Jasna Lakes
Jasna Lakes are a pair of small artificial lakes located just outside of Kranjska Gora on the road to the Vršič Pass. The lakes provide a view strait down the valley to the peak of Mt Prisojnik and there are numerous opportunities for capturing the surrounding hills and mountains reflected in the lakes.
We visited the lakes on two occasions during our holiday in Slovenia. Our first visit was on the afternoon of Thursday 17th October – the second day of our holiday – after visiting Pericnik Waterfall. The day was very overcast with thick grey clouds, and we could not see Mt Prisojnik behind the lakes. Nonetheless, the autumn colours still stood out, and there are several buildings and structures around the lake that provide different compositions. There are a couple of wooden bridges that can be worked into the composition, and some stunning autumn colour on a small tree by the lake.
Jasna Lakes Footbridge
Autumn Colour At Jasna Lakes
In addition to the footbridges there is a watch-tower and a jetty, neither of which appear particularly practical, but are just for interest.
The Lookout Tower at Jasna Lakes
Jasna Lakes Jetty
A small to wooden box which looked a little like a bird-house, was labelled Library At The Lake, so presumably would normally hold some books, but was shut up when we visited. There was also a sculpture of an old gentleman, which Carol had to pose beside.
Library At The Lake
Carol And An Old Friend
A final picture, picking out just one one of the colourful trees around the lake.
Autumn Colour At Jasna Lakes
Morning At Jasna Lakes
Our second visit was on the morning of Monday 21st October. The day was much brighter and we had been out early for sunrise at Lake Bled, and were then looking for a location for later in the morning. When we arrived, the lakes were in the shadow of the surrounding hills, but there were some nice reflection of the surrounding hills, and a stunning view across the lakes towards Mt Prisojnik.
Jasna Lake Reflections
Mt Prisonik From Jasna Lakes
As the sun rose higher, there was a brief moment when it just peeped above the ridge line to the left of the lakes, casting some wonderful light onto the lake.
Morning Light At Jasna Lakes
Jasna Lakes Panorama
As the sun rose a little higher, all of the lake moved into sunlight.
Jasna Lakes “Reflection”
Beyond the lakes is a small grassed area with a few scattered trees. With the sun shining through them, there was an opportunity to play with some light and shadows.
Trees And Shadows At Jasna Lakes
We also came across some mushrooms grwoing in th egrass. As the meadow gave a clear view up to Mt Prisjonik, I decided to try some focus stacking to get teh mushrooms and distant mountain all in focus.
Jasna Alpine Meadows and Mushrooms
Finally, back at the lake, I tried a Ventosa effect on the brightly coloured tree next to the lake. The involves walking around the tree, snapping about 10 pictures from different angles, then taking an average of all the images to produce an artistic impressionistic effect. Sometimes it just produces a mess, but I was quite pleased with the effect this time.
Ventosa Tree At Jasna Lakes
After visiting Jasna Lakes in the morning, we continued on up the valley in the afternoon towards Vršič Pass.