"Oak Flat Pano"

OK, so I headed the wrong way this morn. I should have been in Caliente, but I wanted to shoot wildflowers at sunrise on Rancheria. As I approached the mountains, I could see a bank of thin clouds over them, so I figured I was good to go. As I got closer, I realized the clouds were more behind them and would not be in any of my shots. So I knew I needed to be at a much higher perspective. I continued on Rancheria, climbing while the road got worse. I had never ventured this far. Then I could see the clouds and the good color just around the ridge. I raced across ruts and potholes, but I wasn't gaining on my desired angle. Suddenly on my right, a side road that accessed Oak Flat and the lookout tower. As I hit the entrance, the front-end of my car bottomed out. Undaunted, I was suddenly climbing a road not meant for anything other than 4WD. I was going to get me a sunrise no matter what. I crested just in time to see this. A 5 vertical frame pano was collected, making sure to give each frame two separate exposures to tame the dynamic range. The most apparent thing to my eye is the separation of the trees from the far ridge. Without a separate set of exposures for the shadows, minimal separation would have resulted. Yes, I know some will point out the blue of the distant mountains, but I feel confident that the color is accurate. As I drove out, both front and back bottomed, but no damage to the under carriage. Whew! I plan to come back here when the trees start leafing. I will probably park down on Rancheria and walk up next time!!

Please take a moment to view the Larger preview. Thanks for any

discussion!!

Odd not to see any comments on this.  Great shot and PP control.  I find the blues totally believable and honest.  My only issue might be the relative hotness of the clouds above the sun but that could go either way.  Well done, Mark!