"As Dawn's Light Rushes In"

I had just shot the actual sunrise and was gathering my gear, thinking the best light had passed. As has often happened to me before, I took another look across this magnificent barren landscape, only to see the light raking across the landforms for the first time of the day. Unfold the tripod, open the bag and mount the camera, set up and compose the shot, begin clicking away yet one more time. As I have mentioned previously, you just can't easily beat the desert colors at dawn or dusk. Arrive here near midday and you have a flat, washed out palette, but get here before most have rolled out, and you have painting. This reminds me so much of Death Valley, yet I haven't been to Death Valley since moving to California some 4 years ago. I must return!! Please consider the Larger preview!

Mark...  It's tough to get up this early not knowing how the morning will unfold, but this was well worth the effort.  A beautiful morning that you've captured perfectly; now we get to enjoy it as well... ;-)... Mike

Like a Thomas Moran landscape painting.  'Nuff said!  Cheers!  Chris

Simply beautiful light, and it is wonderfully shown in your composition.

Simply beautiful, Mark. There really isn't a lot more that need to be said.

Thanks Mike, Chris, Stephen and Jeff! Four photographers who I admire quite a bit! 

Excellent Mark. The light is awesome.

Mark,

I've been admiring your work off and on for quite a while. Looks you have new equipment, but the same magic touch as ever.

I appreciate the fact that you give us the details on the shots and your techniques. I'm not able to do the traveling to great locations - have to settle for what I can get around home in Texas, and it helps to have advice, in effect, from someone as dedicated to this art as you are.

Keep up the good work,

Preston G.

Thanks Brian and Preston! I am fortunate to live in a state that has so many treasures so fairly close. Preston, I have found that finding subjects very close to home is where you can be inspired to hone your craft. I don't know what part of Texas you are in, but I'm sure with some diligent effort, you can locate an open field of grass or corn or wheat, I've even worked with old oil derricks. Then, when the light looks promising near sunset, bolt out to your pre-chosen spot and combine the sunset light with the grasses or whatever it is that has some foreground appeal. Over the course of a few months, I used this type of routine to develop my exposure blending techniques, although that is an ongoing process. No doubt, it is easier to have views like the one above to get the more dramatic shot, but the next best thing is whatever inspires you. You'd be surprised how compelling a shot of new wheat at sunset can be!

Mark, you make a good point about shooting close to home.  I moved from western Washington (the coast, Olympic Peninsula, Mt. Rainier, Puget Sound, etc.) to eastern Washington (wheat fields, and more wheat fields).  Less variety and a lot more work to find a good composition, but it can be done.  Yesterday afternoon some storm clouds came in and, despite the thunder coming from directly overhead, I headed for one of the highest hills close to town and spent a wonderful two hours photographing the rapidly changing clouds as the sun was setting.  It was a great experience, and I'm hoping the photos will reflect that.  I'll get back to Puget Sound (and other parts of the west) on my longer vacations.  For now, it's a matter of opening my eyes to find the best that's around me.

Very impressive light and the nice scene.  Best Regards,