Mount Assiniboine is definitely one of my favourite destinations. I have visited here in every season and this is the best image I have been able to capture. Each season has its unique ambiance. My first time to Mount Assiniboine was in the winter. The snow is very deep and provides some of the best backcountry skiing in the world, regardless of one's level of expertise. However, it doesn't stop there. Barb and Sepp Renner run the Assiniboine Lodge and they are certainly, without a doubt, some of the most hospitable people you will ever meet. Their daughter, Sarah Renner, is currently a member of Canada's Olympic cross-country ski team. I called Sepp one day in July 2001 and asked him if the Indian paintbrushes were in bloom. He told me they were at the height of their season and would not last another two weeks. Three days later, I dropped everything and flew out to the Lodge by helicopter.
I must say that it was one of my most successful photographic trips. I came away with three images, which are known as the Assiniboine Collection. This image was taken at 6:00 a.m. and is one of 400 shots I took over six days-of which only two days were weather permitting! I took this image on a cliffside that provided a great overlook. I wanted Mount Assiniboine to be seen in its setting of mountains which is a semi-circle. Lake Magog was at a lower than usual water level which helps to enhance the semi-circular motion I was trying to capture. The metallic paper really brings out the many shades of green and glimmers of the water.
Mike Montana
