Wild Mountain Lillies

Something I like about landscape photography is you don't have to have

a plan. You can just get in your car and drive and be aware of your

surroundings. On this afternoon I thought I would scout Lassen Volcanic

Park's high country but it turned out to be covered in snow so I left and

headed east down one of the major highways I hadn't driven before. I

turned down one of the dirt roads and there it was.. . .. . sure doesn't

happen all the time but when it does grab it!

Part of my California's Cascadia Collection

Steve, your intro is right on.  It's all around us.  Your perspective and DOF are perfect.  I like the fact that you've kept the light (exposure) low, as it imparts the feeling of early morning (or late evening) in keeping with the light on the clouds.

Excellent, I like the low perspective and huge depth of field as well and can only admire your technical skill to keep just the right amount of detail in those dark fir trees.

Very well seen, captured and edited. I am enjoying viewing. Can smell the meadow... :-) And I am fascinated by the lights and colors in the sky as well. Moreover, I entirely agree - no plan, let's see what will be discovered / develop... :-) Can fully understand. BR / Volker

Your initial comment is true, Steve ... and Mother Nature gave you this fantastic scenary. Beautiful shot !! The the low perspective and the colors are perfect for me ...  Best regards.

PDE

Beautiful yet believable! I am glad you did not leap to the "supernatural" colors ;-) Just a small critique ..that white flower or blade on right just below horizon is too bright and slight burning would be a good idea.

Again superb composition and beautiful.

Best,

+Lalit

Seems that the more I plan sometimes, the more elusive the winning shot becomes. Then when I strike out on a whim, I get something amazing! I always find myself pre-visualizing my sunrise shoots. Pre-visualizing, however, can create tunnel vision. Great example here. I saw your comparison of the HDR and I think the straight version is more realistic, but I like the HDR for printing because of the extended shadow detail (I'm guessing this is the straight version). I agree with Lalit about the white flower. I actually think you could have intensified the message by moving in close to that rogue flower and showing it's isolation among the purple blooms. You were blessed with a stellar sky. Excellent Steve!

the other side of busy life , wonderful place & fantastic shot then I don't for get the great photographer like you to get this image in perfect , thanks for share