Frozen sky over Fitz Roy Photo

Photographer’s Note

Before going away again, I promised to post an image of the famous Fitz Roy peak in the northern sector of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. One of the things that most amazed me in patagonia was the show in the sky that could be seen everyday. The weather was temperamental in this day. The sun was coming and going and the sky was changing all the time making unbelievable paintings. This was one of them. Unfortunately the light wasn't the best. The moon is also visible at left upper quadrant and you can see why this is also called the smoking mountain.

WS1 - Classic picture taken from the first point of view of Fitz Roy, starting the trek in El Chaltén.

WS2 - close approach with maximum zoom (250mm), better light conditions and less cloudy sky.

This is my last post for a while since this weekend I'll be moving to Granada, Spain. I'll be back as soon as I'll manage to get internet connection.

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Info from Rough Guide to Argentina:

Los Glaciares: the northern sector
Northern Parque Nacional Los Glaciares' claim to be the trekking capital of Argentina is justified, and the closer you get to the mountains, the clearer their grandeur becomes. Early mornings are the best time for views and photography, both for the light and the weather, since the westerly winds tend to pick up from about 11am, bringing the clouds with them.

The Fitz Roy sector
The northernmost section of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, the Fitz Roy sector, contains some of the most breathtakingly beautiful mountain peaks on the planet. Two concentric jaws of jagged teeth puncture the Patagonian sky with the 3405-metre incisor of MonteFitz Roy at the centre of the massif. This sculpted peak was known to the Tehuelche as El Chaltén, "The Mountain that Smokes" or "The Volcano", due to the almost perpetual presence of a scarf of cloud attached to its summit. It is not inconceivable, however, that the Tehuelche were using the term in a rather more metaphorical sense to allude to the fiery pink colour that the rock walls turn when struck by the first light of dawn. Francisco Moreno saw fit to name the pagan summit after the evangelical captain of the Beagle, who, with Charles Darwin, had viewed the Andes from a distance, after having journeyed up the Río Santa Cruz by whaleboat to within 50km of Lago Argentino. Alongside Monte Fitz Roy rise Cerro Poincenot and Aguja Saint-Exupéry, whilst set behind them is the forbidding needle of Cerro Torre, a finger that stands in bold defiance of all the elements that the Hielo Continental Sur hurls against it.

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I TURNED OFF THE POINTS.
CAN'T SEE OR GIVE POINTS.

jimmj63, Gerrit, rginer, xuaxo, Photo65Net, lucasgalodoido, pboehringer, paura, Cricri, Bluejeans, bibiweb, Philippe, hispic, carper, luisafonso, jhm, alvaraalto, Docarmo, John_F_Kennedy, JCG, isabela_sor, Floydian, zeynepe, AiresSantos, leonorkuhn, shevchenko, Henryk_Bilor, Amaz, josepmarin, bakes888 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

dkeus31 (25928) 2009-05-20 3:41

Hi Ricardo
that sky lokks wonderful!
pity there is no light on the sommit, else it would have been a stunning picture, here it is nice
didier

jimmj63 (759) 2009-05-20 3:41

the clouds are very beautiful, and, it's right, they are frozen (made by little crystals of ice, in the hight layers of the atmosphere)

very good the chose of scene and the colors, very good the perspective create by the clouds.

ciao, giacomo

sevy (12797) 2009-05-20 3:45

Hello Ricardo,

The pattern of the clouds in the sky is incredible.
A view very original versus the usual ones we can see of this place.

Yves.

jasmis (49547) 2009-05-20 4:57

Amazing presentation. Superb severe and wild place.

Regards.

jonathan_hart (22562) 2009-05-20 6:57

sometimes the clouds take very particular forms, beautiful moment captured
jc

Gerrit (35389) 2009-05-20 7:27

Hi Ricardo,
fantastic effect of that sky and an exce;llent mountainous landscape.
Impressive,
Regards, Gerrit

jmdias (18635) 2009-05-20 7:50

ricardo

as 3 fotos estão bonitas. Gosto da primeira por conta deste magnífico show de nuvens, muito diferentes do comum. gosto da segundo por sua vista clássica de paraíso perdido e gosto da última pois tem uma luz suave muito bonita e as formas do pico estão mais bem mostradas. Posso dizer que já conheci esta montanha, eu a vi à distância, na estrada, quando ia embora de el calafate, hahaha

abraços

jorge

rginer (525) 2009-05-20 8:28 [Comment]

Show Comment

xuaxo (5609) 2009-05-20 8:44

Olá Ricardo,
Os WS estão muito bonitos, mas este céu está o máximo. Título bem apropriado.
A melhor foto da zona até agora.
Cumprimentos,
Francisco

Photo65Net (43084) 2009-05-20 12:36

Hello Ricardo,
What a sky !
This is an amazing natural phenomenom, and you perfectly caught it.
Have a nice day,
JB.

chris04stop (2135) 2009-05-20 15:20

Ohhh...!!! I am like a baby,now! This is like a miracle, Ricardo! So a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful sky! Is it possible? Yes: you did it!
Anna Paola

lucasgalodoido (16525) 2009-05-20 17:48

Olá Ricardo,
impressionante essas fotos, o destque aqui vai pras cores e principalmente para as nuvens, mas achei a foto do WS-1 mais bonita, mas foi difícil escolher. Belas fotos.
Parabéns e Abraço

gneufeld (14959) 2009-05-20 21:18

Hi Ricardo,
A most unusual shot, especially the sky. Wow, I am a sky watcher, but have never seen something like this before. Thnks for sharing. TFS. Gerald

emka (21127) 2009-05-20 22:42

Hi Ricardo,

Splendid ! Fitz Roy looks stunning but the sky is absolute hit here. beautiful view. I had to choose where to go and we went to Torres del paine, so i haven't been here. Very interesting effect. i haven't seen the clouds like here.

Regards

Malgorzata

pboehringer (770) 2009-05-20 23:02

I just looked into your argentinian shots. You got to see Fitz Roy in a very advantegous moment. Compared to the 9 days straight that I stayed in El Chalten to make my move and never got the real moment i have to say that you were extremely lucky! I envy you to the bones!!! WOW, these clouds are simply breathtaking ...
Good move to Spain. See you soon back to TE.
Peter

paura (37658) 2009-05-21 6:43

Ric,
Muito bom seu trabalho em pp aqui. A imagem está uma beleza.
Interessante como as montanhas da costa do pacífico diferem da da costa do atlântico aqui. As próximas à costa leste são todas arredondadas...

Abraço

Paulo

Cricri (42655) 2009-05-21 10:31

Hola Ric
Spectacle merveilleux du ciel dans ce paysage qui l'ai tout autant, je trouve que les WS aurait mériter aussi un post principal
Friendship
cricri

Bluejeans (31417) 2009-05-21 10:36

Oi amigo , viraste Super Homem :)
Este céu esta lindo parece que vais a grande velocidade nunca vi igual este efeito de nuvens , muito bonitas as montanhas com neve , tu estavas na neve e eu na praia :) , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

bibiweb (8) 2009-05-21 10:55

Ola Ricardo,
Wow!! :o)
When I saw the thumbnail I thought you had used a zoom effect or something, but now I see that this is just the natural looks of clouds... it's great. You were very luck to get such shots of these mountains as people often come back from Patagonia after having seen only rain and clouds. The two WS are wonderful as well and I have a slight preference for WS2.
have a nice evening.
Bibi

Philippe (11645) 2009-05-21 12:46

Hi, Ricardo. An amazing sky and the famous peaks that stand out against it. As you say, the light on the summits is not the best, but the landscape makes up for it.
Have a nice day,
Philippe

hispic (7399) 2009-05-21 20:14

Hello Ricardo,
This shot is too magnificent for a Patagonia lover. Really amazing image, the Fits Roy is towering in the strange clouds seen rarely. Thanks for showing it also in WS.
Regards, Hisashi

litiancai (1040) 2009-05-21 23:51

wow wow wee wah! That sky looks incredible! Set against such a great background too, a really nice shot. The composition really focussing on the sky works well.

All the best

Lee

ribeiroantonio (21701) 2009-05-21 23:58

Como é que conseguiste um ceu destes? Vai-nos dizer? Está uma foto fabulosa. Estou à espera de ver o que o Luís diz sobre este ceu.
Com que então estás a mudar para Granada? Significa então que há trabalho por lá para a tua mulher. E para ti?
Um abraço e boa sorte por terras de Espanha.
António

carper (63859) 2009-05-22 0:33

fantastic one my friend,
marvelous place you have here found. I really impressed about all the good photo's your took there.
fantastic job, have a nice day.
regard jaap

luisafonso (858) 2009-05-22 1:34

Gosto muito do ws1. É a minha favorita. Mas este céu é fantástico. Teria certamente passado o resto do dia aqui a fotografar isto até este céu desaparecer. Que sortudo!!!

Já vais mudar-te? Óptimo! Depois manda notícias de lá. Quero manter o contacto via email. Se precisares de algo, apita!

jhm (81561) 2009-05-22 9:26

Hello Ricardo,

I looked to you both WS, I find WS1 the most beautiful picture, excellent of quality and great presentation.
Also these photograph here is very nice.
Good composition and splendid presentation fot the three pictures, very well done, TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John

alvaraalto (5225) 2009-05-23 13:36

Dag Ricardo,

This is an amazing virgin landscape with spectacular patters in the clouds.
It really looks like the ice-crystals we find on cold winter days at our windows.

Groet Rob

Emile (19755) 2009-05-23 13:56

Hola Ricardo.
Impresionante cielo, muy importante que tu estuvieras ahi en el preciso momento que esto se formo. Tu dos WS son también muy buenos, pero honestamente me gusta mas tu #1. Buen trabajo mi amigo.
Abrazos.
Te deseo un buen fin de semana.

Docarmo (8812) 2009-05-24 6:51

Olá Ricardo,
Um verdadeiro show, tens razão. E muito bem captado. Fizeste uma tomada puxando o zoom ou o céu estava assim mesmo? Estes lugares "extremos" apresentam formações de nuvens inacreditáveis! Mesmo aqui na nossa região, às vezes, as nuvens formam uma dança que me espanta.
As três imagens estão estupendas. Obrigada por partilhares conosco estas maravilhas.
Docarmo

gilou530 (34605) 2009-05-24 12:23

salut ricardo
une image ou le ciel prend la vedette de la plus belle des facons, le paysage parait bien banal sous cette voute céleste
amitiés
gilbert

trekks (14260) 2009-05-25 3:05

hi ricardo

!!! Wow !!!

Honestly, I have not seen this kind of cloud formation yet. Incredible! It is beautiful sky.

I see that you have done well in exposure because the landscape is visible without dark shade even for this bright sky condition.

Good work.

tfs, bill

John_F_Kennedy (30486) 2009-05-26 3:42

South America must be a lovely place for photographers. An imposant landscape with a dramatic sky. Very nice
Best wishes,
Achim

JCG (24733) 2009-05-26 22:20

Olá Ricardo,

The sky is superb and gives a fabulous dynamics to this imposing natural landscape. I like also much your photographs in WS especially that with the tree on the left which gives a beautiful balance to the panorama. A very beautiful series of interesting photographs and which make travel, thank you Ricardo.

With all my friendships and a very good day,

Jean-Charles

isabela_sor (41847) 2009-05-26 22:22 [Comment]

Show Comment

Floydian (30970) 2009-05-28 11:34

Hi Ric,

Ah, there is Fitz Roy...what a great and impressive place to be. It stands high on list, and when i have the same weather as you had it seems to be good enough to make some good ones. The whole area is very impressive, but also these clouds look too good to be true...a stunning formation there on top.
WS2....i know i ask to much from you...but being there at sunrise while the peaks are on fire...oh man, that would be the ultimate shot ;-)
Happy travels in Granada and bring back a good one from the Mesquite...

Take care,

Henk

stego (22304) 2009-05-29 16:42

Olá Ricardo,
Não sei se também é por eventualmente teres andado menos activo nas últimas semanas, mas parece-me que se não tivesses desligado os pontos terias pelos menos 4 vezes mais críticas, pois quer esta quer os WS's estão absolutamente, fabulosamente, incrivelmente, xxxzzzmente fantásticas!!! Nunca tinha visto um céu como este e ainda por cima sobre essas montanhas tão fotogénicas. Não tenho palavras! É imperdoável teres relegado que os WS's não tenham direito a posts principais.
Um abraço,
José

berek (28746) 2009-05-29 22:39

Ola my friend,
ohhh is this real . incredible nature my friend. what a wonderful sky and depth . congratulations.
Have a great weekend.
Burak

TGULUMSER (12396) 2009-05-31 13:50

Hello Ricardo,
Really great, amazing view. A special beauty,
Best regards,
Tulay

zeynepe (9328) 2009-06-01 1:49

Ola Ric,
I can't follow you where you're going :)Portugal or Spain or ... ? What a sky !!!It's hard to believe that it is real.Gorgeous !
Take care,
Zeynep

Juntas (3005) 2009-06-01 7:04

Olá Ricardo. Espectacular. Até parece que passaram por aí uma centena de aviões a jacto ao mesmo tempo e deixaram esse rasto. Boas cores, boa composição, espero que tudo esteja a correr bem em Granada. Um abraço. Paulo

AiresSantos (41142) 2009-06-01 7:23

Ola Ricardo
mais uma foto estupenda, desta tua visita á Argentina.
Ao ceu esta magnifico e as cores tambem
Um abraco Amigo
Aires

leonorkuhn (13303) 2009-06-01 8:09

Olá Ricardo,

Espetacular, a foto é mágica, com este céu intensamente azul e branco dominando a paisagem. Um momento especial, captado de um magnífico ponto de vista.

Abraços
Leonor

shevchenko (9694) 2009-06-02 19:29

Hi Ricardo,
Fantastic sky, clouds naturally create perspective effect above the peaks, good discover and good pov to frame it, clear to show rocky surface of mountains too, good shoot.
Take care.
Ally

Urs (2373) 2009-06-03 1:12

Looking at your picture I really have to consider if I should not travel to South America. It's a bit far for me, because I live since 1982 in Asia. Before, from Switzerland it would had been easier.

Your picture reminds me of the Alpes, but I know that are the Andes. The clouds almost are forcing the viewer to look at the mountain range, that's the special charme of this shot, the clouds set against the darker mountain range - good composition and execution.

best regards
Urs

Angshu (33185) 2009-06-03 1:45

Ola Ric
So it seems you have the internet connection up & going? I liked this picture earlier as well & my comments remain the same...it's an awesome sky you've got here, my friend! Both the WSs are brilliant & I echo Henk's thought, what a great sight this would be at sunrise or set.
Best regards
Angshu

Graal (57098) 2009-06-04 23:09

Hi Ricardo,
unusual place and view, amazing pattern of clouds on the sky. Good shot. I like it a lot.
Gr., Aleksander

Henryk_Bilor (20365) 2009-06-07 7:36

Ola Ricardo
I see that you were on the other planet, although they have also a moon like ours ;). Excellent capture with these clouds spreading out of my monitor :). Impressive place.
Regards

kiks (5961) 2009-06-11 15:34

WOW... this is magic!! I'm speachless
KIKs

jmcl (13721) 2009-06-22 13:22

Hi Ricardo

This is incredible .. unbelievable almost .. this stunning place .. with that almost alien sky .. wow .. the power and infinity of nature wonderfully captured by you .. no matter how wide of angle you could possibly have it would beg for more. Tremendous image.

hope this note finds you and yours well.

take care,

John

manatee (4279) 2009-07-23 19:07

amigo como estas?
Dicslpa que no he estado muy activo aqui en verdad pero lo que pasa es que he tenido algunos problemas y ademas he tenido mucha actividad, espero estar mas activo proximamente

Wow esata es una pieza de arte es genial increible nunca habia visto unas nubes como estas ne verdad, el contraste con las rocas, el cielo, los arboles y nieves son geniales cada una es hermoso

Un abrazo

Amaz (6250) 2009-08-09 7:32

Extraordnária tomada, Ricardo!!
Excelente composição e belas cores!!
Muito interessante a nota sua, também!!!

Meus parabéns,

Rafer (4066) 2009-08-23 13:57

Interesantísimo efecto en las nubes con el colosal aspecto del Fitz...saludos

josepmarin (33547) 2009-10-08 12:45

Olá Ricardo,
estas montañas son preciosas, y por supuesto el efecto de las nubes en el cielo es impresionante. Buena captura de toda esa espectacular vista, en un buen ángulo, y buena información gráfica complementaria en los WS.
Es un bonito trabajo fotográfico, amigo.
Un abrazo,
Josep

Waylim (10645) 2009-10-28 10:40

Ricardo,
I can't wait to see this for myelf in just a 3 weeks away. It looks cold, I hope I will survive it, being from Laos and all.
Fantastic shot.
Way

npecanhuk (12919) 2009-10-28 10:44

Olá Ricardo!
Foto magnífica e nela não apenas as formações montanhosas são o espetáculo natural, mas também as formações das nuvens são um show à parte!
Parabéns, abraços e até logo!
Neyvan

bakes888 (18045) 2009-11-01 0:07

Hi Ricardo.
Wow, spectacular sky! And spectacular mountains! Well captured, nice use of the WA lens to emphasise the sky. Good colours and clarity also. Thanks for sharing.
Have a good Sunday, Paul.
PS Thanks or the two great WS photos.