Photographing Heather Meadows Winter Landscapes

Mount Shuksan From Austin Pass #64716 Purchase

Heather Meadows Recreation Area is located adjacent to the Mount Baker Wilderness in the North Cascades. Magnificent scenery and numerous hiking trails are the highlights of this special place. In summer visitors can drive to Artist Point on Kulshan Ridge for incredible views of Mount Baker in one direction, and Mount Shuksan in the other. Further down is one of the most iconic mountain scenes in the world, Mount Shuksan reflected in Picture Lake.

In winter Heather Meadows is just as popular a place to visit. The adjacent Mount Baker Ski Area is open, and throngs of backcountry skiers and snowboarders search for untouched powder. January usually provides some breaks in the winter storms, so it’s a good time to make the trip up.

I’ve been visiting Heather Meadows in winter for over twenty years. Mostly for photography but also for the pure exhilaration of the views and crisp cold air. Even though I’ve skied up to Artist Point on Kulshan ridge numerous times I always find something new to photograph. Different lighting conditions and reshaping snow pack will always dress up the scene in a new way. All the photos in this post were made a few weeks ago on a crisp day in late January.

Mount Shuksan and snowdrift Kulshan Ridge #64337 Purchase

Up near the ridge you can find wonderful shapes and patterns in the ever changing snowdrifts. If you are lucky enough to visit just after a heavy storm you’ll also see old growth mountain hemlock trees encased in snow and ice. Also, if you are extraordinarily lucky you may get a glimpse of a steam plume from Mount Baker’s volcanic crater glowing in the evening light!

Swift Creek Valley from Kulshan Ridge #64728 Purchase

Winter Travel Gear Tips

If you go there are a few things to keep in mind. Snowshoes, backcountry skis, or split-board snowboards are the most efficient means of getting around. Skinny cross country skis, or booting it in for even a short distance from the parking lot is exhausting in the deep snow, you’ll be drenched in sweat within minutes. Artist Point is less than two miles and 900′ elevation gain from the parking lot. However, with all your extra winter travel gear that distance can seem much longer.

Don’t even think of going during poor weather! Whiteout conditions, heavy wet snow, and increased avalanche danger does not make for an enjoyable outing. It seems every year there a couple of fatalities directly attributed to those types of conditions. The main route up to Artist Point and Kulshan Ridge is usually safe from avalanches. However, under certain conditions a few areas can be dangerous.

I won’t get into too much detail regarding essentials, but make sure you take the following:

Extra warm clothes, it can be windy and much colder on the ridge.
Plenty of liquids to stay hydrated
High energy snacks
Insulated pad to sit on
Avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, and knowledge of how to use them.
Knowledge of current weather and avalanche forecasts
A partner, especially important if you’re new to the area in winter, or venture beyond Artist Point
Common Sense!

Nooksack Ridge from Heather Meadows #64748 Purchase

Photo Gear and Tips

Just like photographing wildflowers in spring or colorful fall foliage, winter photography is all about timing. Maybe even more so. I’m always on the lookout for good conditions. Such as after a good storm covers the trees and peaks in a fresh blanket of snow. Of course it must not be too warm or the snow will quickly melt off the trees and leave them black silhouettes against the white snow.

Photographing from Artist Point, Mount Baker is best photographed in the early morning. Mount Shuksan is best photographed in late afternoon to evening. For Shuksan late winter or early spring is preferred, since the angle of the sun won’t be as low. You’ll get more light on the glaciers then.

For lower down in Heather Meadows morning light can be optimal. Some of the best conditions I’ve seen here are when low clouds or fog are just beginning to lift.

Backcountry skier and tracks North Cascades #64732 Purchase

If you are envisioning untouched pristine snow in your photos you’ll have to get there very early, and immediately after a good snowfall. Backcountry skiing and riding has exploded over the years. Therefore, even the most remote and steepest backcountry terrain is tracked out by midmorning. It’s now nearly impossible to make a photo anywhere in the Heather Meadows area without numerous tracks everywhere.

Before digital I often trekked the meadows and up to the ridge with a 4×5 large format camera, and all its the weighty accessories. Several times I even did it with a full overnight winter pack! Digital has simplified and lightened the load somewhat. Here are a few basic items I always bring along.

Tripod
Polarizing filter
Some form of remote release
Plenty of microfiber lens cleaning clothes, you will drop things in the snow!
Extra batteries

In conclusion, If you would like to learn more about photographing in winter I offer individual and small group instruction and tours. Please check out the Private Instruction/Tours page, on my companion site.

Canadian Border peak and Larrabee Peak #64754 Purchase

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February 15, 2019February 24, 2019

Whatcom Falls Winter Photography

Whatcom Falls Winter Photography

Whatcom Falls Bellingham, Washington #64764 Purchase

This week much of western Washington was hit by a series of snow storms. Snow amount totals vary, but my home in Bellingham topped off with around 12″. What’s more is that it’s staying cold throughout the week, keeping it all from melting. For most areas of the country 12″ of snow isn’t a big deal. But for us living in the coastal lowlands snowfall of any amount is exciting!

Whatcom Falls Bellingham, Washington #64762 Purchase

Whatcom Falls is a Bellingham City park that is only about a mile from my home. The falls are the main attraction but the park also boasts a beautiful old growth forest with towering fir and cedar trees, and numerous hiking trails.

The last time I was able to photograph Whatcom Falls in the snow was around 2008. So to take advantage of the situation I visited the falls three times. Photographing the falls any time of year is ridiculously easy. There is a stone arch bridge spanning the creek at a perfect viewpoint. All you need is a tripod, a lens in the 24-55mm range and maybe a polarizer.

Whatcom Falls Bellingham, Washington #64765 Purchase

Whatcom Falls Bellingham, Washington #64761 Purchase

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February 3, 2019February 24, 2019

Samish Bay Bellingham Bay

Samish Bay Bellingham Bay

Taylor Dock Boardwalk, Bellingham WA #64663 Purchase

2018 is turning out to be a year of new beginnings. Along with the launching of my new website comes this first blog post of the year, featuring several new images. These new photos are even more special in that are the first made using an entirely new camera system.

Last week during a brief window of decent weather I took a short break from working on the new website. This break enabled me to finally get out in the field to test out my new Nikon D850 camera system and a couple new filters. I find reading and writing reviews of photo gear a huge bore. So, if you’re interested in my opinions of the D850 you can contact me. I’ll be happy to share my first impressions.

The first photo above is from Boulevard Park, along Bellingham Bay. Aside from the new camera and lens, this was my first photo using a Lee Big Stopper filter. For those not familiar, the Big Stopper is a neutral density filter that dramatically increases the length of exposure. This extended shutter speed results in any movement becoming blurred. In the case above, the sky and water took on a silky texture. Photographing after sunset during the “Blue Hour” adds to the mood with cooler saturated tones.

Larrabee State Park

Wildcat Cove Sunset, Larrabee State Park #64670 Purchase

The next day I decided to head down to one of my favorite local winter destinations, Larrabee State Park. Usually I stop by Clayton Beach on the south end of the park. However, since I’ve made numerous photos from that great location I decided to check out Wildcat Cove beach. I haven’t been there for many years and I forgot how scenic it can be.

The tide was going out, exposing some interesting and extremely slippery rocks. The winter light was also warm and pleasant with some nice wispy high clouds. Since it was mid-week there weren’t many people. So it was nice to leisurely set up my gear and make a few photos as the sun went down.

I wanted to get in more practice with the Lee Filters so I made couple more tries. Exposures of even a few minutes long seem to take forever when it’s getting dark and cold!

Wildcat Cove Sunset, Larrabee State Park #64695 Purchase

Wildcat Cove Sunset, Larrabee State Park #64696 Purchase

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July 28, 2018February 24, 2019

Whatcom Peak North Cascades National Park

Whatcom Peak North Cascades National Park #61501 Purchase

Recently while filling an order for a client I came across a couple of images of Whatcom Peak North Cascades National Park in my archive that caught my attention. Both photos are from last year’s trip to Whatcom Pass in North Cascades National Park. Both are also good examples of what may be called pre-visualization and post-visualization.

Pre-visualization is being able to view a subject in the field and visualize how it may appear in its final form. Post-visualization, my own term, is fulfilling the vision during processing. Many times I have images in my files that haunt me in a way. Meaning I remember the pre-visualization, but I’m not seeing the processing solution to make it appear. However they keep catching my eye, beckoning me to keep trying.

In the field both of these images struck me as having all the elements of a compelling photograph. I also new at the time how they should appear in a final print. However, after initial processing and editing none of that pre-visualization came out. As a result I assigned them a lower ranking in the archive.

Whatcom Peak North Cascades National Park #61502 Purchase

Achieving the solution is sometimes only technical in nature. Other times it’s of a creative nature, or of course a combination of both. In this instance it’s the latter. Although I’m quite happy with the results you see here, it’s possible I’m still short of the original vision. In the future I may rethink the processing. Maybe they need just a tweak, or maybe something completely different. It’s all part of the creative journey.

To see more images from this trip read my two part blog, Whatcom Pass Tapto Lakes, North Cascades National Park.

All images are available as fine art prints, or for stock licensing. Feel free to comment on this post and share it with friends and colleagues. Thanks for visiting!

Whatcom Peak North Cascades National Park

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April 4, 2018February 24, 2019

Skagit Valley Daffodil Fields

Skagit Valley Daffodils #61987b Purchase

Last Saturday I made my annual spring pilgrimage down to the Skagit Valley Daffodil Fields. Being the end of March means that the fields are in full bloom and the tulips aren’t too far behind. Like most years, I drove though most of the valley roads to see which fields have tulips and daffodils. Since the fields planted with bulbs change location every year it’s worth scouting out in advance where the best compositions may be.

In my experience one of the best fields for photography is the one appearing in this blog. The row of poplar trees always adds a great compositional element, with the rows providing nice symmetry to the composition. A few years ago this field was planted with beautiful red tulips, however this year it’s yellow daffodils. Next year it’s most likely going to be fallow.

Skagit Valley Daffodils #61960b Purchase

Photographing Skagit Valley Daffodil Fields can be a bit more challenging than photographing tulips. This is mostly because daffodils bloom earlier in the season. In late March the weather is still winter-like with rain and cold winds. Since daffodil blossoms stand higher on thinner stalks than tulips, they sway easily in a slight breeze. So, if you’re lucky enough to have good light you may be hampered by windy conditions.

Most photographers know that it pays to get up before dawn to take advantage of blue hour light and sunrise light. Here in the Skagit Valley, another good reason to arrive early is to beat the crowds. On a sunny weekend the roads will be gridlocked like Seattle on a Friday afternoon. At the height of the bloom it may seem like everyone on the entire West Coast is here to get a photo of their loved ones in the tulip fields! So go early, and preferably on a weekday.

Other Skagit Valley Daffodil Fields Attractions

Besides photographing Skagit Valley daffodil fields and tulips the lower Skagit Valley also boasts some other worthwhile attractions. Foremost among these are the snow geese and trumpeter swans. Every winter through early spring these beautiful white birds come to the fields to rest and feed before resuming their long journey north. They move among the fields every day, so it can be a challenge to photograph them in the best location. If you plan on photographing these birds please refrain from alarming them. While it’s a magnificent sight to see an entire flock in flight, it also cause undo stress on them.

Skagit Valley Snow Geese #59742 Purchase

Another attraction I rarely miss out on is Snow Goose Produce, located on Fir Island Road. Aside from local produce, seafood, and crafts, their ice cream cones are outstanding. A single scoop in a freshly made waffle cones is a must have. I swear that a single scoop translates into nearly a pint of ice cream!

Of course a visit to the lower Skagit Valley wouldn’t be complete without stopping by LaConner, a self-described artist enclave and boater’s paradise. Aside from browsing the quaint shops and having a bite to eat, photographers can come away with some great travel photos from this picturesque town. Hint, photograph the red bridge and sailboats in evening light!

Skagit Valley Daffodils #61982b Purchase

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