Blizzard Mountain

In early March of 2007, Anni and I made a partial ascent of Mount Hood's Cooper Spur Ridge in spectacular winds. We were forced back at about 8500 feet due to 70mph gusts and ended up camping at about 7000 feet, in a heavily fortified mountain tent. We both revel in being out amidst such furious yet exciting conditions. I made many images of high winds and spindrift carving into this long rib of packed snow and ice, with the mountain in the background. Using exposures of around 1/500 to 1/1000 of a second, I wanted to freeze the snow action which was backlit dramatically against the afternoon sun, using a 17mm lens.

At the time of the capture I thought I'd really landed a telling shot, but after reviewing some of the captures later that night in the tent, it seemed like flare might be too much of an issue. Upon further review at home, I looked through a dozen or so more of the 150+ images (most taken at rapid burst) and for some completely inexplicable reason, I passed them over.

 

Yesterday, I was going through old files at random, and came across an incredible stretch of several images that had almost no excess flaring anywhere - I couldn't believe I had overlooked them for almost two years! Never once have I ever made quite such an astonishing discovery when going through older files. These were exactly the images I had wanted! I consider it some of my best work. For me, these images came as close as you can to capturing the power of being there. Winter high on this mountain is extreme and furious, and I'm not as fond of captures that depict it otherwise. Just two months prior, mountaineers had lost thier lives just a mile from this spot, their bodies never found. Having already, at one point in my life, been the last person to ever see a climber alive on this peak in winter, I have the greatest respect for the winter conditions here.

 

In this photograph you can see the beauty, and the immense power of this place, snow trails blowing hundreds of yards off Mount Hood in the distance.

 

Thanks for commenting.

Please comment. Your comments are most appreciated.

Good story behind this, Marc, and a very compelling image. I like the subtle blue shift you've added to the grayscale conversion. It gives a nice faux-selenium effect. It would be interesting to see this in color, too.

Marc,

 

This is a fantastic shot.The sense of chaos that is portrayed is very intriguing.How you managed to come away with such a great photo from such a dramatic scene is amazing.I'm curious to know how you took this shot in such crazy conditions,keeping snow off the lense,etc?Regardless,this is definitely a favorite of mine!

This is awesome. I love the textures and the dynamism of the image. Thanks so much for explaining its background and what you did to capture it. A great result.

Excellent!

Very dynamic image...

What camera do you used there?

Splendid indeed! And what a storry! We really see the furry of the wind on the snow. And the sun, our best friend.

The tones here really in accordance with winter scene!

Greetz!

It is a beautiful image. I like the light, the shapes and the composition. Nicely done. Dan

very well done , I am curious how you handled the camera during such difficult conditions ! Very well done !

This shot almost reminds me of your "Winter's Fury" shot. The wild winter is very visible here. Beautiful patterns and the sun star is perfect. I am amazed.... but can you post a color version of this shot please? Great job Marc.... regards, Rajeev.

Bloody amazing! I feel like I should go put my coat on in order to look at this.

An incredibly original image I've never seen anything like it, so I can see why you say maybe your best work. It has so many elements in it that make it a very interesting image. I suppose maybe you might hang it on the wall in a mountaineering school but maybe not above the fireplace in the average family home I suppose that’s just a matter of taste.

Anyway a superb image very well done.

Rich.

 

Hi Marc ... that's simply awesome! You've a unique ability to be in the right moment with the right mood! Most of your photos are full of energy and good mood which I believe are reflecting your personality.

 

thank you for sharing

regards

Domenico

Just outstanding in every way possible. So very well done!

Hello Marc, perfect winter blizzard photo. The power of wind is clearly seen here. Love the BW conversion, gives more intensity. Happy Holidays, Vandana

excellent composition !

I will probably sound like an idiot, but the texture and lines in the snow ridge are very reminiscent of the walls in Antelope Canyon. Unique and intriguing image.

Very nice shot, well done. All the best - Nader

Hi Marc, You catch amazing moment and you freeze pretty well the snow and gusty wind blooming around mountains and you. It's something happened to me when I took almost two year ago pictures and I put away and right know I come back to this images and I can find something interesting photos. Anyway you did great work and thanks for sharing. Warm regards, Tina

God, this is an amazing image - intriguing, powerful, beautiful, . Even more special with the story. I'm very glad you "re-discovered" it.

 

- Jerry

My first reaction to your photo was like this:

"Very good. Still, I would rather like to see a real one. This is mostly likely a result of good post processing". This was because I thought no one could be shooting under that condition!

Reading your story was a pleasant surprise!

I do congratulate you on not only the sheer beauty of this photo, but also on the high level of determination you showed to get it in the first place.

I very much hope that you print this one nicely and display it proudly...

It's an enormously powerful shot Marc. It's rare that you see something truly original in a landscape image but this certainly is unique.

 

John

Happy you discovered this "lost" image.  All of us would have missed out!  I'd like to see it larger.