18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest The American Experience
Lake McDonald at Dusk

Lake McDonald is an iconic location in the American National Park of Glacier in Montana. It is beautiful because of the ultra-pure and clear water, the famous colored pebbles and the surrounding mountain peaks. I was personally drawn to how this view changes over time: the lake looks different if it is a clear and sunny day, or a cloudy /overcast day. Its surface can be a smooth reflecting mirror or it can be furious waves and white caps on a windy day. I love this changing and dynamic nature that gives this lake a true personality and character. For this reason, my capture is a long exposure that emphasizes the changing environment with here in particular the movement of the clouds. The peaks remain constant and sharp as if not affected by time. The blue hour gives a cool tone that matches the water temperature.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2020
Date Uploaded: 07.2020
Photo Location: None, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Copyright: © Olivier Catherine