Convict Lake Photo

Photographer’s Note

Convict Lake, California

Scene
Located in Mono County on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is this beautiful lake known for it’s fishing opportunities. At the back of the lake is Mount Morrison, named for one of the early directors of the U.S. Geological Survey. Exposed on Mount Morrison is some of the oldest rocks of the Sierra Nevada. Convict Lake got it’s name from an incident in 1871 where inmates from a Nevada prison made a stand against law enforcement authorities. Needless to say things ended badly for the convicts as they were returned to Nevada and hung. This lake now is noted for the trout fishing and fall colors.

Background
After several days at Mono Lake I was heading south toward Bishop to go into the White Mountains. I had stopped in Mammoth Lakes for a cup of coffee and on the way south I spotted the road to the lake. Sunrise was about 2 hours old by this time but the light had not reached the bottom of the canyon in the Sierra Nevada. I drove up to the lake and was greeted with the lovely scene. As the morning light cleared the clouds and penetrated into the canyon the details of the mountains were revealed.

plimrn, gunbud, Wandering_Dan, jhm, feather, Didi has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

gunbud (27907) 2009-08-13 15:26

Hi John,
The richly textured desert mountains look very impressive against the lovely blue sky and wispy clouds.
The reflection in the slightly riffling lake is stunning.
Regards, Tom

Wandering_Dan (3237) 2009-08-13 20:08

Hi, John -

We skipped Convict Lake when we were in that region in June; this shot says to me we should have gone.

I thought it was taken in midday, since the light has that flat midday quality, but I see it was taken in the morning, so it must have been the clouds. But the reflection is good, and the shadows on the left -and their reflection - are strong, well defined and intriguing.

Best,
Dan

plimrn (19674) 2009-08-13 20:26

Hi John,
What a beauty!! I like the way the lingering shadows on the right add drama and DOF. You also captured excellent detail in the ancient rocks towering over the head of the lake. The sky is wonderful and the soft reflection also adds depth. Sounds like you got your trailer fixed.
HLJ, Pat

jhm (82601) 2009-08-14 4:17

Hello John,

A very classic picture with the lake in foreground and the mountains in background.
But you show a very pleasant reflection and lovely for look at.
Good perspective through your excellent choice of your angle.
Very well composition and good presentation, TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

feather (49862) 2009-08-14 9:00

Excellent shot John, and although there is some rippling in the water it is still enough for some lovely reflections, providing some symmetry; always satisfying for some reason. It sounds as if you got your timing just about right, as the light appeared over the mountains.
Kath

Waylim (10835) 2009-08-20 12:06

Hi John,
Another really beautiful shot of the Sierra Nevada area. I passed through in April from my trip to Death Valley. Did not have the opportunity to stop, there were still much snow on the ranges, it was gorgeous. Back to work the next day. Next time.
This is beautiful morning light, bright enough to illiminated Mt. Morrison, but not too strong, while the lake is still in the shadow, but was reflecting some beautiful light from the Mt which make really good contast and that work wonder for your shot. Thanks.
Way

Didi (36158) 2009-08-22 23:41

Hi John
Very nice and deep foreground with a nice perspective to the mountain.
Interesting effect of the waves on the lake.
Best regards

xuaxo (5739) 2009-09-02 8:08

Hi John,
Despite few trees, this is a pretty view. Very well done.
Greetings,
F.