Crater Lake Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

We went with Pat & Larry to Crater Lake. I had seen photos of it and wanted to see it for myself. The photos did not prepare me for the stunning blue. I’ve seen stunning turquoise lakes but never this true blue. Those of you who have been will know I have not increased the saturation of this.
The lake is 5 miles wide and is ringed by 2000ft (610m) cliffs. There is a 33mile drive around the crater rim with many places to pull out and admire the view. It is the crater of the volcano Mount Mazama, which erupted and collapsed 7,700 years ago. The collapsed crater filled with rain and melted snow to make the lake we see today. At a depth of 1943 ft (592m) it is the deepest lake in the USA. The island you can see is Wizard Island, which was formed by later volcanic eruptions.
I do have some images from here that may be different from others on TE, one which will be my next post, but I wanted to post this more classic image as an introduction.

There is one of the local residents in the WS

ISO200, FL29mm,

Edit
Do have a look at Pat's pano she posted today. I think it is the first image I have seen that shows the full width of the crater. AND it includes one of the residents too.

shevchenko, kpav, John_F_Kennedy, Cricri, danos, fabio_ts, gunbud, Emile, stego, mark_mk, ALIRIZA, ktanska, danyy, Wandering_Dan, hispic, robiuk, Sistercosmo, Philippe, josepmarin, PaulVDV, UlfE, Didi, Photo65Net, axiotea, JCG, Gerrit, carper, npecanhuk, Dyerco, Buin, Floydian, plimrn, fayeulle, cbrman, riclopes, PixelTerror, snunney, dareco, mikolaj_kawa, daddo, IgorDeleze, guillaumejm, ceky, jmcl, fulvio52 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

migjan (1805) 2008-11-03 0:35

Geologicznie ciekawe, fotograficznie piêkne zjawisko.

pozdrawiam.JBB

daddo (10427) 2008-11-03 0:36

Hi Kath. The blue is stunning and what make sit even more dramatic is the sunlit foreground with the warm palette.Exceptional sharpness and overall light. Creative POV in using the ancient decaying trunks. Regards. Klaudio.

mikolaj_kawa (24769) 2008-11-03 0:49

Hello Kath! Amazing landscape. Superb colours. Very good POV, perfect capture. Original picture, very original. Good luck!

dareco (15738) 2008-11-03 0:53

Another beautiful scene. Amazing detail, and nice natural colors. Also the lighting is great. TFS

snunney (29681) 2008-11-03 1:09

Hello Kath,
Exceptional clarity and fine colours for this splendid landscape composition. I like the framing from these gnarled old trees which are beautifully rendered in the finest detail.

smarcell (12407) 2008-11-03 1:24

A very beautiful landscape, with a deep blue and a clean air.
Nice colors of the rocks around the crater.
Regards Stefano

delkoo (31658) 2008-11-03 2:00

hi kath,
the picture is really beautiful and nicely shows the landscape, The trees makes a nice variation in the frame.
nice one spot on with the exposure, colours and composition.

best regards
didier

PixelTerror (81500) 2008-11-03 2:11

Hi Kath,
Nice overlooking viewpoint, the light is good and the contrasts strong, in particular I'm impressed about how intense the dark blue water is, it gets even stronger against the foreground warm tones.
Have a nice day JY

riclopes (32362) 2008-11-03 2:40

Wow, gorgeous blue indeed, Kath. In fact, the view is amazingly beautiful and it's so very well framed by the old trunks. The one at right with the elegant curve on the edge is especially beautiful. Continuing through the edge from right to left it's very nice to follow the line around and make the pass to the round crater in the background. Now that I said that, I wonder about the trunk at left FG...just a slight doubt about it. Anyway, it doesn't matter - this is a spectacular picture and it's a pleasure to look at it.
The WS is a lovely surprise. Just love the funny little fellow in that pose and it's a really good shot. Congrats.
ric

dkeus31 (24548) 2008-11-03 3:19

Hi Kath,
wow, a nice picture, the colors are saturated to the point, the sky and the landscape are wonderful.
Not sure you should have included the left foreground, but it is always better having some.
regards
didier

cbrman (17379) 2008-11-03 3:32

Hello Kath,

Une vue très impressionnante de ce cratère. J'aime bien ce cadrage avec ces souches en avant plan. Elles offrent une belle entrée en matière. Cet endroit a l'air vraiment surprenant. Le lac est splendide.
Merci pour le partage.

A+

Dominique

baba_flies (7071) 2008-11-03 3:59

Hello Kath! We were on our way to Oregon some years ago when a stone hit our window and we had to drive back :) but it is nice to discover this fantastic crater lake this way and have it in mind in case we ever return. I love the deep blue of the lake and the way you placed the trees or what is left of it, a wonderful composition indeed. Funny your WS, I thought you had met some folks in town that you wanted to present to us :) Have a good week ... Barbara.

Royaldevon (4944) 2008-11-03 6:12

Hello Kath,

A stunning pov to capture this stunning scene!
The dof keeps everything nicely in focus.
The trees, framing the shot have wonderful textural details.
Everything, from the platform of the f/g to the steeply sloping distant hills, leads the eye to that unbelievably coloured lake!

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

fayeulle (26297) 2008-11-03 6:13

Hi Kath
I really like the strong vivid colours and especially the blue colour of the lake. The slopes of the crater are also covered with coloured stones. Good choice of the f-stop value go get a big DOF.
Cheers
JP

plimrn (18682) 2008-11-03 6:38

Hi Kath,
Your excellent framing makes this classic view of Wizard Island unique, detail of great throughout, thanks to your f13, colors are true and have great clarity. The note tells it all succinctly. The WS is the perfect pose!! All is Outstanding!!
HLJ, Pat

Floydian (30970) 2008-11-03 6:40

Hello Kath,
Wonderful, just wonderful. CR is a famous place, a must see when going to Oregon and when i stood there there was a big wow in how large the place and surrounding are was. Must be a big boom a long time a go. You present the deep blue in a beautiful way, just as it has to be. Wizard island in the back works well, just as the use of the old tree trunks for framing and composition. A very good composed image....well done.
Regards, Henk

Buin (33793) 2008-11-03 7:33

Hallo Kath!
A truly breathtaking view and this impression even is emphasized my your comment. THese stumps in the foreground are a beautiful addition to this great scenery. They nearly create a 3D feeling here ...
Greetings from grey and hazy Germany!
Frank

Dyerco (8160) 2008-11-03 7:35

Hi Kath
Nicely framed with the two trees (stumps). Beautiful colour and clarity. Looking forward to more.
Phil

npecanhuk (8482) 2008-11-03 7:43

Hello Kath!
This place is one of my favorite ones in the USA! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to visit yet, but... we never know... While this dream does not come true, I look at pictures such as this one of yours: excellent viewpoint and composition, superb colors, excellent management of light and sharpness! I really like it! TFS - Congratulations!
Warmest regards,
Neyvan

carper (60991) 2008-11-03 8:21

it's a beauty Kath,
the compotion is realy a fine one, the pov is outstanding and the colours are good and there is a fine balance in the shot, good photojob Kath I like it a lot.
regard jaap

Gerrit (33056) 2008-11-03 8:25

Hi Kath,
yours has no chipmunck but what a beautiful composition with the treetrunks up front.
Excellent coloring too.
Regards, Gerrit

JCG (22703) 2008-11-03 8:46

Hi Kath,

This point of view on the crater is superb and which beautiful luminosity, I like much this photograph also very interesting. The blue of the lake is splendid and this color is certainly due to its great depth. Thank you for the pretty small animal in WS which recalls to me a character of cartoon, TIC or TAC… Cheer Kath and congratulations.

With all my friendships and a very good evening,

Jean-Charles

gneufeld (13773) 2008-11-03 9:03

Hi Kath,
I have seen many image of Crater lake but non come even close to your creative and technically perfect presentation. I just how you included the tree stumps as an integral part of the whole - brilliant. TFS. Gerald

axiotea (14905) 2008-11-03 9:19

Hello Kath
When I look at this photo I also wish I could go in a such beautiful place! The lake is an eye catcher and contrasts so well with its environment! Colors are great too!
Although I found the image well framed, I think it also might have been interesting to crop a bit on the left side till the tree trunk... ;)
Cheers
Marilyn

gilou530 (31861) 2008-11-03 9:29

salut kath
excellente profondeur de ce cadrage, les arbres du premier donne cette belle PDC, un paysage grandiose des states avec des couleurs bien polarisées, beau travail
amitiés
gilbert

sagar (2263) 2008-11-03 9:40

Hi Kath,
What a wonderful view...the blue lake looks amazing, very well complimented by the surrounding landscape and the pure blue sky....nature at its best!!!
Regards,
Sagarneel.

Photo65Net (43078) 2008-11-03 9:54

Hello Kath,
The colors contrasts here, and the chromatic balance, are just perfect and beautiful.
I like a lot the result, great job,
Have a nice day,
JB.

Silverkey (1433) 2008-11-03 10:07

Hi Kath
An incredible place taken nicely
The POV gives a great depth to the picture, so deep as the blue of the lake.
The mountains on the left reminds me Landmannalaugar in Iceland, I suggest you to look at this place if you don't ever know it
Mickaël

Didi (33766) 2008-11-03 11:09

Hi Kath
That's great I imagine the original picture of course with better detail before publishing and before JPEG compression.

It's a fantastic place with good luminosity
All the best with you.
Cheers.

UlfE (7994) 2008-11-03 11:09

Hi Kath,

I read your note about the stunning blue colour of the water and that you have not increased saturation. I would say that it has to do with the yellow decayed tree stumps and the yellow sand. I have often been surprised when shooting large yellow or white subject by the strong blue colours of the sky. It is perhaps not natural but it is the way the camera sees it. The picture is superb and very impressive in all respects. TFS and have a nice evening!

Cheers,

Ulf

PaulVDV (4293) 2008-11-03 11:10

Hello Kath,
I like this composition with the treetrunks on the FG. Their sharpness is excellent and their colour makes a beautiful contrast with the deep blue of the lake and with the light blue sky.
The landscape is very imposing.
Best regards, Paul

jlbrthnn (31807) 2008-11-03 11:47

Good evening Kath,
Superb very spectacular image. I adore his colors. I like also this choice this foreground. The natural colors and clearness are a technical great success. Congratulations.
Have a nice evening
Cordially
Joël

josepmarin (31437) 2008-11-03 12:09

Hello Kath,
I have seen and enjoyed Pat's great pano, and now I see your photo of the same crater.
Though the composition is a bit different, the beauty of the landscape is the same. I like your creativity on having placed in foreground the trunks of these trees, which form a beautiful frame to the deep blue of the lake.
And on the small residents of the Natural Park, what I can say, that I like very much and they are a funny, sociable and fascinating creatures.
A great complementary shot in the WS.
I love your work, my friend.
Best wishes,
Josep

Philippe (11215) 2008-11-03 14:57

Hi, Kath. As you say, the blue of the water is really amazing. It is reinforced by the contrast with the ochre of the foreground and the blue of the sky which looks rather pale compared with the water. You've chosen a good angle with the trees that frame the picture very well.
Good night,
Philippe

robiuk (10761) 2008-11-03 16:20

Kath,
this looks like Paradise on Earth!
And seeing the foreground, I can understand why you framed it like this - no lens wide enough to fit what
pair of your own eyes see in front of you (and sideways in each direction)!
Can't decide what I like better: your post, the WS or
Pat's pano...
Cheers,
Robi

hispic (6880) 2008-11-03 19:02

Hi Kath,
Superb shot. A smooth depiction on the sky. Super-fine detail on the slope, and bold touch of the crumbling trunk. Everything is quite perfect.
Have a nice day, Hisashi

Wandering_Dan (2734) 2008-11-03 22:10

Hi, Kath-

Nice to see you back! It's a great shot, beautifully framed, and wonderful colors. I think I might have darkened the foreground a bit with a brush, is all.

Best,
Dan

syrus_persia (1636) 2008-11-03 22:13

salam Kath
I like the framing from these gnarled old trees which are beautifully rendered in the finest detail.nice natural colors. Also the lighting is great.A very beautiful landscape, with a deep blue and a clean air.
Regards
cyrus

danyy (62985) 2008-11-03 23:19

Bonjour Kath,
un endroit très connu et magnifique. Les couleurs sont à la fois intenses et naturelles, bien polarisées. J'aime le cadrage avec souches d'arbres péries.
Beaucoup de profondeur et un rendu bien efficace de cratère.
Bes regards.
Daniel.

TopGeo (19119) 2008-11-04 0:43

Hi Kath! Very good landscape, the colours in the rocks are brilliant, you have a couple of colours going on and the blue in the water is fantastic. Good sharpness and composition Amazing Picture! ! I also like the BG you captured usually viewed from top of the crater FG.Well done
Georgios

ktanska (15214) 2008-11-04 2:08

Hi Kath,
This landscape is already beginning to look familiar.
And it never gets boring. Interesting note about the young age of the lake, no wonder that all the features look so sharp edged.
Aging tree trunks look good on the foreground.
Kari

ALIRIZA (16189) 2008-11-04 2:32

Hi Kath,
Another wonderful scene from you. Good POV and beautiful landscape with amazing details and nice natural colours. Well done my dear friend...
Best regards...
Ali Rıza

mortijo (10936) 2008-11-04 6:17

Hallo Kath,
Stunning turquoise indeed!!! But extremely beautiful when seen in combination with the warm foreground colors. The inclusion of the dead tree stump increases the quality of the shot.
Regards
John

mark_mk (44) 2008-11-04 10:01

Hi Kath,
crater lake, I have never been there, but it looks beautiful for sure! The deep blue of the lake looks so great and the dead tree in the foreground is essential for your overall composition. Wonderful colors, POV, typical "feather" image, everything is top notch ;-)

Take care
Mark

stego (21486) 2008-11-04 11:22

Hi Kath,
After Henk and Peter, it is your turn to offer us your presentation of that amazing place. Being preceded by such masters would make many of us nervous, but after all you are at their level. All I say about your photo is "WOW!"...
Regards, José.

Emile (19038) 2008-11-04 15:11

Hola Kath.
Very impressive deep blue color of the lake, you used very well your high POV to give us this beautiful view of Crater Lake, the old trunk and tree creates a nice natural frame, colors and sharpness are very good. Excellent shot.
Best wishes.

gunbud (25481) 2008-11-04 19:07

Hi Kath,
I see your visit with Pat and Larry has paid tremendous photographic dividends.
Love the contrast between the much lighter blue sky and its wispy clouds with the unbelievable deep blue of the famous lake.
The wild island is seen in great sharp details while the golden tones of the foreground make a lovely compliment to the luscious blue.
Regards, Tom

fabio_ts (13670) 2008-11-04 23:49

IMPRESSIVE DOF!!!
a beautiful compositin Kath, with a superb detail and a fine technique, the pleas seems very nice and here, you have well captured its beauty, all my compliments!!!

have a nice day,
Fabio.

John_F_Kennedy (27465) 2008-11-05 0:51

Magnificent capture. And what an infesting POV with the island in the lake. Excellent sharpness and detail. One of my favorites.
Best wishes,
Achim

danos (27886) 2008-11-05 2:56

Hello Kath,
really superb composition with the most specific to be the POV,between the two trunks that lead our eye to the Wizard Island with the trees on it.Excellent the contrast of the colors as the good management of the brilliant light.A great physical phenomenon very well presented.

Have a nice day,Danos

Cricri (38422) 2008-11-05 4:32

Hi Kath
WoW un régal pour les yeux, tout est beau içi, le paysage entre les troncs d'arbres et des couleurs magnifique, j'attend avec impatience de voir les suivantes....
Have a nice day
cricri

Paolo (40445) 2008-11-05 8:43

Wonderful view Kath, colorful, fantastic quality and brilliant composition.
ciao

kpav (5800) 2008-11-05 11:18

Hello Kath, excellent shot, the clarity is impressive and the colors absolutely superb. Great light management too. Thanks for sharing.
Best regards,
Kostas.

Sistercosmo (1963) 2008-11-05 17:56

Hi Kath,
please count to ten while I hold my breath! This is amazing, sharp, colorful and with an absolute perfect pov. In Germany, I would say "Hut ab"! I take my hat. I was born and raised in the US of A and never, ever realized how beautiful Oregon is!! Never, ever been there..... I think I missed a lot!
Wonderful shot!
Thanks and see you around TE!
Linda

shevchenko (8021) 2008-11-05 22:01

Hello Kath,
According to your note this is an amazing landscape , good pov to show an island in the middle of lake, detail to show the colourful feature and land in rough surface, distinct image, good shoot.
Ally

Stepan (27163) 2008-11-05 23:08

Wow, looks like a crazy place !!!
Amazing contrast between the blue and the brown parts.
The pov makes us feeling as we were in the scene...
Beatiful light and soft clouds too.
Stéphane

IgorDeleze (9247) 2008-11-06 4:37

Hello Kath,
Fantastic lake view! The blue is stunning.
I realy like the way you framed this picture.
Greetings.
Igor

guillaumejm (8523) 2008-11-06 12:31

Kath
Classic image: maybe. But wonderful: for sure. this blue is just amazing. Don't you think the picture is a little bit tilted left?. Anyway very attractive. great perspective too.
PS TThe ws is really nice too.
Warm regards
JMarc

jaywalker (12076) 2008-11-07 15:27

Hi Kath, WOW what a stunning picture, the rough texture of the dead tree makes a wonderful foreground & a great lead into the photo, the deep blue water contrasts nicely with the light blue sky & both sandwich the superb background mountains, truly sharp & beautiful light, kind regards Wilson.

Angshu (30896) 2008-11-09 21:09

Hello Kath
A superlative shot...never seen a lake so blue! The contrast with the earth colours makes it even more stunning. As always I appreciate your framing with the dead tree trunk on the left & the tree on the right. The WS is a very interesting surprise!
Best Regards
Angshu

Rafer (2738) 2008-11-14 10:49

Talento y tecnica y mucha ,hace falta para captar esa luz ,detalles y color...saludos

ceky (2248) 2008-11-15 0:25

Hi Kath
A little volcanoe inside the crater lake of a big one... A reminder to my last trip in Indonesia where you may find more or less the same, but somewhat younger scene !
Regards
Georges

donluicu (23404) 2008-11-24 14:17

hi Kath
a landscape absolutely amazing
a clever framing
a good management of the dof..
what can i say?

nothing
it's great cheers

jmcl (13251) 2008-12-02 19:07

Hi Kath,

I have not been here since childhood ... one of those places I really want to return to at some point .. wondrous vibrant color .. great sense of the place ...

take care, John

fulvio52 (8314) 2009-01-12 9:03

Hi, Kath.
One of my greatest regrets : being here in early September 1997 and getting snowed out in sub-zero temperatures... the fog was so thick I never saw Crater Lake. Your picture is gorgeous in a most natural way, a dashing display of blues and the brilliant overall lighting its main features. Specially the strong sunlit "living on the edge" foreground is an absolute winner in pulling one's eye into the view. Top notch! Have a nice evening, I'll see you later.
Fulvio.