Angry Wizard

Crater Lake and Wizard Island, thunderstorm.

I was able to get out to Crater Lake this past week and shoot some dramatic skies. I spent three nights there, with thunderstorms each evening. This location is high up on a remote section of the rim overlooking Wizard Island. All attempts at capturing more lightning were thwarted the heavy rain and wind that inundated my position just moments after capturing this one. The cloud is partially illuminated by internal strikes in addition to the ones you see on the horizon.

 

Wow ,,truly stunning image 7-7 all the way action with the lightning nice mist as well stormy looking cold place ,, another masterpiece ...!

Hey Marc, normally I'm a huge fan of your work but I can't say that this is on par with the rest of it. The contrast in the sky is striking but there doesn't seem to be as much detail throughout the rest of the scene. Framing the island between the rock formations works well composition wise, I just wish there was more details in the rocks. Perhaps my monitor isn't calibrated properly and the shadows are more prominent on my screen. All in all, its a solid shot. Just my two cents.

Fantastic work! Perfect realization of a difficult shot.. I am curious about shooting data, what about aperture and exposure? Thank-you for sharing. Regards, Marco

Ryan, this is actually my favorite piece in a very long time. I appreciate your opinion though. You're saying you want more detail in the rocks? I can see details throughout, but it is intentionally on the dark side. I wanted it dark for separation with the lake in the background. I also wanted it appropriate to the light levels at the time of capture, which was half an hour after sunset, and appropriate to the natural shade of the Basalt - nearly black. I thought the darkness added some mystery and drama to the image, which I enjoy.

Marko - the exposure was at ISO 100, 30 seconds at f/10 with a polarizer.

Marc....

 

Wonderful capture and, thanks to the lightning, very dramatic. The dark rocks have fine detail on my monitor and offer excellent framing for the snow lightened island. The sky is just downright ominous and with the lightning I hope you didn't carry your tripod over your shoulder :-)... thanks for sharing! Mike

 

Shear brilliance, the Mono is something else. It really adds to the drama, I prefer the images when you move away from the saturated look (but thats my preference not a criticism) .

 

I wonder what this would look like with a selenium tone? - It may kill the snow tho.

 

One of my overriding ambitions is to capture lightening like this

Kudos to you for getting something new and different. I might prefer to bump up the exposure on that snow using levels or another technique, but I imagine this is pretty close to reality if you shot it at dusk. Nice work.

Marvelous capture Marc, your work is always an inspiration.

I think the shadows in the foreground rocks helps to lead your eyes directly to the strike, which is good in this case.

Nice idea to include the dizzying slope in the foreground. I think it add

a feeling of malaise within the ambience of the photo.

 

Carole

wonderufl image with lots of atmosphere, very well done.

 

Rich.

it seems a mate painting from a lotr movie.

It's amazing and at the correct time to take the lightning

Very nice as always Marc, Your pictures would be wonderful poster size. These small sizes on the web do not do them justice. The bolt adds a special touch to the picture way to go.

 

You are very good at what you do. All the best, take care.

 

DK.

 

I'm very curious how does it look with colours.

Your work is always inspiring and this is, for sure, one of your best work. The sky is incredible and the lightning strike is the ice on the cake. Thanks for sharing.

As good as anything you have ever captured!!!

 

Keep rockin on bro.

 

Mark Metternich

Very dramatic photograph with an incredible depth. You should do more BW photographs :). I´m deeply impressed. Congrats - best regards - Steffen

Marc, you keep making this tougher, but I think I found a new favorite from your portfolio in this shot. It's really odd because I can't believe I am selecting a black and white picture from a guy who has probably has one of the best handles on color I have seen.

 

Anyhow, I love it to death - it has so much sublime power.

another masterpiece ... breathtaking view, ideal compo with the island in the natural frame of the rocks in the foregroung an this thunder in the backgroung ... fantastic shot, Marc

Just breath-taking, nice composition and a beautiful moment to catch. Good luck ahead!

Marc, I am really enjoying the fruits of all your hard work.  You've really got the creative juices flowing and are coming up with some outstanding stuff.  Thanks for sharing.