Sunrise in the Rockies Photo

Photographer’s Note

This shot is a real departure for me; mostly because it looks so unreal. As many may know, Montana has been plauged by forest fires this year. While visiting Kalispell, I saw one of the most amazing sunsets I have ever witnessed. I had planned to visit Glacier National Park, so with some inspiration from the previous night, I decided to get to the park before dawn so that I could catch the sunrise.

I set up my camera on the tripod at the shore of Lake McDonald and began taking shots at various intervals. It was truley the most impressive sunrise I have ever seen.. Because of the thick smoke from the forest fires the sky and air were thick with it. At times while I was there it virtually blocked any view over a couple of miles. I knew that I was going to find some nice results, but upon returning home I was astounded at what the camera saw.

With this shot, I increased the saturation and contrast, then applied some noise reduction to clean up because of the long exposure. For kicks, I rotated the image 180 degrees and was taken by the unearthly appearing result. I have to say that this is probably the most remarkable image I have ever produced. I would love to hear some critiques and comments.

happypoppeye, diverjohn, Wandering_Dan, snuggleaphagus, rcrick, Davids has marked this note useful

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happypoppeye (4060) 2007-09-05 20:48

Great colors Ned!!!

Perfect placement of the mountain and reflection, a little offcentered but not too much, and nice tones in the reflection, especially with the darkened portions on both sides. A really nice looking shot.

I'll will say also, that without your note, I would have never known this was flipped. Good idea.

Great work.
John

badwolf (1) 2007-09-05 21:02

wow, this is a beauty!

diverjohn (488) 2007-09-05 21:27

Great image. I wonder if it should be on Trek Lens.
I was living in Alberta when forest fire smoke drifted out our way and gave us some lovely sunsets and red hazy skies.
Normally, the reflection is darker than the real scene, which is why your rotated image seems un-natural.
Nevertheless, I think its a great image.

Wandering_Dan (3207) 2007-09-05 21:37

It's an amazing photograph! I couldn't quite figure it out until I read the note, then the reversal made sense. I think it works either way, but this is definitely a strange commentary on nature's artistry!

jramos (481) 2007-09-05 21:42 [Comment]

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snuggleaphagus (4138) 2007-09-05 21:45

beautiful cloros and the whole serene scene is magical. The refelctions are perfect and the rotation works well.
My first impression was that it reminded me of a Matisse.

rgarrigus (0) 2007-09-05 21:59

Hi Ned,

This type image always appeals to me. The colors are of course wonderful but I find the abstract nature of this shot quite appealing. It has all the lines shapre and color but only the slightest hint of detail. Our eyes do the rest. The very thin bright reflection on the horizon is all important as the image would be diminished without it. For my part I much prefer the image upright for two reasons. First the top of this version is slightly soft as is expected of a reflection. Second it appears unnatural to have the sky darker than the reflection. This image as shot would be just as remarkable for me. Thanks for sharing and go out and give us some more!

Cheers!

Bob G.

silvia_zenova (1318) 2007-09-06 0:23

Hello Ned,
really unusual sunset, the sky seems very dense! Wonderful water reflection. The horizontal colour impasto is very beautiful and make the composition balanced.
Really master work.
Regards, Silvia

rcrick (346) 2007-09-11 23:05

Hi Ned, Just a stunning image, the light & the reflection on the lake are beautiful, I was surprised to read your notes on flipping it 180 degrees, I wouldn’t have picked it, just a wonderful image, you have to admire nature for putting on such an awesome display, well captured, Cheers Rick :)

cdmonson (2751) 2007-09-12 14:39

I would agree Ned, looks unreal. Those colors are awesome. Great capture.

Clark

Cormac (26449) 2007-09-21 5:02

Spectacular shot, and not only for the colours. The reflection is perfect, and I also like the way you placed the horizon high in the frame, giving this an unusual look. Great work!