Introducing "MINUS 6" a limited edition fine art print from the Cairns Crystalbrook Bailey Featured Artist Exhibition "HONEST" held in November 2024.
It was about 9pm and I had initially just decided to climb up the lookout steps at the Tasman Glacier lookout (Aoraki / Mt Cook New Zealand) to take some test shots.
All the tourists had long gone and for good reason. The ground was frozen and the wooden steps up to the lookout were covered in thick ice and some remnant snow from snow falls a week previously.
I slipped a couple of times and nearly came a cropper. Crampons would have been useful right now…
The moon was waning gibbous, and I wanted to see if I could get a shot where the moon would illuminate the snowy mountains but not blow out the Milky Way which was in a great orientation.
At this stage it was about -4 degrees and in full winter hiking gear I made it to the top with my camera gear in about 20 minutes. The moon was getting low to the horizon behind me, and I had about 45 minutes before it was gone altogether.
With fingers poking out of the top of my gloves I started shooting and taking different length exposures and trying different compositions. I was enjoying the results and so kept shooting for about 40 minutes. The resulting image I feel captures the beautiful mountains and the Milky Way just nicely. In a way complimenting each other. The aqua colour of the lake with the mountain shadows and the different contrasting shades of blue and dark aqua really capturing the moon and feel of the scene.
After shooting I very carefully made the slow return journey down the steps. I fell once and slipped a few times but made it down safely with just my pride a little dented…
Printed on luxurious 260gsm Satin Photo Paper using the professional CANON LUCIA PRO pigment inks which offer accurate colour reproduction and enhanced print longevity.
Prints can last approx. 200 years in the photo album, 80-years on display behind glass (light fastness) and 50-years without the glass (gas fastness).
This exclusive piece by landscape photographer Steve Cooke embodies both elegance and authenticity. Each print is carefully delivered free worldwide in a protective cardboard tube, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, confirming its edition number as x of only 50 per limited edition.
Elevate your space with this exceptional artwork and own a piece of photographic history.