Passing Storm

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 second of a series, taken while walking along the

path to the top of the hill (and while making sure the lightning was heading

away from this spot). Your comments and suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks.

Tamara and Leo, thanks for the comments. I was fortunate to have a large thunderhead being trailed by a group of smaller, darker clouds.  For this particular photo, I kept the light on the clouds at neutral and slightly darkened everything around them, including the foreground.  I thought that put the viewer's attention where I wanted it to be.  It also better conveys the feeling I had while walking up this path.

Very good,  the dramatic clouds are very fantastic. The composition is very apealing.

Great photo.

Regards

-Helge Brandal

Spectacular clouds and wonderful composition.  I could see increasing the contrast in the foreground vegetation somewhat so that it can hold its own with the clouds.

Hi Stephen, This whole image is excellent. From the tones in and quality of the clouds right down to the bottom of the frame. This image is a pleasure to look at.

Stephen,

  Powerful image with beautiful colors & composition.  Take care, Patsy

Very strong image and the clouds are fantastic. Nice details throughout the entire scene and I like how the path and rail fence walk me right into it all. Nice work.

Excellent Clouds.

Helge, Dave, Joseph, Patsy, Fred, and Tony, thanks very much for visiting and leaving a comment.  I thought the best view would be at the top of the hill, but I'm liking this beginning of the short trek up the hill the best.  I was about 45 minutes late to be right under the cloud, but there were several that really made an impact on the area.  If my carbon-fiber tripod has rubber feet, am I safe?  [No, I'll continue to watch these storms from the side or from behind.]

Stephen,way this clouds are lighting and some 3d effect there creates a very attractive image from the beginning,to me this kind of summer images are so peaceful,I like contrast with lower part,nice green grass with excellent details,fence looks to be in right position,what I do not like to much is the perfect asphalt path,but I agree that this were the conditions,best regards.

Spectacular cloud and you've captured it well.  The decision to darken the foreground gives this a sense of foreboding that is very natural when faced with a thunderstorm... Mike

Radu and ML, thanks for your comments.  I imagine the asphalt path is a requirement for ADA accessibility to the mass grave, located just around the corner, for the Whitman missionaries who were massacred here in 1847.  This is a National Historic Site.

Though the clouds are very interesting , but I found the range of the color blue in the sky is more interesting and so wonderful ,the tones are ranging from the deep blue to some tones that I can not even named .

very fine image and with a wonderful colors.

Saad and Jorge, thanks for visiting and for your comments.

Well done.  Simple scene turns into a very lovely work.  Love the tonality and the contract.  Best Regards,

This is a beautiful and captivating image. The sky with white and black clouds, the feeling of depth that those clouds produce, the light and dark blue of the air takes you to an unrealistic atmosphere, which does probably enhance the memory of having been there once, at the right place at the right moment.

Wanghan and Ricardo, thanks for your comments.  I had left the western side of the state six hours previously and just happened to be passing by here, just a few miles from home, when I saw all of the lightning.  By the time I stopped, the danger of lightning had passed, so it was a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

Perfect composition and intense, contrasting colors.

Best Regards, Stan

Stan, thanks for visiting.