Denali (McKinley) Reflections, Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska

 Reflection Pond in Denali Park is a favorite spot for photographers especially when it is a clear and calm day. North America's highest peak, Mount Denali (McKinley) and its mountain range reflects on the small tundra pond.

 During my stay in Denali Park, I commuted to Reflection Pond several times. The pond was usually still in early morning and late evening. This is under morning lights.

 Since the evening lights were the best on this side of Denali, I wanted good sunset glow on the reflection shots. The first night I tried shooting at Reflection Pond but it was too windy... I sat by the shore for a few hours with some other photographers as the pond rippled all evening... So, I returned there the next evening and it was much calmer successfully capturing beautiful reflections.

My 5 nights in Denali Park was nothing less than perfect. I captured 5 spectacular sunsets in a row. I have been busy editing thousands of images from Denali. I will continue posting more Denali images on my next blog. Please check back!

French Alps

 

I have been writing about the highest mountain in the Alps: Mont Blanc, and the trail around the mountain for past several updates. I completed hiking the entire Tour du Mont Blanc trail 110+ miles in July 2014 with camera gear while photographing the spectacular landscape.

 

At the end of this story, I'm sharing more images of the Chamonix, France area. I stayed a few days in Chamonix, near the starting point of the journey of Tour du Mont Blanc, before and after the long hike.

 

The Flégère to Lac Blanc area, a high mountain range directly across from Mont Blanc Massif, is one of the most scenic landscapes that photographers could ever dream of. 

I could easily spend several days to just explore and capture the deep green alpine lakes, streams, and the front view of Mont Blanc.  The weather wasn't cooperative during sunset/sunrise, here are the some sunshine moments at Lac Blanc.

Reflection of Mont Blanc Range on Lac Flégère.

Alpen Rose's vivid pink flowers stand out in the Alps.

 

Chamonix area offers so many amazing view spots with easy access via public transportation. Mer de Glace, the longest glacier in France.

Bossons Glacier, the ice-fall directly down from Mont Blanc.  I just loved these colors!

Lac Bleu in the fog...  One of the many alpine lakes in Mont Blanc Massif.

Well, that's all from the European Alps.  I will add some images on my main website soon.

On my next blog, I will update some new images from Hawaii.  Please check back.

 

Chugach Mountains, Alaska

The long winter is finally ending, daylight gets longer and longer each day... Finally the snow is melting in the northern wilderness. Time to get out and explore!

Chugach Mountains stretch from the Canadian border to Southwest Alaska. The mountain range contains dynamic landscape including high peaks, alpine lakes, glaciers, salmon streams and abundant wildlife. Chugach Mountains, especially outside of Anchorage, are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and of course, nature photographers!

During the spring melt, mother nature creates amazing art... I love the textures of ice sheets over  creeks.

 

The snow dusted over the icefalls, meting water runs down behind the icefalls.

 

Another spectacular landscape from Eklutna Lake.  Finally, the lake starts the spring melt in mid May.

January Sunset over Chugach Mountains and Knik Arm in Cook Inlet.

A sled dog team runs through Chugach Mountains.

 

Chugach Mountains over Anchorage at Sunset.

I can't wait to see and photograph beautiful fresh greenery in Chugach's outstanding landscape soon.