Field of Fireweed, Coast Mountains, Juneau – Image 2688

I have been watching this field of fireweed for years. The field is right by the pond next to Temsco at the airport. Twenty years ago this area barely had any fireweed. I can see this view from Egan Highway. The only problem is that as soon as I get out of the car and off the road, I lose aerial perspective that shows the mountains. The mountains disappear from the frame. The mountains help make this photo. For years I wondered how to keep them in the frame. Last summer (2009) I figured it out. I got my 13 foot ladder and put it up on the other side of Egan. From the top rung, I was able to shoot over the cars, keep the mountains, and compress the view by using a longer lens. It took me years to figure out the solution, and I am not sure why. But, I am really happy with results. The photo was shot in mid-July between 5-6am. The cross backlighting works to separate the different layers of trees and flowers. This photo illustrates the month of August in my Juneau Alaska 2011 calendar. Enjoy the photo and thanks for visiting. Camera body: Nikon D700, Lens: Nikkor 70-200mm, ISO 200, tripod, polarized© Mark Kelley