One of the coldest shots I have ever taken. Looking across frozen prayer flags to the 'Dried Lake' (5297m/17319 ft) and beyond towards Changtse (7553m/24780 ft) in Tibet. You can see the Khumbu Icefall making its way down to the right of the photo with Everest just off frame to the right. The photo was taken from the pre- dawn summit of Kala Pattar (5545m/18192ft) after climbing up with headtorch. I had spent a week over 5000m or 16400 ft at this stage. You have half the oxygen at 5000m as you do at sea level and it starts to take its toll on your body.
Its a long exposure I took on Fuji Velvia slide film. I have left the characteristic purple cast that was a trait of Velvia when you did a long exposure during blue hour. I am sure anyone who shot with it will remember the colour cast on anything over about 20 seconds. It reminds me of a quieter era of photography when sharing photos socially involved a few quiet drinks and a slide night!
Rob Downie
Love Life, Love Photography
All images in this post were taken by and remain the Copyright of Robert Downie - http://www.robertdowniephotography.com
