No Adventures Are The Same
As I’ve become more and more seasoned as a photographer, I’ve realized how fickle a moment is. Everything about a moment is pretty much a singular event. I have absolutely loved and have been inspired by someones photograph before, and even journeyed to the exact same spot. But then I realize that the moment they captured was not at all what my moment was. To a newbie, that can be really disappointing. But as I’ve gotten more and more into the craft of outdoor and natural light photography, I’ve realized just how special every moment is.
I frequent National Parks across the west. The one I frequent most is Yosemite, because it’s not too far from my house. I’ve had some very unlucky moments returning to the very places I was inspired by before. I once returned to Yosemite and couldn’t see anything because of wildfire smoke. I returned to Grand Teton and the mountains were shrouded in fog the entire time I was there. I returned to Yellowstone and Hayden Valley, which is usually full of wildlife, was completely empty. “It is what it is” I tell myself.
Recently, I returned to Alberta and British Columbia. This was my third trip to the Canadian Rockies. I want to case study three trips and three very different experiences.
Case #1: Lake Louise
This is one of the most iconic and beautiful places in the world. Seriously. To be here is to experience an unreal beauty. I was here in 2019 (summer), 2021 (fall), and recently in 2022 (spring). Check out these three images, and fourth bonus image as well!
Lake Louise, June 24th, 2019 @ 5:37AM
Lake Louise, October 19th, 2021 @ 9:19AM
Lake Louise, June 3rd, 2022 @ 3:27PM
Lake Louise, June 8th, 2022 @ 6:45PM // Only 5 days after the image above this one.
Case #2: Moraine Lake
As iconic as Lake Louise is, Moraine is maybe even more iconic. It has the most insane blue water surrounded by massive mountains. It’s truly something you have to see and experience. Here are three images from Moraine in 2019 (summer), 2021 (fall), and recently in 2022 (spring).
Moraine Lake, June 23rd, 2019 @ 9:12PM
Moraine Lake, October 4th, 2021 @ 7:57AM
Moraine Lake, June 8th, 2022 @ 7:57PM
Case #3: Emerald Lake
I only have two images here, since I didn’t have time to stop by this lake in 2021. This is the funniest example, in my opinion. In 2019, I got this amazing photo that I love so much. Then look at 2022. Wild how conditions and lighting make such a difference.
Emerald Lake, June 24th, 2019 @ 9:05AM
Emerald Lake, June 5th, 2022 @ 6:34AM
So what have we learned? Simple.
Make the most of the hand you’re dealt. I didn’t complain about the weather or lighting. I just worked with what was there. Live in the moment.
Visit and revisit and revisit for different experiences. You think you got your bucket shot? Try going back to it. See what happens.
Be flexible. I went to Canada with a strong shot list. It all changed every day because of the weather, and that was ok. Literally nothing went as planned or scheduled, but we improvised and had fun.
Want to see how I ended up making the most these moments? Check out my trip galleries!
Alberta in 2019
Alberta in 2021
Alberta in 2022 (Gallery 1, Gallery 2)