My Story Behind This Image
On this morning on the waters edge of Trillium Lake, I set up in front of a couple of larger boulders to help give some interest to the foreground and welcome the viewer into the scene. I'd been photographing the reflection of the mountain since before the sun first rose, when two folks arrived to put in their canoe for their morning adventure. So, instead of packing up my tripod and gear, I waited it out and as they launched into the water, I snapped away, capturing them breaking the glass reflection on the lake with some calming ripples.
As a side note, this capture is another reminder to me to always work together with the people who are with you on your photography outings, as this lake and/or any location is not yours just because you get there first. I greeted these two as they unloaded their gear and even though I knew they were going to break the perfectly glass-like water, I was okay with it as I had been photographing the scene for quite a while at that point. But, then they apologies and I could tell that they felt sort of bad that they were going to create ripples within the water and my shot. I responded with, "Not a problem, go have fun” … However, I worked with them and then asked them if they could do me a favor. If they could start off by rowing directly at Mt Hood … They did, and it helped finish off this image and gave me a strong mid-ground element that balances well with the reflection of the mountain.
My Techniques / Tips Behind This Image
Preparing for the Perfect Shot
Arrival Time: Preparation is critical when you're out in the field photographing nature. Always arrive at your location early so you have time to set up your gear and understand the area. My goal is to be on-site at least 1-hour before sunrise. This time allows you to scout potential shooting spots and study the layout of the landscape, particularly the sun's angle as it rises.
Apps: Download an App to your phone to know exactly where the sun will rise. I use PhotoPills. It's also very helpful when photographing the stars and Milkyway.
Tripod: Working on a sturdy tripod is essential. It stabilizes your camera during long exposures, which are often necessary to capture the sunrise. Sometimes my shutter can be 1 or 2 seconds long during a sunrise. And if I want motion in the clouds, I might even have a 10-stop ND filter on and be taking 30-second exposure.
Tips for Photographing Sunrise
Capturing the beauty of sunrise is always one of my favorite things to do in the field. It tends to be quieter and there is something special about that moment when the light finally pops onto the scene. Here are a few tips:
Golden Hour Timing: The golden hour occurs just before sunrise, offering soft and warm light. Be set up and ready at least 1-hour prior to sunrise. This way you're ready if there is a burst of color on the clouds overhead.
Foreground Interest: Always try and find elements like rocks, trees, or the lake itself to help add depth to your images. In the image above, I used a set of large boulders on the waters edge to help give interest to the foreground, while also helping direct the viewers eye toward the mountain.
Adjust Your Settings: Always try and use a low ISO to minimize noise. A smaller aperture between f/8 and f/13 will help keep the entire image in sharp focus. Depending on what you're photographing, your shutter speed can then be determined. In the image above, I had to adjust my settings after the people got into the water, to make sure I had a faster shutter so the people in the canoe and the ripples turned out sharp.
Tips on Photographing Reflections
Trillium Lake is famous for its beautiful reflections of Mt Hood, especially during sunrise. Here are a few tips on how to capture reflections effectively:
Find the Right Angle: Position yourself at the lake’s edge for the clearest reflections. This way you can fill your foreground with the water and potential reflection.
Be Mindful of Wind: Calm conditions create the best reflections. The best time to capture the reflection at Trillium Lake is during the sunrise, as there tends to be less wind in the morning hours versus sunset.
Composition is Key: Pay attention to how elements are arranged in your shot. While sometimes I feel that a centered reflection make for solid images, experimenting with off-center compositions can yield unique perspectives. Like in the image above, I shifted Mt Hood to the top of the frame, giving the reflection the center area of the scene.
Final Thoughts
If you find yourself in this breathtaking region of the Pacific Northwest, I urge you to take the trip up to Trillium Lake for a morning sunrise. Not only will you have a beautiful view of the mountain for the morning light, but you'll also get the opportunity for a tranquil moment in nature, as you might be one of the only people there enjoying the scene.
Oregon Photography Workshop Adventure
Interested in visiting Mt Hood on a photography adaventure to see and photograph this amazing place? Consider joining my upcoming Oregon Photography Workshop Adventure. Click the link below for more details.
Purchase A Print of Mt Hood Sunrise, Trillium Lake
If you're interested in the image above, CLICK THE LINK BELOW to purchase a print. Limited Edition, Museum Grade Acrylic Prints are also available. If you don't see this particular scene in that portfolio on my website, email me and I'll open up this series for you.
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