Visit Banff, Jasper and Yoho NPs in early September

[diversey]

I have visited Banff/Jasper/Yoho NPs twice before with digital cameras (no film camera) and I will visit those places again early this September with a large format camera:).

Questions:
1. Can I see color leaves (fall foliage) in early September? My search told me it might be able too.
2. Which large format camera, 4x5 (Tachihara), 5x7 (Deardorff), 8x10 (Deardorff)? I think 11x14 is out of the question for hiking.
3. Which lenses should I bring, 75mm, 90mm, 150mm and 210mm for 4x5?
4. Black/white or color, or both?
5. What was your experience of shooting large format when you visited those areas?
6. Are there a lot of bears those days in these parks? What lens should I use to get a good photo of bears:)?
6. I like to hear your stories with your large format gears when you visited those parks.

Thank you in advance!
David

[Ray Van Nes]

Hello David. Many questions. I live in Calgary and have covered these mountains in one form or another since the early 70's.

1. You will see yellow leaves around this time but most of the deciduous trees are in the front ranges and foothills. Kananaskis Country which is as big a Banff is where you will find these. The majority of the trees in the national parks are coniferous so no yellow with the exception of the larch trees which live around 6000 ft. The optimal time for them is mid to late September.

2. Which camera depends on your fitness level because some of the best views are up. The parks have broad valleys so which are not all that exciting. So I would recommend the 4x5 as you will be able to go more places. I have on occasion hauled a 5 x7 Dearforff up the Iceline trail in Yoho.

3. Longer lenses in my opinion as many things are at a distance. Remember those broad valleys? In an around Lake Louise you may be able to use shorter lenses.

4. I only do black and white so I am biased. The main colour is yellow beside gray and green.

5. Not certain what you are looking for here. Avoid where tourist hang out as they are just annoying and get in the way. Especially avoid the lakeshore in front of the Chateau Lake Louise - crowd scenes all the time. The top of Mt. St. Pirans , much less crowded although the last time I was up there I bumped to Hans Berkhout trying out his new Chamonix. Such view points are wonderful but wind can be an issue.

6. There bears, but one rarely sees them. The parks generally frown on fraternization with the bears. Also avoid male elk at this time as it is rutting season and they have a temper.

Cheers
Ray

[diversey]

Hi, Ray: Thank you so much for your valuable information. I think the 4x5 camera is better too and I can carry it easily. The longest lens for 4x5 I have is Fujinon-T 400mm and very heavy, I might carry a 300mm/F8 Congo lens. I plan to shoot BW films and will bring a box of color film too. David

[Ray Van Nes]

Hello David. I would still bring the 400mm. It is not that heavy. I have hauled mine up a number of places and it would be great when shooting from the road.
Regards
Ray

[diversey]

Ray: Thanks! I will. David

[thesilverfox]

Ever though of visiting Waterton Lakes National Park? When you are in the Southern Alberta area, let me know. I can make it to Southern Kananaskis fairly easily. I live in Lethbridge.

[Two23]

I've just returned from a trip there, and have been up a couple of times before. Some thoughts.

Some of the leaves I saw around Jasper were just so slightly beginning to turn already as of 8/20. Based on that I would guess peak would be 2-3 weeks away.

Camera gear. Unless you are in shape for hiking at 7,000 to 9,000 ft., My experience is lighter is better. If using LF I would take my Chamonix 045n. It was very windy on my Glacier NP to Edmonton AB route on some days, and I think that could create problems for larger cameras. Lenses: of your list, 75/150/210. I only shoot b&w film any more, and that worked well on some days. The only film camera I brought was a 1937 Voigtlander Bessa 6x9, and I got some nice moody shots of Waterton Lake with it. (wind blowing so hard I had to lay on the ground to shoot.) For fall, I would also want color film and a POLARIZER. I would rather forget a lens than forget a polarizer there. There are bears but like Ray suggests, they aren't behind every tree waiting to ambush you. Wife & I did carry bear spray on trails that didn't have a lot of traffic but never saw a bear, not even tracks. Park officials do encourage you travel in groups of four, and in some places (Banff) that seemed to be enforced somewhat. I would bring some spray (and read the instructions before you see a bear, LOL.) There's also been a wolf pack that was creating trouble earlier (even more rare.) I was up there for over two weeks and didn't see a single LF photographer. I came across two other guys shooting film; one a Leica shooter on a hike, and another had a 4x4 TLR (Premo Jr., 127 film!) All in all we enjoyed the waterfalls, glaciers, mountain views the most. I brought a macro lens for my Nikon and discovered a love for photo'ing fungus and lichen/moss. There is something for everyone there. Final advice on camera gear: pack light as less is more. I always have a small survival kit on backwoods hikes--Swiss Army knife, lighter, small drinking water filter, whistle, compass, small tarp & cord. Bring clothing along with you for any likely conditions, good boots and socks are a key. As you would anywhere, pay close attention to weather reports, check several times a day, and keep an eye on the sky and wind direction while you are out.


Kent in SD

[blue4130]

This thread is timely, My wife and I are having our honeymoon there from Sept 29 for a couple weeks. She has agreed to let me take the 4x5 and even spring for a box of velvia to go with the B&W. I'll be taking a nagaoka, 150 xenar, Rodenstock 210 5.6 and a Nikon 300 f9.

[redrockcoulee]

When in the Banff towns it drop in the Sax and Willox gallery, Tom Willox is a large format photographer who primarily shot in Waterton and Banff.

If you are looking for a change from landscapes stop at Bankhead which is in the eastern portion of Banff NP for concrete ruins of a mining town

[diversey]

Thanks! Did not plan to go to Waterton, maybe in future:).


Ever though of visiting Waterton Lakes National Park? When you are in the Southern Alberta area, let me know. I can make it to Southern Kananaskis fairly easily. I live in Lethbridge.

[diversey]

Will bring some color films. Wind is our LF enemy. Thanks!

I've just returned from a trip there, and have been up a couple of times before. Some thoughts.

Some of the leaves I saw around Jasper were just so slightly beginning to turn already as of 8/20. Based on that I would guess peak would be 2-3 weeks away.

Camera gear. Unless you are in shape for hiking at 7,000 to 9,000 ft., My experience is lighter is better. If using LF I would take my Chamonix 045n. It was very windy on my Glacier NP to Edmonton AB route on some days, and I think that could create problems for larger cameras. Lenses: of your list, 75/150/210. I only shoot b&w film any more, and that worked well on some days. The only film camera I brought was a 1937 Voigtlander Bessa 6x9, and I got some nice moody shots of Waterton Lake with it. (wind blowing so hard I had to lay on the ground to shoot.) For fall, I would also want color film and a POLARIZER. I would rather forget a lens than forget a polarizer there. There are bears but like Ray suggests, they aren't behind every tree waiting to ambush you. Wife & I did carry bear spray on trails that didn't have a lot of traffic but never saw a bear, not even tracks. Park officials do encourage you travel in groups of four, and in some places (Banff) that seemed to be enforced somewhat. I would bring some spray (and read the instructions before you see a bear, LOL.) There's also been a wolf pack that was creating trouble earlier (even more rare.) I was up there for over two weeks and didn't see a single LF photographer. I came across two other guys shooting film; one a Leica shooter on a hike, and another had a 4x4 TLR (Premo Jr., 127 film!) All in all we enjoyed the waterfalls, glaciers, mountain views the most. I brought a macro lens for my Nikon and discovered a love for photo'ing fungus and lichen/moss. There is something for everyone there. Final advice on camera gear: pack light as less is more. I always have a small survival kit on backwoods hikes--Swiss Army knife, lighter, small drinking water filter, whistle, compass, small tarp & cord. Bring clothing along with you for any likely conditions, good boots and socks are a key. As you would anywhere, pay close attention to weather reports, check several times a day, and keep an eye on the sky and wind direction while you are out.


Kent in SD

[diversey]

I will visit the gallery, it must be a good one. Thanks!


When in the Banff towns it drop in the Sax and Willox gallery, Tom Willox is a large format photographer who primarily shot in Waterton and Banff.

If you are looking for a change from landscapes stop at Bankhead which is in the eastern portion of Banff NP for concrete ruins of a mining town

[cowanw]

I have always been fond of going north to Lake Louise up Highway 1a just out side of Banff instead of the newer highway Trans Canada 1, slower, more wildlife way more pleasant.

[JMO]

David, Best of luck on your road trip! I will be heading west to at that time to Yosemite, Zion, Bryce Canyon and Canyonlands NPs - but I will look forward to speaking with you sometime about your experiences in the NPs you plan to visit as they are on my list for future trips. ....JMO

[diversey]

Yes, Highway 1A has amazing scenery and it is on our map:).


I have always been fond of going north to Lake Louise up Highway 1a just out side of Banff instead of the newer highway Trans Canada 1, slower, more wildlife way more pleasant.

[diversey]

JMO: Thanks, Best of luck on your road trip too! Looking forward to seeing your prints from those national parks and talking with about my Banff visiting experience. David


David, Best of luck on your road trip! I will be heading west to at that time to Yosemite, Zion, Bryce Canyon and Canyonlands NPs - but I will look forward to speaking with you sometime about your experiences in the NPs you plan to visit as they are on my list for future trips. ....JMO

[Greg Y]

When in the Banff towns it drop in the Sax and Willox gallery, Tom Willox is a large format photographer who primarily shot in Waterton and Banff.

If you are looking for a change from landscapes stop at Bankhead which is in the eastern portion of Banff NP for concrete ruins of a mining town

The gallery is on the 200 block of Bear Street (one off the main drag) & it's called the Willock & Sax Gallery. Also check out the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies...never know what Craig Richards may have up.

[diversey]

Visited several galleries in Banff last week.
1. Willock&Sax Gallery, it has a few black&white silver print photos, very beautiful
2. Jason Bantle Galllery, it is a nature/animal gallery, all digitals, amazing photos
3. Banff Mountain Art Gallery, it is a landscape gallery, all digitals, amazing photos
4. Whyte museum, a few photographs, most items are related to Canadian Rockies exploration, saw a large format camera in display

[diversey]

Mount Rundle, Baff, Alberta, Canada

https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJMz88RQeQE/V9gimDopUrI/AAAAAAAACao/0S0ioKAG7FIl7uweZZonlp3G8P13a37CQCLcB/s1600/img788F22N-24S4x10.jpg

[chassis]

Mount Rundle, Baff, Alberta, Canada

https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJMz88RQeQE/V9gimDopUrI/AAAAAAAACao/0S0ioKAG7FIl7uweZZonlp3G8P13a37CQCLcB/s1600/img788F22N-24S4x10.jpg

Yet another reason I want to see this part of the world. Nice image.

[andrewch59]

A very timely thread indeed and thankyou all for the wealth of information. My partner and I are going to finally get married for my sixtieth (two years away) and are going to visit Canada (bucket list item) to capture some of the amazing scenes on 4x5 using my Shen Hao. I am primarily a b&w amateur, preferring xray film to anything else, but will take some coloured film with me for places like whistler and banff. We intend doing the rail trip and hopefully be able to modifiy the itinerary to disembark and perhaps hire a car for more scenic areas.
I wonder if there is a thread available to offer conveniences for travelling large format photographers. Not for this trip but I live in Queensland Australia and would love to have more learned large format photographers visit to glean experience from. I also have a darkroom and most facilities one would require. Ultimately my dream would be to have a small group stay and use our home as a base.

[LeeSimmons]

I'm originally from Queensland myself and immigrated to Canada over 20 years ago. The first 12 years were spent in the rockies and it is truly an amazing area to capture the grand landscape. I would definitely recommend a side trip up the Icefield parkway between lake lousie and Jasper. You can stay at a hotel at the athabasca glacier and once the tour buses leave at the end of the day it is quite amazing. Also Moraine lake is not to be missed. Another excellent photographer in the area is craig richards. His books and web galleries would provide a good reference for most LF photographers.

Have fun with the planning it is an amazing location.

[cowanw]

By train, I assume you mean the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff/Canmore or Calgary or to Jasper. Rather than disembarking. you will go to the end and rent a car then to drive from Canmore to Jasper or vice versa
If you mean the regular train, do the same but it wont be as nice.
If you get to Ontario I would be happy to put you up and take you around, to Niagara Falls and such.

[andrewch59]

By train, I assume you mean the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff/Canmore or Calgary or to Jasper. Rather than disembarking. you will go to the end and rent a car then to drive from Canmore to Jasper or vice versa
If you mean the regular train, do the same but it wont be as nice.
If you get to Ontario I would be happy to put you up and take you around, to Niagara Falls and such.
I thank you for that wonderful offer, I have it in writing now (chuckle), thankyou all for the advice and destination suggestions. I think it was the train trip from Vancouver to Ontario? We have only just decided on the trip a couple of weeks ago, it is a place I always wanted to visit, indeed live at one time.
I think the -5 winters here are enough for me though, but what a trip! Will be in touch, once again thank you all for your input and I will be marking the locations on our map and seeing how we can make it work.
Kind regards Andrew

[diversey]

We visited Banff, Yoho and Jasper last September following members' suggestions in this thread. It will be free admission in all national parks in Canada this year (2017) for celebrating Canada 150 years birthday! You need have a day for hiking which will give you a wonderful experience in Canadian Rockies. We hiked in Mount Edith Cavell Trail in Jasper national park and enjoyed it very much.

Mount Edith Cavell, Jasper, Alberta, Canada (4x5, 400mm lens)
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COzUodHhIHA/V91r0heBL3I/AAAAAAAACbs/TI_JPKwWtSohXPlXcu8Wy3jFtQzDL1niwCLcB/s1600/img795corrweb.jpg

Angel Glacier, Mt. Edith Cavell, Jasper, Alberta, Canada (4x5, 400mm lens)
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FhBZhUvVS5w/V91thRHF7pI/AAAAAAAACb4/C5JOoHMFfawgXg_mGSFqav0sFKETZJsJQCLcB/s1600/img800web.jpg

Ice Field Highway, Alberta, Canada (4x5, 150mm lens)
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ddi2D7Qbwos/V91snskTmvI/AAAAAAAACbw/rV2fftdtZgIwtJ1U5dU0G9qAx21dtrmZQCLcB/s1600/img799web.jpg

[cowanw]

but you must never the less apply for and get a pass for the free admission.

[cowanw]

New rail announcement, Between the ages of 12 and 25 to travel on all routes, as much as they want for the month of July for 150 dollars. Sadly not Sept.

[andrewch59]

Diversey they are great shots. Really inspiring, they make one feel kind of small and insignificant in the big picture, thankyou for sharing.

[diversey]

Thanks for your kind comments! Long lens is really helpful as Ray has suggested.


Diversey they are great shots. Really inspiring, they make one feel kind of small and insignificant in the big picture, thankyou for sharing.

[Andrew O'Neill]

We visited Banff, Yoho and Jasper last September following members' suggestions in this thread. It will be free admission in all national parks in Canada this year (2017) for celebrating Canada 150 years birthday! You need have a day for hiking which will give you a wonderful experience in Canadian Rockies. We hiked in Mount Edith Cavell Trail in Jasper national park and enjoyed it very much.


I think you have to be a Canadian citizen to qualify for free admission.