For me to leave Alaska in the summer for a chunk of time is rare. I did so in July, in part, to serve as photography guiding staff on a voyage in Svalbard. On this wonderful trip I accrued a few very notable nature encounters. One in particular ranks up there in what I have come to call “natural sanctuaries”, places that stand out with a degree of immensity in collective beauty, wildlife, emotion and scenery.
The Norwegian name of the place is Alkefjellet, which roughly means bird mountain. They are ocean side dolerite towers reaching 100 meters high, home to thousands and thousands of nesting Brunnich’s guillemots and kittiwakes. The experience of drifting along these sheer rock faces in an inflatable boat, immersed in sight and sound is nearly lost in attempt to convey it words. It was an immersion. A rare place on the planet. A place I will never forget. Below are a few images of a place difficult to convey in its immensity, but my humble attempt at doing so.
Guillemots and kittiwakes along the face of Alkefjellet, "bird mountain" Svalbard. Canon 1D Mark IV, 500mm f/4L 1/640 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 200
Guillemots and kittiwakes along the face of Alkefjellet, "bird mountain" Svalbard. Canon 1D Mark IV, 500mm f/4L 1/000 sec @ f/8, ISO 100
Guillemots and kittiwakes along the face of Alkefjellet, "bird mountain" Svalbard. Canon 5D Mark II, 100-400mm f/5.6L IS, 1/1250 sec @ f/5.0, ISO 200
Skiffing along the cliffs of Alkefjellet, "bird mountain" Svalbard. Canon 5D Mark II, 100-400mm f/5.6L, 1/500 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 800
The last picture is the most successful in relating the experience of Alkefjellet, IMHO. The people in the boats show the scale of the rocks as well as provide colorful contrast to the muted colors of the rocks and birds. And, the photo clearly shows how the birds array themselves on the rocks. I really like this! I also like the next to last picture which is almost graphic or stylized in appearance – very striking, in that regard. Thanks, Patrick.
Wow, Patrick. Glad I met you at Tom and Cree’s that night. Your photos are really incredible. Good on you.
Lannie,
Thank you! I was impressed at your stealthy departure since I was sleeping there on the floor, you did not make a peep, or I certainly did not hear a thing. Fun to meet you and hear the stories of the old days in the wilderness.
Vivian, the sense of scale is certainly missing in the others. Having been there myself, I know the scale and carry my feelings into the image. The people are a big bonus, I agree.
Patrick
The first photo is definitely my favorite! Although I appreciate the sense of scale the people in the fourth picture give, I prefer the mystery and atmosphere of the first shot. The colors and foggy background of the scene make it look as unreal as the place you described.
Inge, I think it has the most mysterious feel and dramatic lighting, pretty impressive feeling being at its base looking up and listening.
Alkefjellet means literally Razorbill Mountain. Nice pictures!
Thanks for the clarification.