Garden of the Gods - A Stormy Day

I visited the Garden of the Gods today for some hiking and photography. It was a windy, cold, stormy day, but I think I got a few keepers. I was going to stay until sunset, but it started snowing pretty hard, so I left before then.

If any of you have a chance to visit Garden of the Gods, I REALLY recommend you do, AND BRING A CAMERA. It is a great area for photography and there are many great trails in the area. Even when the weather turns for the worst, there are still great things to photograph.

All landscapes were taken with either the SMC Takumar 55mm F1.8 or the Super Takumar 28mm F3.5. The deer photos were taken with my Tele-Takumar 200mm F5.6 Preset. I also used a tripod for the first time with these photos. I've heard that using a tripod for landscapes is the way to go, and after today, I think they are right. For those interested, it is a Vanguard Alta Pro 263AT. My new (to me) K20D had the honors of shooting for today as it was snowing/raining and I didn't want to use my Kx. I'm REALLY starting to like the K20D.

Well enough talk, here are the photos.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/55229792@N03/7​082644019/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/55229792@N03/6​936568608/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/55229792@N03/7​082642457/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/55229792@N03/6​936570018/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/55229792@N03/6​936572100/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/55229792@N03/6​936573086/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/55229792@N03/6​936573488/

Awesome shots! I was at the Garden about a month ago. I could spend DAYS shooting there. How awesome for those who live nearby!! My favorite shot might be the 2nd deer pic because of the nice lighting.

It is a special place. Actually I've found that the best time is when the weather is the worst, it keeps the crowds down to a manageable level.

I have familiy that lives just minutes away, and have been there many times over the past few months. Unfortunately because of their health situation, I've not been able to take the time to enjoy it.

Here's a link to some I did get from a trip in Feb (sounds like it was similar conditions, cold, windy, no snow though).

http://www.flickr.com …t/sets/72157629​394087459/

Nice set

Thanks everyone. It was a little hard shooting good photos since the light was so flat. A few breaks in the cloud layer made for a couple of decent seconds as in the first image.

It is definitely a place to visit often, some very weird formations and some great trails.