First time on snow shoes .. and off to Troll Falls we went - caution, image heavy

[Matt K.]

So we borrowed some snow shoes ... never did that thing with the super sized shoes. X-Country, yes, but never snow shoes. So we picked an easy trail (in case we hated it) and went to the Troll Falls in the Kananaskis. Close to the Nakiska ski area. There was a x-country trail beside the snow shoe trail, and we made sure we did not wreck the x-country trail. Here are some impressions from the trip. By the way, we are going to get snow shoes ....

So this is part of the trail
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8378630528_e7732149fc_b.jpg

Had to stop and take a look here
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8219/8377556243_ee2f29b0d5_b.jpg

Strange what little surprises wait for you along the trail
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8508/8377554813_edc4db3bb0_b.jpg

And I fell in love with the snow on some of the twigs, the sun back lighting it did help a lot
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8336/8377553559_49a38a3de1_b.jpg

Arrived at Troll Falls. Found out I only brought one flash. Would have been fun to put some gelled flashes behind the falls ... oh well
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8377552795_953c7871a4_b.jpg

One detail with a flash providing side light
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8378628490_5212af11b7_b.jpg

On the way back we found this location
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8378628074_3c444e484d_b.jpg

[Iguanasan]

Looks like it was a heck of a hike. Lots of lovely, snowy images. :thumbup:

[Realist]

Looks like fun. Love that nice vista in shot 2!

[Barefoot]

Fabulous set. I'd love to try my hand at exposing snow, but not too likely to get the chance. It was in the 80's here, today.

[mbrager]

Great set. Great story. Love the second shot with the mountains. It's gorgeous with so much detail.

[ewaizel]

#2 is just perfect. The rest are also great.
Snowshoeing is such a relaxing experience; so much beauty and tranquility around. I need to go this year....

[Hillbillygirl]

Some amazing scenery here Matt. Agree that #2 steals the show, but I am also really drawn to that last shot with the texture on the snow, and the lines here, along with the beautiful background.

[Matt K.]

Thanks all, much appreciated. Yes, this snow shoeing is something else. Discovered there are some sort of muscles in my buttocks that have not had any exercise for a long time. We are so lucky to live in winter wonderland, truly.

[Runmonty]

Super set. I would imagine the snow shoeing is pretty taxing.

Love the detail in the snow. I really must visit your winter wonderland some time.

[QuietOne]

Looks like a great time. I like the snow on the twig best.

[AntZ]

Lovely series. Looks doubly enticing give the heat wave we have just had here. The landscape of the Mountains is fantastic...although I can see a spot that needs to be removed :)

[taffy]

Nice set of images. I like the last one especially.

taffy

[asnow]

What a great set. Amazing scenery.

[casil403]

Looks like so much fun! Thanks for sharing your day!

[Bambi]

oh you should definitely go snowshoeing more often!!!

[Matt K.]

Well thanks again, and yes, I am sure I'll be out for some more snow shoeing ...

[Doug L]

Thanks so much for posting this set of images. I can't get over the sharpness in the 2nd image, and that the incredible detail extends right up to the tops of the majestic mountains. The transparent air (no haze) must have helped in this, but what camera and lens were you using and did you use a tripod? Amazing shot and beautifully composed.

[Matt K.]

Thanks so much for posting this set of images. I can't get over the sharpness in the 2nd image, and that the incredible detail extends right up to the tops of the majestic mountains. The transparent air (no haze) must have helped in this, but what camera and lens were you using and did you use a tripod? Amazing shot and beautifully composed.

Hey thanks, Doug. This was shot with a Nikon D300s, Nikon AF-S 35mm f1.8 DX handheld @ ISO 200, f8 at 1/500. Post processing was minimal, except for using the high pass filter @ 80% opacity with regular overlay (my preferred way of sharpening lately). This method of sharpening is really cool, since you can choose different overlay types.

[Marko]

Digging this set Matt - nice variety - I also really dig that snow twig