Double Rainbow, Jasper Park

I thought this would do very well in competition, but it has not

been all that well received. What could I do to improve it (other

than going back to Jasper and waiting for another rainbow)?

Joe, I would bet most people who scroll through photos open this one up...it is striking. but when you see the larger version, the foreground becomes somewhat distracting, and the main hill appears to be not completely in focus. I am not a member (low on cash), so cant crop this for you, but I think a crop centering the central hump and including as much of the sky as you can get and as little as the foreground would make a stronger picture...but if that hump isnt in focus your left with what you captured. nice photo though...be happy with that.

Then where does the rainbow come from and why does it end at the edge of the hill? Rainbows are dependent on your point of view and not on the landscape. Or am I completely wrong?

 

Grees,

where does the rainbow come from and why does it end at the edge of the hill?

 

Observing rainbows depends on the angle between you & the sun w.r.t the water droplets (mist) that reflect and refract the sun's light. The rainbow's abrupt cut-off by the hill could simply indicate that the mist is behind the mountain, not in front.

 

Check out this site for more rainbow info:

 

http://www.unidata.ucar.edu/staff/blynds/rnbw.html

Another good shoot. Good feeling.

I see the point in the explanation above. You are right. I guess I was just sitting in front of this pic saying to myself "it can not be!". But yes, it can!

 

Grees and sorry!,

 

Needs the Palace of Napal instead of a mountain. Actually, I agree with you, this is a winner. You should feel good regardless.

Well maybe not, but certainly a rare shot. If I recall my basic physics correctly, theoretically all rainbows are double. But we hardly ever see the second one because of illumination of the sky. You are quite lucky to capture one on film. Even rarer to have one in such a great setting as this. Maybe you will get your 'pot of gold' soon.

Joe -- you asked for comments. This is a great shot, but to my eye it lacks foreground detail. That is, it appears a little fuzzy, and maybe a little too dark. I would expect this in the rainbow and sky. Maybe it's just the scan? Great work in any case.

great photo