Out Of The Ashes

It's amazing to see the devastion wrought by the eruption of Mt. St.

Helens 28 years ago. I can't fathom the scope of the destructive force it

took to reduce a forest of 150 foot tall trees like these to giant

matchsticks!

What's even more amazing is the rebirth that the land has undergone in

the short span of time since the eruption of May 18, 1980. Hopefully this

photo gives a sense of both. Please view larger, all comments welcome.

Regards, Joe

Nice composition, and I love the feeling of doom I get from that sky, in stark contrast to the bright, colorful, resurgence of life that comes from the flowers in the foreground....

Thank you Tim, that was the feeling I was hoping to convey! Mt. St. Helens was under cloud cover the whole time I was there. However, that turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because the mix of sun and clouds that day made for some dramatic lighting that enabled me to get some great moody shots. It also created the type of lighting that really defined the contour of the land, which added a lot of texture to the photos I took that day. I will be posting more shots, take a look if you have the chance. Regards, Joe

Yes,amazing nature,this shot looks so good and you did a very good composition here,all my best,Radu.

stunning capture, excellent detail and light capture

Thank you Radu and Dung for taking the time to comment, youre compliments are much appreciated! I only wish the cowards who rate anonomously with 3's and 4's

had the guts to at least leave a comment explaining why they gave such low ratings! No wonder so many photographers submit for critique only! Oh well, I guess that's a common complaint around here!

Thanks again, Joe

A very poignant and stark reminder of the power of the Earth Mother; and that ability of the planet to 'heal' itself. Terrific composition and exposure. I remember, ever so vividly, that day in mid-May; I was studying for geology finals at the University of Montana in Missoula. The entire region was blanketed with nearly half-an-inch of fine gritty ash; a very surrealistic experience. Cheers! Chris