Calgary Must shoot locations

[scorpio_e]

Ok Friends.. Going to Calgary and the mountains. Must shoot locations :)

[Iguanasan]

I know there are a couple on the forum that can answer that question but I'm not one of them, sorry. Fingers crossed someone else sees it. When are you going?

[scorpio_e]

Hi Iguanasan

Thanks for the reply. Arriving Aug 20th for a week. Originally I was looking at Zion National Park but the desert in the summer is a bad idea *LOL*

[mbrager]

I've been travelling in New Zealand, and I've kept up with the forum for the most part. I saw this post and thought I should respond. l live, work and play in Calgary. But there were two parts to my thoughts. First I thought about what it's been like to be in a foreign country and try to capture what I'm experiencing. A lot of my decisions about where to be on any given day were based on trying to put myself where there would be a greater chance to capture some nice street photos, landscapes, even portraits. I did a lot of research beforehand, and had several contacts in the country (not photographers mind you) for advice. In the end two things seemed to influence the outcomes more than anything else. One is luck, making a choice (or take a risk) by instinct and hoping it will be a good choice photography wise. Even though I knew where the good scenery is (it's everywhere in New Zealand), there are always so many angles to choose, different sites and locations. It helps to be prepared for almost anything, equipment wise. It helps to plan to be at the location when the light could be better, like at sunrise or sunset, but that isn't always possible. The other thing is the weather (related partly to luck of course). It makes a difference if it is overcast, or sunny, or snowing, or raining, especially shooting outdoors. Again, I tried to be prepared to use what was available and make the best of what was there. Being flexible also helps, so that if one thing doesn't work out, changing is possible. I bet most of my recommendations will be familiar to you anyway, and for the most part, you will wind up guessing as to where exactly you wind up on any given day.
As I'm writing this, I remembered that Marko did a photo trip to Europe a while ago. I'd be interested in his thoughts about photography while travelling. Or did I miss that podcast?
As far as Calgary area goes, Calgary in August can be quite hot. Most of the snow on the mountains should be gone. If you've never been out this way, Banff and Lake Louise are no-brainers, and you will find lots of places to shoot as soon as you step out of your car. The glacier above Lake Louise is a relatively short but steep hike, and there are lots of hikes in the area you should be able to find with no problem. For a bit less crowded mountain area, try hikes in Kananaskis Country, more or less to the south of Banff Park. If you have time you can go farther up to the Columbia Ice Fields in Jasper National Park. The other area that is always interesting is Drumheller, around the Badlands in Dinosaur Provincial Park (actually a bit south and east of Drumheller).
Calgary itself is a pretty city with lots of parks and green spaces, and the downtown area is a high rise spectacle if you like that sort of thing. I'm guessing that the city itself won't interest you as much as the mountains.
Closer to the date, if you PM me, I can let you know if I might be able to meet up with you somehow.

[scorpio_e]

Thanks for the input !!!!! We are staying in Banff Park or relatively close to it :) There is an abandoned mining town nearby ? Is that worth a visit?

[Marko]

Thanks for the input !!!!! We are staying in Banff Park or relatively close to it :) There is an abandoned mining town nearby ? Is that worth a visit?

YES!!! Go. Way cool.

[casil403]

The abandoned mining town is called Bankhead....google it for ideas. I don't think there's a whole lot remaining there but have a look regardless. Take a ride up the Norquay switchback ski hill road and find a place the locals call "The Bald Spot" its a great place to shoot the town from high up.
Other than that there's the iconic shots; Vermillion lakes and Mt Rundle, Mt. Rundle from 2 Jack lake, Cascade Ponds. All are great at sunrise, sunset and offer amazing reflecions. Also I'd suggest getting to the old hotsprings site Cave and Basin. The cemetary is also pretty cool with tons of neat old gravestones. Behind the Whyte museum are some really old original pioneer cabins worth a looksee for a shot or 2 they are behind the museum looking towards the Bow River.

As I think of more, I'll add.
Btw, Darwin has a great ebook if you're also looking for ideas:
oopoomoo : create, inspire, educate » How to Photograph the Canadian Rockies Collection (http://www.oopoomoo.com/eguide/how-to-photograph-the-canadian-rockies/)
http://www.oopoomoo.com/eguide/banff-national-park/