Last Light

While driving from western to southeastern Washington State, I saw some

terrific storm clouds over my destination. I knew of a hill in the area, so I

stopped for an hour with the camera. The clouds were the main attraction

for me, and this is the first of a series, taken while the sun was still above

the horizon. Your comments and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

Steve, that cloud is a cracker, and you even have some detail in the sunset. It looks like a serendipitous moment on your trip.

Stephen,  First, I applaud you for finding a right vantage point and stopping.  This image certainly is about the clouds, the sunset, and the big sky.  The hill enabled you to get the image without trees, wires, etc. in the way.  Composition, exposure, and the light to dark to light graduation and contrast in the clouds and sunset bring this image alive to me. You also keep the image natural looking.  Thanks for posting this.  Best to you.  Larry

Very impressive colours and mood. Regards

Jeff, Larry, and Marco, thanks for visiting and for the comments.  I continue to be amazed at the dynamic range of this camera.  I could have had more light and detail in the trees at the bottom, but wanted to keep the emphasis on the cloud.  I dodged the largest cloud slightly, and I burned a couple of clouds between the white clouds and the yellow-orange sunset.  The sunset area was quite bright, and I burned that area slightly and reduced the saturation -- that gave me a bit more detail in that area.  Sunsets are so much more difficult with digital compared to film.

very nice shot great atmosphere, beautiful lighten and clouds. bes tregards

I love the blue tones, the clouds are so well executed. I also like your composition that brings depth to the scene.

Regards

Helge Brandal

Hi Stephen, Once again wonderful image. The variety of colors in the sky is striking to say the least. 

Janegbert, Helge, and Joseph, I appreciate your comments.  Thanks very much.

A remarkable image. The sky is so important in a landscape, and you've got it perfect here.

Very impressive sky, and a wonderful sunset.

Cheers.

Mikhail and Bela, thanks for visiting.  It was the white clouds at the top that made me want to take the photo.  If they hadn't been there, I would have just watched instead of photographed.