Shapeshifter

Gallery: LandscapePosted September 30, 2011267 views14 comments

A shot taken earlier this year out in RMNP. Finally getting around to processing some more stuff from that trip. This image is made up of 12 horizontal images that I stitched together to create a large, 40+ megapixel file.

I noticed this gigantic lenticular cloud building over Longs Peak about an hour before sunset. I decided to wait and see what happened since it was the only cloud in the sky. It was amazing to witness this cloud growing and changing shape as it hung over the mountains. After the sun set the cloud came alive. It started out glowing bright orange and then became pink before fading into the night. I also shot a panorama of this scene with the full moon rising just to the left of the mountains here.

Please view the LARGER version to appreciate this one. Comments and critiques welcome!

Nikon D300s
1/125 Sec @ f/6.3
ISO 200
Nikkor 80-200mm @ 80mm

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on September 30, 2011 at 3:56 AM

Zack,

This can't be the Rockies! Clouds like this only happen over the Sierra Nevada! And this is just about how the Sierra Wave is formed.

Wow, what an awesome cloud! Awesome color and terrific job with the stitching and processing.

Must have been some sight to just watch.... oh, and photograph too.

Lon

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on September 30, 2011 at 9:23 AM

I think Longs Peak and Pikes Peak are the two mountains which have the wave cloud form over them more than any of the other higher ones here in Colorado. The light and color make this one a special wave cloud indeed. The earth shadow is a huge plus here also. Excellent work, Zack.

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on September 30, 2011 at 9:52 AM

Colors and comp are really special. Could see trying to develop the dark mountains for more detail.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Campisi on September 30, 2011 at 11:19 AM

Very cool Zack, must have been great to witness, let alone photograph! Great comp. I like Tony's idea of a little more shadow detail, but it's wonderful as is!

Registered on November 24, 2008, 304 Posts, 3211 Comments

Comment posted by Joshua Hardin on September 30, 2011 at 12:07 PM

Awesome lenticular! The shadow detail is present, could maybe be brightened very slightly though but don't go too far. Great color and view of my favorite fourteener!

Registered on July 29, 2006, 40 Posts, 414 Comments

Comment posted by Luis Argerich on September 30, 2011 at 2:43 PM

Hi Zack,
The cloud is insane and the color is fantastic. If you ask me about a critique I would only crop a bit from the bottom.
The title is perfect for the photo I loved it.
Grrrrreat shot.

Registered on December 22, 2009, 91 Posts, 1349 Comments

Comment posted by R.Bill Moser on September 30, 2011 at 4:11 PM

This cloud looks awesome. Nice form and beautiful color. You did a great job with the stitching and the processing look terrific, too.maybe some more details in the darks (foreground) I also love the color contrast here.

Registered on January 29, 2010, 285 Posts, 4281 Comments

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on September 30, 2011 at 10:47 PM

Great capture. I can almost see the cloud change in this image. Nice colors, strong dynamics. I love this one

Registered on January 24, 2011, 576 Posts, 6942 Comments

Comment posted by Russell Colletta on September 30, 2011 at 11:16 PM

Beautiful Zack. The drama in the sky needs no futher comment, good to see the Rockies (not just the Sierra), and a skillful photographer, can create such beauty.

Registered on October 31, 2009, 114 Posts, 1008 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on September 30, 2011 at 11:19 PM

Wow, one of the most amazing clouds i've ever seen. Gorgeous!

Chris

Registered on March 13, 2007, 500 Posts, 8365 Comments

Comment posted by Abdullaziz Bin Ali on October 2, 2011 at 12:16 AM

Great location you were at to capture these clouds
excellent

Registered on May 31, 2009, 112 Posts, 1590 Comments

Comment posted by David Edwards on October 2, 2011 at 4:04 AM

Wow, Zack, that sure is one mothership of a cloud. Excellent capture with the sun highlighting it against the darkening sky. Fabulous shot.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 142 Posts, 2623 Comments

Comment posted by Shantikara Valuska on October 3, 2011 at 3:27 PM

Fantastic shot! You have beautiful light, with an amazing cloud. You are really patient to make a 12 image stitch! Was the cloud not moving too much?

Registered on July 25, 2011, 38 Posts, 451 Comments

Comment posted by Zack Clothier on October 3, 2011 at 10:22 PM

Thanks for all the comments everyone..

Shantikara: The cloud wasn't moving much in the sky, it was basically just hovering over the mountains changing shape.

Registered on January 28, 2010, 343 Posts, 2257 Comments