HIGH ALTITUDE CAPTURES
While vacationing in Big Bear, California last week, we decided to ride the ski lift to the top of the Snow Summit Ski Resort. It was an incredible, incredible ride to the top. Once there, it seemed natural to hike around and begin capturing some of the scenery to share with you.
Big bear Lake as seen from the summit, 8200 feet above sea level. The inlet at the very top of the lake was the setting for my night shots of the moon and my encounter with two bats! Click here to read that adventure.
At this elevation, I didn’t know exactly what I would find. To my surprise, I discovered beautiful wildflowers and various insects who apparently could survive without additional oxygen in the thin mountain air (at least, I didn’t see any tiny oxygen tanks on their backs). Pictured below is a wild hornet enjoying a tasty pollen snack.
This was an absolutely gorgeous wildflower with vibrant color. The bee in this shot was so busy he didn’t even notice me as he gathered his pollen to return to the hive.
This black wasp didn’t seem to stay in one place long enough for any sampling of the sweet nectar readily available. He was by far the most difficult to photograph. He was camera-shy, I guess.
I must confess – the flower below was not at the summit with the earlier shots. I discovered this beauty while walking in the shopping village at Big Bear. I just couldn’t “bear” to leave it out.
Thanks for stopping by. I’ll see you tomorrow.
I like the detailed images but I really love that overhead view you started with! Great job.
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themichaellamcollection said this on August 3, 2010 at 11:11 am
Sounds and looks like you guys are really enjoying your vacation. Beautiful shots.
Heather
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Heather said this on August 3, 2010 at 11:37 am
Great from the summit. I loved the way you framed the scene with the tree branches.
Bob
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bobzeller said this on August 3, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Your shots are amazing. I’ve found the red and yellow daisy along the southern NC coasts but have yet to identify the species. Do you know what it is? See it here: http://donwhittenphotos.wordpress.com/2010/08/03/fort-fisher-beach-daisy/
Don
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donwhitten said this on August 3, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Beautiful, as always. 😉
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Cynthia said this on August 4, 2010 at 7:52 am
Excellent shots.
I really like the first one and that wasp looks scary. lol
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Artswebshow said this on August 4, 2010 at 8:11 am
Love the flower and insect shots – nice work!
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Journey Photographic said this on August 4, 2010 at 8:24 am
Thanks for all the great comments! We did have a great time in Big Bear. I have a few more posts covering my photographic journey from last week with the family. I hope you’ll stop by later today and all this week to see them.
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photographyfree4all said this on August 4, 2010 at 8:29 am
Nice job on the flowers and insects. They can be quite the challenge. Nice framing.
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Andrew said this on August 4, 2010 at 8:45 am
Thanks for the nice compliment, Andrew! I’m still learning, but appreciate the encouragement.
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photographyfree4all said this on August 4, 2010 at 8:54 am
Really nice saturation of colors.
Warning: bug-stalking can become addictive. Then again, there are worse things….
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bloomgal7 said this on August 4, 2010 at 9:37 am
Thanks bloomgal7. I’m finding out it all becomes addictive! But, I have to agree about the bugs – they always capture my attention.
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photographyfree4all said this on August 4, 2010 at 9:42 am
From the perspective of a non-photographer… these are great, I love the bee and flower.
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Walker said this on August 4, 2010 at 11:25 am
The image with the bee is just stunning! Looks like an absolutely lovely place to visit.
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Facing The Lens said this on August 4, 2010 at 11:26 am
Thanks for your comment, Walker. I’m not sure I’m a photographer – but, I hope to be one someday.
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photographyfree4all said this on August 4, 2010 at 11:36 am
Thanks for the compliment, Facing the Lens. It’s a pretty awesome place to spend a week with the family!
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photographyfree4all said this on August 4, 2010 at 11:38 am
I love your photography, it’s spectacular 😀
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axoloti said this on August 4, 2010 at 11:42 pm
Thanks for your nice comment, Axoloti. Those shots were fun to capture.
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photographyfree4all said this on August 5, 2010 at 6:22 am
nice shoot…
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Dedot said this on August 6, 2010 at 10:12 am
[…] here to see), riding the ski lift to the Snow Summit Resort to shoot wildflowers and insects (click here to see), boating on the lake in order to photograph the beautiful lake-side homes (click here to […]
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BIG BEAR LAKE IN MY REARVIEW MIRROR « Photographyfree4all's Blog said this on August 6, 2010 at 2:06 pm
I love the pine frame of the lake and your very close bugs and bees are so well shot, nice!
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Ellen said this on August 8, 2010 at 7:01 pm
Your photography is breathtaking.
I have really enjoyed my visit
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~*~Patty said this on August 10, 2010 at 2:58 pm
It’s always nice to have such kind words expressed. Thanks for your comment, Patty. I’m glad you stopped by. I hope you’ll come back soon.
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photographyfree4all said this on August 10, 2010 at 7:00 pm
[…] VIEW FROM THE TOP In my post from the summit of Big Bear Mountain a few weeks ago, I failed to include this magnificent shot. […]
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A VIEW FROM THE TOP « Photographyfree4all's Blog said this on September 6, 2010 at 11:09 am