"Culmination"

What a difference a day makes. This same morning, I came to this location for the sunrise. I was greeted with a winter wonderland. The morning was very busy collecting various compositions which I will soon be posting. I talked my wife into returning with our 5 year old daughter in the afternoon so Kennis could play in the snow. I couldn't believe that so much snow could melt in a single day. Luckily, there were some snow fields remaining on the northern shaded slopes. After playing, we decided to stay for the sunset. My wife remained in the car with Jerald, our 8 month old son, while I took Kennis over the fence to capture the last light. While shooting in the general direction of the sun, the clouds quickly dissipated to the west. I looked over my shoulder and decided it was time to relocate. This involved about a 300 yard hike to another ridge from our present location. Not so much a challenge when I am on my own, but moving a 5 year old quickly 300 yards across hilly terrain is a questionable decision. Regardless, that is where I felt the magic would be, so onward and upward. With little time to spare, we caught the last light across the mountain tops. Many of my decisions are questionable, but occasionally a few of them payoff!

Thanks for your comments and impressions. The Larger view is available!

Truly magic, Mark.

I like the little trees and the textures they create on the hills. The foreground trees also give you a good perspective on the size of the hills. That side lighting is magical. Ry

Thanks John and Ryan. The little trees are actually sizable oaks, but they appear small. I felt the group of brightly lit trees in the lower left made this comp work so well, making a counter point to the snow covered peaks in the upper right. The final point of interest was the distant snow covered peaks. Obviously the copper colored cloud ceiling doesn't hurt. Thanks again!

Just like John and Ryan said - magical light and perfect composition!

Excellent shot.Well done...........................Regards

wow! what a scene. Great colours and light. Infact, its the slanting morning light which has made all the difference to the pic.

Thanks Sandris, Talal and Arup. Looking over one's shoulder is the lesson I took from this!

There are a number of things to like about this photograph, and they all work together...the scale, the detail, the warm and cool colors...everything. The bottom line is that it is stunning.

i found this one in your gallery. its a true masterpiece.