"Pastel Moods"

I have been on a serious photographer's dry spell recently. Well, it is winter. Lucky for me, winter here in Bakersfield is short. In fact, winter can provide the best light and by the end of January, these mostly dingy and dusty hills perk up with a nice green layer of grass. I arrived an hour before sunset at this favorite location along the Breckenridge road. The painterly, soft light was the best I have seen in quite some time. In fact, I don't ever recall better light in this area. As I was shooting this vantage, the light changed rapidly. Suddenly, I realized that the show was starting without me. I had planned on shooting the road looking back to the west with the setting sun right behind. Problem was, I was a good distance away. That image will soon follow, but I have no regrets capturing this angle. In fact, it is possibly the more interesting shot. I think the Larger view will hold your attention for a peaceful moment. Please give it a try!!

Gorgeous twilight scene, Mark. Very serene and almost surreal. -Jim

the use of light, tones and colors is on a very high level as usual. nice composition. an outstanding photo.

Wonderful tonality and composition here Mark. What a contrast to all the snow we have an abundance of here in Michigan.  You truly live in a beautiful part of the country and you capture it well.  Kudos, rek.

Viewing this in larger version really brings out the beauty of this image. The light-struck grasses is fantastic in the foreground and leads one to the subtle layers of the hills. Wonderful photo. Regards, Mark. - Lester

The very soft light pastel colours and composition make this outstanding,superb work Mark,keep them coming,top marks and my regards

Beautiful Mark.......great light and simple uncluttered composition. Wow....hats off to you.

Fred

Thanks Jim, Zsolt, Richard, lester, Harry and Fred!! Just thought it would be nice to share some "early spring" around. Yes, when these hills are dry under a cloudless sky, they can be fairly ugly, but when they are green and modeled by soft and warm light, they become enchanting. Thanks all for the favorable remarks!!

The smaller shot doesn't do justice to the brilliant DOF you achieved with this shot.....definately worth looking at the larger picture to view it in it's full glory.....well done, best regards

Stunning!

Remarkable colors and lighting.

Thanks Mark, Linda and Museeb for your thoughtful comments!

As usual a brilliant balance of light and with most of your exceptional images your marking the foreground expands the sense of depth and dimensionality of your work.  Thanks for sharing your artistry.

Your title says it all.  The colors in the clouds and on the ground are wonderful.  Your composition is just as great, with a nice balance between sky and ground, interest in the foreground, and a visual diagonal that runs from the light portion on the right up toward the darker portion of the image on the left.  It's a very tranquil, peaceful scene.

Mark...  Superb side light and is so indicative of the late afternoon when distant objects start getting indistinct.  All that to say it's very lifelike.   Glorious color... Mike

Great shot, great time of day.  The light is amazing, it creates different layers in the clouds and in the hills.  The gradient of colors from the light moving from right to left is wonderful.

Thanks Wayne, Stephen, Mike and Bob!! What's certain is that the light was exceptional. On my way, from a distance, I saw considerable haze and feared it would not be clear enough. The clouds were the best I've seen this year, but I couldn't see these mountains very well from 20 miles or so. As I neared the location, I could see the layers and knew I was in for a treat. I became giddy once I gained elevation. I hope I get some of the same conditions when the wildflowers get going!!

Of the 3 latest uploads, this one by far, is my favorite. There is something magical about that late afternoon light that is so captivating and spiritual. And as usual, you have done a brilliant job in the capture and processing.  I was debating whether the blue shadowed side of the foreground rocks was problematic for me and decided that it was not. In fact, that color ties in nicely with the blue section of the sky.

My sincere congratulations on a fine image.

Best regards, and thank you very much for your recent visit.

Yummy......gorgeous pastels!  At first I had a similar opinion to Tony.....that perhaps the diagonal front rock line was too pinkish-purple.  But there doesn't seem to be a hint of that in the grasses or boulders in front, so I concluded that it was just one of those remarkable light occurrences that provided you with an extraordinary opportunity.....which you capitalized on beautifully!  And what a sight for sore eyes......we've had the worst winter on record as far as ice and snow.  There is beauty in that too, I know.  BUT....Enough is enough!

Thanks Tony and Christal!! I considered mitigating the cyanish cast on the shaded side of the rocks, but it would have been a local adjustment, so in truth it is close to accurate, unless the whole scene is whack. Truth be known, I provided some warmth with white balance to the lower foreground, which corrected it some, but it is what it is. You can see how the light goes from copper-red to cyan-blue across the frame. Same goes for the granite boulders, warm on the lit side and cold on the shaded side. This was a rare afternoon of high quality light. I can't wait for the next time this happens. Here's wishing spring will soon be coming your way!

Mark this is beautiful!  I just love the mood you've created. I feel i'm standing right there and can feel the peace around me.  I love the way there are warmish tones in front and cooler tones way at the back. Beautifully captured!  Congratulations!

Thank you Benaz, nice of you to stop by!