Excellent images of a stunningly beautiful house of worship. Thank you for sharing!
BigDogGuy wrote:
I am a hobbyist photographer and will be driving to Minot, North Dakota in May. I am considering taking a route into northern MN visiting either the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary, the North American Bear Center or the International Wolf Center. I may have time for two but not all three. Any comments from those familiar with any of the sites is appreciated. A fellow hobbyist thought that any photographing at the wolf center is through glass. Any suggestions for ND is appreciated as well.
BDG:
I have been to the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary several times - twice on a photography workshop (ground level) and a few more times during the regular business hours (observation deck). Spring time offers great views of sows and their cubs, while late summer visits usually have more bears to see. Great photo opportunities present themselves from both the ground and observation deck.
There are VSWS volunteers on the deck that are very willing to share information on the bears as well as the sanctuary. As you most likely read, this isn't a zoo or fenced in area, just an area with a high concentration of black bears which the sanctuary offers supplemental food resources.
It is a great experience IMHO. I have visited with my kids, grandkids, other family members and friends. Everyone leaves VSWS highly impressed. It's a 7+ hour drive from where I live, but worth the side trip if our travels take us anywhere near the sanctuary.
I'm including a link to some images I've taken the last few years, for your viewing. Enjoy your time there, if you go! -Mike
https://mchoudoir.smugmug.com/Black-Bears/
I mean, I can't stand it when someone starts out a sentence with the words "I mean." I mean, it's just ridiculous.
A gentleman walked into a home improvement store near me and headed to the hardware department. He approached the hardware department manager, a middle aged man, and told him he was looking for a piano hinge. The manager told him to go to the local music store. My 16 year old son who was working part-time in the same department guided the gentleman to the proper aisle. The gentleman thanked my son and told him to apply for the hardware dept. manager's position.
Thank you for your suggestions Allen1218!
Allen1218 wrote:
The times we used to vacation in Jasper, AB, we always stayed at The Bungalows at Patricia Lake. Great place to stay and great for evening and early morning photos on the lake. We also loved Jasper for it's laid back coziness compared to Banff. To me, the southbound drive on the Icefields Parkway is more dramatic especially if you're making the trip in mid-September (the crowds and traffic are mostly gone and you can really enjoy yourself). Suggestion: Set up a dashcam and record the drive! I wish I had. The trip will definitely be a "bucket list" experience for you.
The times we used to vacation in Jasper, AB, we al... (
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Thanks Pedro! I am an early riser and love the sunrises. I am familiar with the Alpine Glow of which you speak. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience!
Pedro2156 wrote:
We visited the area last August/September time from The UK last year, of all the fabulous places we visited and photographed, one of the best was Pyramid Lake just 10 minutes drive from Jasper. If you are an early bird, I would strongly recommend a visit there for dawn. Stand between the two jettys with a widish lens, the so called "Alpine Glow" (For us) was tremendous on the tops of the peaks across the lake. If you can include some of the colourful boats in your composition also, thats great. Wherever you end up going and wherever you visit, there are fantastic photo opportunities most places.
We visited the area last August/September time fro... (
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Thank you bobbilink! That has been one of my biggest frustrations - busloads of disrespectful, rude, loud, inconsiderate, rule-breaking, foreign tourists in the Grand Teton/Yellowstone Parks. Visiting Alberta, Canada, I guess I would be considered a 'foreigner' but I do mind my manners and have respect for my fellow photogs and visitors. That's why I lean toward the September / October time frame, fewer buses and a little less frustration. Thanks for your insight.
bobbilink wrote:
We were there last summer in the height of tourist season. Buses full of foreign tourists. No place to park at any of the special sites. It may be better if you go in September or October. Forest fires really diminished our view of Icefields. All and all not our best trip. Wish you luck.
Thanks for the additional recommendations DougS!
DougS wrote:
Banff and Jasper National Parks are not the only ones in that area. There are the contiguous national parks of Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho, as well as Mount Robson, Mount Assiniboine and Hamber provincial parks. I really liked Kootenay's Marble Canyon. And then there is Muncho Lake, and...
Thanks for your input stepha11!
stepha11 wrote:
Jasper has more scenic views than Banff. Where ever you go, there are pictures to take. It's well worth the time to go all the way from the southern end to the north ( but take your time No need to rush.) Have fun or should I say "enjoy"! Personally I think it's the most beautiful park anywhere for varied scenery.
Thanks for taking the time to respond jgunkler!
jgunkler wrote:
Take your time on the Icefields Parkway. Around every bend is a new stunning view. Spend very little time in the town of Banff. Visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Use Jasper as a home base for most of your walks/hikes.
You have shared a lot of great images, Fayle! I especially like your 'reflection' photos. Thanks!
Fayle wrote:
As others have mentioned, the photo guides by Darw... (
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Thanks gvarner. Any particular hotels/motels you would recommend?
gvarner wrote:
We stayed in Invermere and did auto tours from there (we're old). Several routes available for our day trips. Much cheaper than staying in Banff.
Thanks Blaster, Glacier is definitely on my 'to see' list!
Blaster34 wrote:
My recommendation; drive to Glacier NP and then up through Calgary and then Banff & Jasper. Lots of photo opportunities starting in Glacier, one of America's best kept NP secrets.
Thanks Assir. I was a little concerned about the time of year I chose. I've been visiting Grand Teton National Park USA the last 3 - 4 years during the same time period, and it's always different - sometimes the best autumn weather ever, and like last year, quite chilly, rainy, and snowy. I guess it's a trade off - people/mosquitoes/potentially hot weather vs fall colors/snow capped mountains/smaller crowds. I will definitely heed your advice!
assir wrote:
Hi,
I am native to Alberta and I am shooting in the Canadian Rockies for years. This place is so spectacular that for the firs time it is not really important were you are in the Parks. Also time you selected is not the best. You will definitely will need warm closes. and weather could be quite nasty with rain, winds, and quite possible snow in higher altitudes. I believe July and first part of August is better. The temperature warmer, days are long and you will get a lot of time with the "blue hours". In October your daylight much shorter. I did number of shooting in October last year and had to look up suitable weather and lighting. Few years back I was there with my friend from US in early August and we were snowed on at the Columbia Ice Fields.
Good luck
Assir.
Hi, br I am native to Alberta and I am shooting in... (
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