Jim Salge Photography Blog

Morning at Greenleaf Hut…

admin — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 15:34:01 +0000

While planning for my hike to Mount Lafayette last week, I was pleased to discover we have reached an arbitrary milestone in the progression of the seasons. The sun now rises after 6AM, which makes getting to locations for sunrise so much easier than in June, when the sun would rise before 5AM in the mountains. It’s the first time that the sun rose after 6AM since April, and is a sure sign that alpine autumn is right around the corner.

Armed with this information, I knew that I could sleep until atleast 4:30 at Greenleaf Hut, and still make it up to the summit for first light. Knowing that I could, comparatively to summer, sleep in made for a much more enjoyable night with friends, new and olde at the back country camp!

Sneaking out of an AMC hut is a bit science, a bit art, and still not the least silent. The hut is creaky, and through hikers sleep in the main dining area right next to the door. Outside thought, the world was silent, the wind had died overnight as Orion rose over the silhouette of the mountain I had to finish climbing. One false summit had me doubting myself in the race with the sun, but I arrived as an orange predawn glow was back-lighting Mount Washington to the east.

Predawn Glow Behind Mount Washington

As the sun rose, the ridge line to the south acted as a division of color between the warmth of the sunlight and the cool blues in the shadow. To the north fog filled the valleys…though none filled the Pemigewasset Wilderness spread out before me as I had hoped. Reason to return, but not to tarnish the moments of spectacular beauty as I watched the shadows retreat in the valleys.

Alpenglow on the Franconia Ridge, Looking South

Back at the hut for breakfast, I was greeted by eager hikers and hearty smells, and went back to work in the kitchen while the guests ate. I could continue on and on about how much I always enjoy my experience in the huts with the croo, but a last morning shot, through the coffee steam, should replace the words. A fantastic morning!

Godrays in Greenleaf

Assignments and Opportunity

admin — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 23:03:12 +0000

This past winter, I had the opportunity to shoot an assignment for the Mount Washington Observatory, a place very dear to me. It was here that I worked for years as a meteorologist and observer, and a place that fostered my love of photography. The shot list was long, basically updating the image archive, and the weather…perfect. Undercast skies, light winds were followed by dramatic changes in the weather overnight and for the hike down.

A visit to the Observatory earlier this week showed me an interesting use for a few of those photographs. These now wrap the observatory subarus, vehicles that help to spread the educational missions of the organization! They look pretty cool!

Meteorologist Stacey Kawecki Takes A Humidity Reading

Mount Washington Observatory Subaru #1

Observatory Intern Drew Hill Scans Undercast Horizons

Mount Washington Observatory Subaru #2

Any chance to shoot the White Mountains in winter is a cherished opportunity for me, and it looks as though I’ll get to share it this winter with other photographers. I will be leading a workshop through the observatory during an overnight educational trip in March next year. Leading workshops has been a midterm goal for me as I continue to grow professionally, and to do so in support of the non-profit weather outpost is a great fit.

The exact schedule and curriculum is not yet set in stone…but I will likely cover exposure and light, composition, filters and special considerations for cold weather photography. Perhaps you’ll join me…details to come…

Observatory EduTrip - This Could Be You

Balloons in Better Light…

admin — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:04:15 +0000

No low clouds blocked the sun this morning at the Pittsfield Balloon Festival, and the flights were fantastic and photogenic. A slight easterly wind was blowing across the pond, which, combined with a westerly wind a few hundred feet up made for perfect conditions for ‘dipping’, in which the balloon pilots attempt to skim the water with their baskets.

Trying for a different perspective this morning, I set out before dawn in my kayak. It provided many challenges, but also fantastic perspectives, as the baskets dipped right by my boat. Also interesting about being in the kayak, I was the subject of many photographs as I scouted the scene in the mist at sunrise…fun!

A few shots from the morning…

Dawn on the Suncook River

First Launch

Flying Low

First Dip

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