Two Jack is a small lake, connected with Minnewanka Lake, which is way bigger. Both provide campsites for people to spend the day or night around the lake. The two lakes are situated very close to Banff Town, so our very first sunrise shoot took place in these two lakes.
The pine forest is so dense. In the foreground, fog moved at speed at the waters surface.
Fog continued to cover the forest and Mount Rundle, but as the sun started hitting the other peak, the clouds started to dissipate on this side.
The three rocks on the right were overcrowded with photographers that came before us. Wind was blowing strong enough to erase all reflection from the water.
Close up view of the peak. The summit is not that high up, but due to recent snowfall, it was entirely covered by snow.
As the sun rose above the horizon, the deep blue light gave way to light blue colors.
A lot of clouds started to set in as time passed. They would cover most of Mount Rundle’s side by 8:00 am.
To the other side of Two Jack Lake, there was a little bit more color, both in the sky and the trees. The islet with three small trees seemed an odd subject to take in.
Now the trees take the center stage. The pine forest in the back goes on almost forever.
By this time of the day, the water returned to its normal blue color. It mirrors the blue sky we were witnessing.
Blue hour at Two Jack Lake. The long exposure smooths out the water, with Mount Rundle’s more jagged face on the background.
Close up of the pine forest, showing a few red trees breaking the pattern, most probably dead trees.
The clouds help to give a dramatic look to this landscape as they reflect onto the water’s surface.
I call this picture: “The right way to do selfie in Canada”
Pine trees grow slowly, but are able to withstand terrible conditions. Half of the year, the rock in that mountain will be covered in snow, yet the trees manage to grow.
A few days after the sunrise shoot, we returned to Two Jack Lake for pictures of Mount Rundle reflection on the water.
Snow carves the rock and gives rough edges as time passes. Here, the peak is being illuminated by the morning sun.
Close up of one summit, with clouds illuminated by the sun on the back.
Wider view of the snowy peak. Climbing that to the summit must be hard business.
On Wednesday 27th, we headed out to Minnewanka Lake at 9:00 pm to catch the aurora. Its playful colors were indeed captured by our cameras, having Minnewanka Lake as the scenery to compose our pictures. Lots of other photographers and people shared the moment with us.
This is a pretty view from the edge of the lake. Impressive scenery to see with your own eyes.
Now that the wind stopped and reflections on the water started to show, the clouds almost obscured completely Mount Rundle.
Another peak covered by snow, and being swallowed by the dense clouds that descended to Two Jack Lake.
