Tag Archives: Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Getting the Shot–A Boundary Waters Sunrise

This photo is so mesmerizing to me. Well, actually it’s the picture below that really captures my attention but that doesn’t work very well as the post photo because it’s in the portrait orientation. Fortunately I really like them both. The overall scene just appears so relaxing and calm to me. You have the fog lifting from the warm water into the cool morning air dispersing the soft morning light as the sun nears the horizon. That fog separates this lone tree from the forest behind it allowing you to see the interesting shape of this silhouetted evergreen growing from a tiny island surrounded by boulders and water. I really begin to wonder how this tree is able to grow  in that spot. You have the cool colors created by the early morning low light and fog separating it from the warm colors above the tree line behind producing yellows and oranges. Having all of the trees in silhouette creates a scene that my mind keeps wanting to watch expecting the sun to show illuminating these trees and water.

Portrait orientation of this foggy sunrisegives a different look to the picture

The main difference in these two pictures above is, of course, the orientation in which they were shot. Switching to portrait allows for the trees reflection to become visible showing off the calm water adding to the relaxing scene. However, this photo doesn’t highlight the small island with boulders around it like the top picture does.  Notice I did not center the tree, the main focus of this image. Is it obvious that the tree is the main subject? As I studied the tree I noticed a lower branch, or second tree, coming off the right side angling up adding a little more overall mass to this side. Because of that, it needed to be situated to the left in pictures. If I had centered this photo it would feel off balance to the viewer as you can see below. It’s not bad but it not as relaxed as the picture above. You can also see that making the tree fill the entire shot does not allow the viewer to step into the scene as well.

Tree centered in the photo

Looking at the top photos, it’s easy to think I just rolled out of bed and five minutes later captured these amazing photographs. Let me take you through what was involved in getting this shot. I arrived at this cabin on East Bearskin Lake. An entry point into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Taking a short path from the cabin to the waters edge and you’re looking out into the deep wilderness of evergreens, birch, maple, granite, and water. It’s so quiet most of the time. If it weren’t for the multitude of mosquitos, biting flies, and gnats it would feel like you’re in a dream. While first peering out at the landscape in front of me I saw this one tree emerging from a small island. I wanted to concentrate on that one piece and find a way to capture it’s interest separate from all the other incredible and scenic pieces putting together this spectacular place. There was just something about it that spoke to me. Prior to this I was struggling to find any motivation to even pick up a camera. There was just no excitement in photography which had been going on for a couple of months by this time.

Scene from the shore near our cabin

I walked back to the cabin to begin unloading the camping gear and arranging it inside. Once complete, a meal was prepared with the intent the rest of the day to just enjoy quiet time with my friend I made the journey with. As we sat down to eat, rain began to fall chasing us inside for awhile. Not exactly the start I was hoping for but weather is to be expected during the spring in Northern Minnesota. From time to time my mind would return to the lake in front of us trying to envision what type of photograph would really bring out this tree growing almost from just out of the water? I struggled once again to come up with an idea and decided it was time for a fire and to let this picture go. My mental photography block was still in place. Maybe there just wasn’t a shot suitable using this little island and I should concentrate on something else. The stars began to shine overhead and it was a long day of travel so off to bed I went expecting to awake before dawn and try again.

Sunrise over the lone tree without any fog

Light began to show through the window just above my head. I was still tired and unmotivated to get up. After a few minutes of fighting with myself I got out of my nice, warm sleeping bag, begrudgingly got dressed and headed outside. The camera was in the vehicle and that’s where I wanted it to stay. But what if there’s a moose down by the lake? I grabbed the camera, a tripod, and a couple of lenses and headed to the lake just outside of this cabin. NO MOOSE! I should go back to bed. I decided to stay and work with composition on this lonely tree. You can see the results in the two photos above. Nothing really outstanding. I just couldn’t isolate this tree the way I really wanted to. The next morning I did this again, not really expecting anything more than just trying to enjoy the day beginning over this beautiful place. The second day I did spend some time moving down the shoreline a ways and noticed the difference in how that island appeared. It still was blending into the background too much but at least I could see water all the way around it now. Before the background trees blended in too well with a portion of it. I tried a small lens and moved all the way up to my 200-500mm lens looking for different compositions. Still no really good shot like I wanted. And my motivation to keep holding this computer with glass would not return. I should also mention that the camera was not working properly and the shutter button worked intermittently which may have been much of my problem.

Overall scene of the sunrise

On my third and final morning I once again forced myself out of bed and went down the the lake. What I found was a gorgeous scene! My inspiration returned immediately. I wrote about this some time back. You can read it here. If you click on previous post at the very bottom from that one you can read my description of this morning. The fog on the lake was perfect to create separation between the tree and the background. I moved on down the shore to where I had noticed water visible around the tree and set up the camera. You can see the view in the picture above. This tree was quite a distance away requiring my longest lens, which is visible in the lower left hand corner of the above shot, to accomplish the task I wanted. There were moments I needed to wait as the fog drifted around the tree to show off it’s interesting shape but for the most part I snapped away. Every few minutes the light kept changing as the sun continued to rise creating a slightly different look to the photograph. I couldn’t believe the colors in these pictures as I was taking them. They were just so amazing and made these pictures even more spectacular.

Sun beginning to peak through the tree tops

The sun began to peak through the tree tops behind this little island and the fog began to be disappearing causing me to believe my time capturing this scene, I had been trying for days to figure out, was over. And then it returned as the sun was rising above the trees casting a beautiful warm glow once again. I now switched the tree to the right side as it was no longer the main feature of the photograph. The sun and it’s rays going through the fog changed the scene. The brightness of the sun shining through this thick fog casting rays which protruded to the left of the tree now dominated the scene requiring me to adjust my composition slightly. The rays are subtle in this picture but are there which your eye picks up. It would feel out of proportion if the tree was still to the left of center now. It took three days and a lot of luck that the fog emerged for this picture to work. If I had not been focused on getting a photograph of this tree and the small island it was growing on, I would not have been prepared to capture this moment which only lasted a short time. These pictures have become inspirational to me whenever I go out to capture a scene now as they remind me a it becomes spectacular under the right circumstances as long as I’m prepared to photograph them.

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Inspiration Returns

I don’t remember when I was this excited to be holding a camera. It was probably early this year out photographing winter scenes and snowflakes. While in Utah early this spring I had fun photographing some of the incredible landscapes but the excitement and motivation wasn’t as strong as it typically is when out with a camera. Most of the time, for the last four months or so, the camera stayed in its case. When I did pull it out, the batteries were usually low. That’s very unusual. As soon as a battery is running out of power I immediately put it on the charger so it’s ready to go the next time there’s an opportunity to go out. Even on this trip to Northern Minnesota I felt a lack of inspiration. I was extremely excited for this adventure to the Gunflint Trail since I’d never been to that part of Minnesota but photographing it didn’t really interest me. For the first couple of days I couldn’t see much I really wanted to capture with the camera. I knew it was a lack of inspiration because there had to be many, many opportunities of things to photograph. That all passed in a matter of minutes on this morning.

The flowers of a Blue Bead Lily

All of a sudden there were so many things to capture with the camera. I couldn’t get them all fast enough. There were so many ideas running through my mind. So many pictures I wanted to try. And to think, I was wrestling with myself to even get out of bed to see the mornings sunrise. A portion of that was only getting a little over 4 hours of sleep. Also the sunrise the previous morning was nice but lacked the spectacular features of a stunning sunrise, adding to my lack of interest in getting up. Thankfully I did trade my nice warm bed for the cool, Northern Minnesota air on this day.  In the previous post I wrote about the early portion of the sunrise but once the sun broke above the fog, I moved on to other subjects all around me. I had just moved from my original spot near a canoe launch back to the waters’ edge by our cabin when overhead flew a small flock of ducks which landed near the canoe launch.

Redhead ducks without their colorful fall plumage

I watched them for a short time before deciding to try and sneak back to the canoe launch and capture these unfamiliar ducks to me. They cooperated and stayed put while I set up the tripod as quietly as possible and began to photograph them. After awhile of swimming back and forth beyond my view I noticed they seem to be making their way towards me so I got the camera ready and stayed still. Success! They swam right in front of me before realizing something was there they didn’t recognize causing them to slowly move away back towards my cabin area. I hustled to get over there but they had swam faster than I could walk and were just leaving the area when I arrived. Unfortunately I was experiencing difficulties in getting my camera to focus and take pictures so the photo above is the best one I managed to get. Several other opportunities were missed because of my technical issues but it was fun nun the less. (These issues were due to a dirty shutter button which I fixed right after this trip)

Equisetum covered in large drops of dew

As the sun continued its climb I noticed my shoes were quite wet. While that’s not very comfortable it also means a lot of dew clinging to everything providing more photo opportunities. One of my challenges has been to isolate these drops and get a clear shot of the reflections coming through them. In the photo above of equisetum I felt like I accomplished that. In addition, the lines running up and down this stem really stand out against a blurry background. It took me a little bit to get all of this set up but worth the outcome. At this point the dew drops were beginning to disappear under the warming sunlight so I needed to hurry a little. I tried a few different plants, attempting to find an interesting perspective highlighting these drops of water when the leaves of these Marsh Marigolds stood out. I love how the sunlight highlights the ridges and valleys of this leaf created by the veins and leaf shape. Adding in the water droplets makes it even more interesting to me because they really highlight the iridescence contained in the leaf surface and contrast nicely with the lines. So much fun!

Dew covered leaf

As the dew continued to fade I moved on again to other subjects as they shined in the beautiful morning sun. Below is the partial flower of a Marsh Marigold with a fly warming itself up in the rising sun while beginning it’s day of moving from one flower to the next. Even though half of the petals had already fallen off I liked this particular one because the anthers and stigmas were visible with a few petals behind them. It was like a cross section of the flower with the lines created flowing to the fly for an interesting composition. I then moved on to the Blue Bead Lilies which I wanted to capture before needing to leave this campground. The yellow, bell shaped flower in the second picture above is of a Blue Bead Lily. I eventually had to stop to grab some breakfast and pack up the campsite but what an invigorating day. My excitement to get out with the camera has remained every since.

My motivation and inspiration returned on this morning. We just never know when or what will reignite our passion but I’m grateful it happens.

Fly warming up on a Marsh Marigold

A Sunrise Worth Waking Up For

Slowly opening my eyes, I could see a touch of light entering through the window. I grabbed my watch from the nearby floorboard I set it on before falling asleep and saw that it was 4:30. That’s 4:30 A.M.! Having stayed up enjoying a campfire the night before, it was a real struggle to keep from just rolling over and going back to sleep after only a little over 4 hours of rest. I got up the morning before and enjoyed the sunrise so I can just sleep through this one, right? Laying there a few more minutes, almost returning to dreamland, I finally decided to get up for the sunrise after which I would return to my bed for a few more hours of desired shut eye. Adding to the challenge of getting up was the cool temperatures outside while being nice and warm inside my sleeping bag. Besides, looking out my little window from the bed, the sky looked like it was completely clear. Typically a beautiful sunrise involves some clouds to capture some of the suns amazing colors reflecting off of them. Grumbling I slowly got out of the cozy sleeping bag, put on some clothes,and grabbed the camera.

Light on the horizon

Once outside my demeanor changed. I love the early mornings watching the sky grow brighter and brighter while birds begin to chirp. Arriving a few steps to the edge of the lake by our cabin I was immediately grateful for the motivation it required to get out of bed as the scene in front of me was breath taking. While there were very few clouds, fog rising off of the calm water made for an amazing view. My current camera set up would never do. I headed quickly back towards my car to get a different lens and a second camera with another lens along with the tripod. Rushing back towards the waters’ edge I set up the cameras and began shooting away. I just couldn’t believe how beautiful the landscape was in front of me. The pristine water reflecting this incredible light making its way through the fog and I was the only one awake to witness such a view. Part of me felt disappointed others were missing this sunrise and at the same time I was thankful for this solitary moment. My adrenaline was flowing and the lack of sleep was nowhere to be felt.

A morning visitor

In a short time I discovered I was not alone. A curious beaver drifted near while eating a morning meal and watching as I switched between photographing with one camera and then the next  while taking some time to just be in the moment and enjoy the spectacular surroundings. Everything so calm and beautiful. A moment that stops all that is going on in the world. A moment so beautiful you almost don’t want to take another breath for fear of it being gone. But you do and realize it’s all still there, and if possible, better than the previous moment. The sun starting to shine through the tree tops making it’s way through the fog casting a soft, yellow light over everything. It’s warmth now making its way to my cool face bringing the realization I was a little cold. Everything was so beautiful I didn’t even feel this cold penetrating through me. Closing my eyes for a second or two, I could feel the sun’s summer strength being absorbed inside of me. Opening my eyes once again I could see this beautiful sunrise beginning to fade.

Sunlight making it's way above the trees

Quickly the sun made it’s way above the trees, becoming brighter and brighter as the dawn gave way to day and this beautiful experience came to a close. This is one of the reasons I love photographing things. I can look back on these photos and return to this moment. Remembering the struggle to get out of bed, rushing around to gather my gear, and walking to different locations to find the spot to photograph from. All ending with this gorgeous moment of beauty and calmness not only on the water but within myself.

Rolling out of bed and experiencing this sunrise re-ignited my passion for photography. For the past several months before this, I didn’t really want to touch my camera. I couldn’t explain why because I didn’t understand why. And for the most part I was ok with that. There were moments where I took photos because I knew I should but my heart wasn’t really into it. They would sit on my memory card for weeks or more which is unlike me. I just didn’t want to even take the time to look over them. That’s how I know my inspiration is lacking. Typically I can’t wait to see pictures I’ve just taken. There’s always something I’m excited to look at. This morning’s sunrise brought back my passion and excitement. I continued to photograph for another couple of hours and never did return to my bed except to pack it up in order to move on to another campsite.

An early morning with the sun higher in the sky

Canoeing in the BWCA

In order to camp in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota, a permit is needed and these can be challenging to get as they’re often reserved well in advance for the popular summer months. One alternative is to camp or stay in a lodge just outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area or BWCA. This was my choice for visiting this vast wilderness in the middle of June. While on a Northern Minnesota adventure with a friend from college, we spent a couple of days in one of the US Fish and Wildlife cabins in a Superior National Forest campground near one of the many entry points of the BWCA. There initially were no plans to rent a canoe and spend a day paddling in the Boundary Waters, but there really were no plans other than to relax in this beautiful place.

A quiet sunrise in the BWCA wilderness

Early one morning I got up to watch the sunrise, hoping to see a moose in the water under the brightening sky. There were no moose but it was still an amazing sunrise in this beautiful wilderness. An occasional call from a distant loon interrupted the near silence on this peaceful and calm morning. As the sun climbed higher in the skies I realized it would be such a mistake to come all the way to the edge of the Boundary Waters and not spend some time exploring this pristine place. I’ve thought about an adventure in this area several times but have never actually pursued one. What is it like canoeing among these clear lakes and camping under the bright stars of this north country? Returning to the cabin I suggested we rent a canoe from a nearby outfitter and answer these questions. After making breakfast we packed up some supplies along with our fishing gear and headed out to Clearwater Lake for the day. After filling out the necessary permit and renting a canoe, we were off towards the solitude of the BWCA.

Fishing while paddling down the lake

From the outfitter, you have to paddle about a quarter of the lake before entering the designated wilderness which really didn’t take long. The day before we had explored this area a little by vehicle and found a boat landing just outside of the BWCA. After passing that landing on this morning we knew it was a short distance to the protected area and we were now inside this often heard about place. A short time later we encounter the first campsite. It struck me by surprise there was a campsite that close to the edge of the Boundary Waters. This one was occupied so I would have to wait for another campsite to check out what they are like. Continuing on down Clearwater Lake, I spotted an area on the opposite side of the lake that appeared to be another camping area. Some of these are well hidden but once you have an idea of what you’re looking for you can start to spot some of the signs such as a worn area where others have taken their canoes out of the water. We pulled up to this place and confirmed it was a campsite. Getting out of the canoe and pulling it ashore, it was time to see a Boundary Waters Canoe Area campsite. From stories I had heard they generally have a clearing for the tent, a metal fire ring, and a pit toilet. The spot for tents and fire ring were obvious. Others had placed logs for a place to sit but where was the toilet? Searching some worn foot paths I soon found it. Just a toilet sitting on top of a dug out pit with no shelter or privacy other than trees and shrubs around it. Grabbing a snack and exploring for a few minutes and it was time to return to the water.

One of many camping spots throughout this wilderness

Eventually we made our way to the other end of the lake, fishing along the way, where another campsite existed just before needing to portage to another nearby lake. We spent some time at this campsite in order to eat and do a little fishing from shore. I did manage to catch one but it released itself from my hook and rolled all the way back into the water before I could catch it. While enjoying this spot I heard what sounded like thunder. Quickly making my way back to the canoe I could see storm clouds blowing in from behind us. I guess we’ll be waiting that out here before paddling back up the lake to the outfitter. Fortunately it wasn’t a strong storm and moved quickly overhead with a few flashes of lightning. Once we were sure it was safe to enter the water we began paddling back to end our time in this beautiful wilderness. There was one issue though. The storm had brought high winds which stayed once the weather had passed. Now we had to fight these in order to get back. It took most of our strength with no chance to rest to fight these winds for nearly the entire length of Clearwater Lake. We would pull into a tree near shore once in awhile to rest our arms for a few minutes but then it was back at it paddling at full strength. Before nightfall arrived we managed to get back to the outfitter, tired but satisfied with our Boundary Waters adventure. I hope to return someday and spend a little more time on these waters. Maybe even do a portage once to complete the experience.

A storm blowing in from behind us