NEW RELEASE | This small, perfectly still kettle lake reflects the wide glacial valley at Franz Josef Glacier, in Westland NZ, on the South Island.
On a crisp, cold morning, I woke early to walk up through the valley and see if there were any interesting atmospheric conditions over the Franz Josef Glacier. I soon arrived at Peter’s Pool and was greeted by this sight….albeit the day before this photograph was created. As I hurried to set up my tripod, load film and ready my camera, I became aware of the slightest breeze on my frosty cheeks. When I looked up from what I was doing with my equipment, I realised to my dismay that the small puff of breeze was enough to turn the glassy reflection into small ripples…and the shot was gone.
The weather in the area had been very stable, and the forecast was for more of the same. I surmised that if I returned the next day, setting my alarm for 10 minutes earlier, I might get another chance. Sure enough, it was like groundhog day, but in the best possible way. The weather and conditions were identical, and I was able to create this image…before the faint puff of breeze came drifting down the valley at the same precise time as the day before, and the scene was gone for another day.
