"Sierra Nevada, The Range of Light"

The Buttermilk Hills near Bishop, California. Thanks for stopping in. Please enjoy a

Larger view!

Wow... spectacular light. A place to sit for hours, but I realize this probably only lasted for minutes. Beautiful capture - thanks for sharing with us... Mike

 

 

Very nice image. I really enjoyed looking at this one. Lots of detail in the foreground and great sunset color.

Awesome Mark, Great job!

Thanks Mike, Scott and Tim. I had never been to the Buttermilks, so we drove up in the dark and I couldn't see a thing. When there was enough light to see, I was already on foot scouting and realized I would have to walk about a quarter of a mile to get something interesting in the foreground. The light came fast and furious, but fortunately, it lasted about 20 minutes, which allowed me time to select several comps. It was probably in the top ten for me as far as sunrises go, and the setting was also in the top ten, making it a top five overall I would say. Thanks for your comments!

This is simply "sweet!" I really like the comp too. Your colors and tones are righteous indeed! Well done, Amigo! This goes into the 'Faves.' Cheers! Chris

Chris, it's truly to good to hear from you and I hope you and yours are well! Thanks for the high marks as well. This was memorable! I was with my Mom and two older sisters for this trip. My oldest sister, Debbie (55 years young) was running around with me chasing the light. She was having some difficulty getting the exposure right, so I handed her some grads and showed her how to handhold a grad sandwich. Her captures were stunning. I found out this same morn that she had only seen a brief flurry of snow once before. When we returned to our cabin, it was snowing like a banshee. I love this area and hope we can meet up some time for a photo safari. Maybe in the spring (mid July for this region). Take care!

Mark,

The best word I know to to say is breathtaking. The colors are pure magic. Great image. Regards, Patsy

You were there a week later than I was. I didn't get any good clouds, you were luckier. S

 

Fantastic photo.

Thanks Patsy, SW and Andrew. Yes SW, we were lucky for this trip, the clouds were along for the ride. I actually missed alot of opportunities the first morning because we were on the move and I had some other business while in Bishop. The second evening, we were greeted with a Sierra wave, but by the time we got situated, the color was gone. I took a chance on changing my location and lost. The photograph gods giveth and then taketh away! (or in this case, vice versa)

Another Geistweite masterpiece. Beautiful colors

Great work! Beautiful!

Nicely done! A real eye-catcher. Don Paulson

Thanks Leo, Gunnar and Don for your observations!

This place should not be far the next time I visit Ridgecrest from LA and this magnificent landscape just inspires me that I should stop and take a crack at the beautiful high desert landscapes. Here, the desert grasses just stand out and give excellent compliment to the wonderful horizon. Stunning composition and light control. Best regards, Mark!

Thanks Lester. If you will be in Ridgecrest, I would actually recommend the Alabama Hills just west of Lone Pine. That would be closer to Ridgecrest and would afford you more time to shoot. That landscape is more dramatic and it sets beneath Lone Pine Peak and Mt. Whitney (the highest peak in the contiguous Unites States). The Buttermilks are another 60 miles north of Lone Pine, so either one is fine. I still believe you will get more inspiration from the Alabama Hills and the dirt roads are generally in better shape than the roads at the Buttermilks, but it is your call. I will very much look forward to your take on either one of these locations, knowing your keen eye and expertise!

Well this is pretty darn terrific!!Your colors are outstanding and wish I had been there with you.  Still using the Pentax?  added to several others of yours that are in my favorites...Lefty