Crescent Moon

Nice Shot Stephen, but maybe a little more detail in the foreground, OR a more powerful object as silhouette would have enhanced the picture even more .

Suvadyuti, thanks for the comment.  It was quite dark, and I wouldn't be able to get any detail in any of the foreground.  When I looked over my shoulder and saw the moon, I quickly went back down the trail to find the best composition that was available.  The group of trees on the left and the slight rise in the horizon line on the right was the best I could do under the circumstances.  I should have know that a crescent moon would be rising ahead of the sun (easy to do with lunar tables), but this caught me by surprise.

Should have been anticipating this, but it caught me by surprise. It's not

easy (or wise!) to run downhill with a tripod and backpack on a mountain

trail in the dark with hip joints made of plastic and steel. But sometimes

you gotta do what you gotta do. Comments and suggestions are

appreciated. Thanks.

I think almost breaking your neck was worth it - to me, it's a mood image and it definitely gives me a peaceful and serene feeling - it's nice to see a photographer range from some of the dramatic shots you have in your portfolio to the subtle depictions of nature such as this.

Beautifully done Stephen! I don't have any issues with the silhouettes. Looks just plain gorgeous to me. Worth the sacrifice I'd say. Of course they're not my hips either, but you have lovely image and a good story too.

All the best,
Neil

Judging by the moon it is also technically perfect!

PDE

Excellent composition and a great shot !!

Stephen

   The sky color and slight definition to the dark side of the moon make this a compelling image for me. I don't mind the complete blackness of the silhouetted FG at all. My only nit are the trees leaning back away from the moon. I realize to straighten 'em you will cut off the leftmost ones. Maybe not a desirable tradeoff.

Marc, you make a good point about the trees -- I hadn't noticed that (this is the second image I've posted in recent days that has had this problem -- the driver is asleep at the wheel).  Trees at this altitude generally grow very straight, so they are reliable indicators.  I'll see what I can do.  [This is a good illustration why I love grid viewfinders!]

Another excellent shot that I cam across while viewing some of your other shots. Excellently captured with wonderful rich blacks, oranges and blues. You also have a knack for choosing the right crop for the scene as everything in this one works and provides a wonderful view of the moon and landscape.

Joseph, thanks for your comment.  I almost missed this -- it was to my back as I was walking up the trail, and I turned around and there it was.  I'm usually more aware of the moon phases throughout the month, but this one surprised me.  I actually turned around just to be sure a cougar was not trying to creep up from behind.