Alan and Madelaine Ernst are the owners of Aurum Lodge where the Winter Mountain Magic Photography Tour was held in January. Alan wrote a little message along with the images that he sent for the posting:
Madeleine and I are blessed to live and work in one of the lesser known but exceptionally scenic regions of the Canadian Rockies. Grand vistas, iconic locations, majestic sunrises are what most photographers seek out when they come to the area, however, I have found that over time it is the beauty and variety of smaller things, landscape details, rocks, trees and flowers, textures, patterns, shadows and the warm light of winter which really speak to me.
I love nature, the great outdoors and hiking, so years ago when micro four thirds cameras were introduced, I switched to this mirrorless format for its convenient size and weight. It has its limitations in resolution, low light capabilities and dynamic range, but I appreciate the convenience and portability it offers. Images were taken with Lumix GM1/GF7 cameras and the following lenses 15mm f1.7, 12-32mm f3.5-5.6, 35-100mm f4-5.6, 100-300mm f4-5.6 (bird – Pine Grosbeak).

Bubble Party, ©Alan W. Ernst

Colours of Winter, ©Alan W. Ernst

Fir Frame Frozen, ©Alan W. Ernst

Pure Energy Ice Fall, ©Alan W. Ernst

Eye of the Ice Dragon, ©Alan W. Ernst

Frozen Curtain, ©Alan W. Ernst

Pastels of Winter, ©Alan W. Ernst

Spruce Pageant, ©Alan W. Ernst

Remnants of Summer, ©Alan W. Ernst

Pine Grosbeak, ©Alan W. Ernst

Winter Light, ©Alan W. Ernst

Sunset on Abraham Lake, ©Alan W. Ernst