Perhaps the greatest challenge for a photographer travelling in a mountain environment is carrying heavy equipment. Mount Blanc is easily accessible in comparison with other mountain ranges as it is served by a good number of cable cars going as high as 3800 meters. 

Nevertheless, even a short distance travel with a rucksack  is difficult. 

We carried two SLRD cameras, tripod on some journeys, filters, plus all the other bits and pieces that make up the system. Adding to this, mountain clothes, boots, safety equipment and more.

A HEAVY RUCKSACK carried by two photographers.

Mont Blanc is surrounded by Glaciers. These Glaciers are a few km away.

Other images will reveal the dramatic crevasses

Photographed at 12000 feet. The greatest challenge is composition and exposure. Very strong light with white reflective ice all around.

How does one anchor the image? In other words, how to have a THEME, SIMPLIFY  and EMPHASISE it - I think we managed.

Blue Light

In mountain scenes, excessive ultra violet light can be a problem but occasionally it can work in favour of the photographer. A polarizer filter is a must. Not only reduces blue light but it can deepen the blue sky and eliminate most reflections. Sometimes you do not want reflections to be removed so you don't use the filter then.

A good polarizer filter is expensive but it is worth it even if you do not have any other filter - this one is a must.

All the images here were taken with a polarizer on the lens.

The Land of Glaciers and Ice

The Alps from 3000 meters upwards are always covered in snow and ice. Some of the glaciers are retreating but a few are close to the valley floor that stands at 1000 meters.

These places are very dangerous because of their instability and the numerous crevasses but they are beautiful and interesting to photograph.

Exposure -  it's perhaps the most important and demanding aspects of photography.

 In situations like the above where the contrast is high with strong highlights, it is very easy to let the camera do all the work in finding an exposure resulting on returning home in great disappointment.

One of the tutorials explains the reason why the photographer needs to be in control of the exposure - especially in situations of high contrast.

Most of the above images were exposed  with an extra (2 - 2 1/2  stops more) of the reading the camera recommended.

The next images also illustrate this well. If the camera exposure was taken without adjustments, the snow would end up grey and detail on the rocks would have been lost.

Exposure - 2. 1/2 stops more

Exposure - One stop more

(Camera pointing to the three walkers)

At nearly 5000 meters any exercise is hard work because of the thin air .

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