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Heidi Vetter - Sierra Sojourn |
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The story behind the photographs |
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In the summer of 2002 photographer Heidi Vetter realized her dream of exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains. With a sixty pound pack, large-format camera, and photo supplies, she embarked alone on an extended backpacking trip lasting nearly three months. .
. She set out along the Old French Trail to Mammoth Lakes, then made seven loops, working her way south as far as Kearsarge Pass. Her husband Ray met her at seven to ten day intervals to replenish her supplies, and on occasion driving her to a new trailhead. . |
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 Traveling
up to five miles a day, she camped at prime photography sites, shooting
around sunset and getting up for the sunrise to photograph again, with
the beautiful basins above 10,000 feet being her favorite places.
While traveling the John Muir trail, she occasionally met other hikers,
but off the trail other travelers were rare, and she had the wilderness
largely to herself. Physical
fitness was a serious issue in
planning the trip. After
losing twenty pounds in anticipation of the hike, she lost another
thirty on the trail. After nearly ninety days of sun, healthy (
and often sparse ) diet, and constant exercise, her friends will attest that she looks great
after her sojourn which,
she states, she would not hesitate to do again. |
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Copyright © Stellar Gallery |
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After
a year of preparations; planning meals, physical conditioning, first-aid classes, and pouring over topographical maps, she began her
journey from Fish Camp with a mule, a large supply of Cliff bars, and an
overwhelming desire to capture the spirit of the wilderness on
film.
Now
back in the security of her darkroom, Vetter demonstrates a different
form of determination and stamina, working countless hours developing and printing the images captured on the
trail. 
Using
traditional color printing processes she has perfected over many years as a
working photographer, she strives to distill the essence of her
experience into twenty images. Vetter hopes that these images will
capture the grandeur and beauty of the Sierra Nevadas, and will allow
her to share her journey and her personal vision with others.