 G Dan Mitchell Leave a comment

A band of light through thinning fog falls across a flock of geese

I’m often surprised that many people who love the outdoors in the warmer months don’t spend more time outdoors in the winter. At least in my part of the world, the light is often much more varied and compelling this time of year — with dramatic storm clouds, mysterious fog, beams of light appearing, and more. And, in practical terms, I’d rather have to layer up to stay warm than contend with too much heat!

In addition, in much of the United States this is the season to find large flocks of migrating birds. If you only go out in the warm season… you might never see them! Fortunately I learned this lesson a few decades ago. I had lived in California for a long time, but I had no idea about the birds of the flyway until one long drive far up into Northern California in late autumn when I first saw the huge flocks in twilight sky.

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All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others as indicated. Any use requires advance permission from G Dan Mitchell.

Photographs: Nature, Photographs: Wildlife

Snow Goose Variations

Image September 1, 2018 G Dan Mitchell Leave a comment

A group of snow geese exhibiting variations in coloration

Upon a first experience with these birds they seem to be nearly identical in every way — the initial impression is of white birds (with a pattern of black wing markings when in flight) and a certain uniformity of their calls. Surprisingly, perhaps, I was first alerted to the differences by a friend who has learned to detect the type of flock by subtleties in their cries. I hadn’t noticed, but once he pointed it out I started to pay a lot more attention… and I can hear this, too.

I soon realized that there is more than one type of “white goose,” and I began to consult various guides to understand how to identify them. Some of the cues are pretty obvious once you learn about them, but the guides also reveal that things are not as regular as you might think. For example, the supposedly white types of geese are most certainly not always white! The birds in this photograph are all the same type… but there is actually quite a range in coloration.

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Photographs: Nature, Photographs: Wildlife

Within The Flock

Image August 30, 2018 G Dan Mitchell 2 Comments

Inside the tumultuous take-off of a flock of migratory geese

When I first started photographing migratory birds, I was astounded by the sheer numbers of them and how the flocks behave. I still am. While individuals and smaller groups are sometimes spotted, it is the very large flocks that seem the most remarkable. Sometimes they assemble slowly, a few birds at a time, until there are thousands or tens of thousands of birds. Sometimes they disperse the same way. On other occasions whole flocks move at once, and the visual and auditory experience is astonishing when it happens.

This group took off as a group, in response to some stimulus that escaped my attention. This sort of photograph is a “type” among bird photographers — a long lens photograph that tries to get inside the environment of the flock and what appears to be wild tumult as the birds move all at once.

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G Dan Mitchell Photography

Tag Archives: snow

Snow Field, Reflection

Geese, Clearing Fog, Light

Snow Goose Variations

Within The Flock

Photographer and visual opportunist. Daily photos since 2005, plus articles, reviews, news, and ideas.