If you want to see picturesque lakes, there is no place better than the Canadian Rockies (in my opinion). Lakes formed by glacial run-off often take on a turquoise color due to high concentrations of glacial silt. This shot from Peyto Lake shows the brilliant colors.

I used a circular polarizer to cut through as much haze as possible on this warm and humid day. I wanted to include various diagonals formed by the tree line, the rocks, and the lake itself. I waited until the clouds had formed interesting patterns on the lake and the sun was shining on the foreground rocks. The clouds made interesting shadow patterns on the water, and the sun brought out the rich colors in the rocks and the lichen.