Picture of the day - April 30, 2009

Mount Shuksan from Baker Lake

Photo courtesy of Winston Rockwell.       (Click on the photo for a larger view) In today's picture, master photographer Winston Rockwell gives us a view of Washington State's Mount Shuksan that relatively few will ever take the time and trouble to see... "Mount Shuksan is one of the most photographed mountains in the state of Washington, and for good reason. Its hulking mass and sharp peaks exemplify the rugged, untamed splendor of the Cascade Range. But the vast majority of the images of this mountain are taken from the northwest side, where tourists can drive to within a few yards of Picture Lake and snap photos of the mountain from a paved pathway along the shore. I've taken that shot myself - a 20x30 print of my photo "October Reflection", which was featured on this site in November 2006, is hanging on my living room wall. But this is a different perspective. Relatively few people venture up to Baker Lake to photograph Mount Shuksan from the south, and fewer still cross Baker Dam and take the pot-holed dirt road leading up into the hills, then tramp across a marshy expanse of fallen logs and grasses to capture this view of the peak. As a youth, I hiked and camped all through these mountains, and every time I see views such as this, it takes me back to the feeling of wonder and excitement I felt exploring these peaks and valleys over 40 years ago. I didn't have a camera then, and many of the places I saw I will never be able to get back to, but I still enjoy that thrill of exploration, whether photographing a remembered view from my youth, or a place I'm seeing for the first time. This view reminded me of those youthful days spent hiking in forested hills and canoeing on clear, cold lakes, and made me wish - not for the first time - that I could do those things again. To me, views like this are the reason I enjoy photography. Not only do I get to enjoy the wondrous beauty of the natural world, but by capturing it with my lens, I can share it with others, and perhaps inspire a few to preserve and protect these unspoiled lands so that our children, and their children in turn, will be able to enjoy hiking and camping in these wild places, or simply gazing in awe across a peaceful lake at the magnificent splendor of God's handiwork."     --Winston "Rocky" Rockwell Mr. Rockwell invites you to visit www.northwestnaturalimagery.com where you can enjoy many more of his wonderful images.     Visitor Comments... Name: Doris Martin Town: Birmingham, AL Mr. Rockwell, count me in as one of your biggest fans. Your photographs are simply amazing, but it's your wonderfully detailed narratives that set your submissions apart from the rest of the "pack" - and my, what a "pack" it is!!! This is such a great site, and your offerings are among the best of the best.     Name: Phyllis Helton Town: Bristol, VA Oh, wow!!!!!     Name: Bob Howdeshell Town: Knoxville, TN Rocky, This is a spectacular view of Mt. Shuksan. I have seen many photos of this mountain and the reflective lake, but none from this side. There is not a thing wrong with the usual "tourist" views of great landscapes, but when someone offers a unique perspective it is a pleasure for all. Thank You.     Name: Ron Trees Town: Spokane, WA Rocky, you have had many good pictures here on TodaysPhoto.org, but this one is one of the best I have seen. The colors are spectacular and it looks like a place that I would like to pull up a chair and just sit and take in all of the beauty. I always enjoy your work!!     Name: Elaine Ferguson Town: Louisville, KY There is absolutely nothing about this image that isn't simply perfect. I have read your fine tutorial on landscape photography, and it's quite evident from your own work that you know what you're talking about. Excellent job as usual on a simply marvelous capture.   Comment on today's picture  |  View previous "Pictures Of The Day"  |  Submit a photo Why I publish the "Picture Of The Day"