Rainier Awakens

Gallery: LandscapePosted September 18, 2013431 views8 comments

This was taken on my last morning in Mount Rainier National Park. I came across this spot by mistake while looking for a good sunrise location the previous evening. I awoke that morning and the air was filled with smoke from nearby wildfires and the sky was quite cloudy to the east but I decided to hike out and hope for the best. Finally just before dawn a break in the clouds came and let just a small amount of light in, bathing the mountain in this wonderful pink alpenglow. This light only lasted about a minute before it disappeared. Eventually the sun did break out of the clouds and light up the mountain, but I thought this brief moment was more special.

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Nikon D300s
2 Images for Dynamic Range

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Navin Sarma on September 18, 2013 at 11:52 AM

Hey Zack... I like the light, but I think a little more contrast at the peak will help showcase the peak more effectively. Right now it seems a little muddled/soft with the mist, though the mood is pretty amazing. I might crop a little off the bottom too as the grass/wood isn't super compelling.

Registered on July 17, 2011, 233 Posts, 1373 Comments

Comment posted by Vance Gese on September 18, 2013 at 1:32 PM

The fallen trees and the distant river work very well to lead the eye to the beautiful color enveloping the mountain. Agree with Navin's suggestion of a slight increase in contrast to the mountain, but not too much that would diminish the emotion of the moment.

Registered on November 13, 2008, 298 Posts, 6629 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Reid on September 18, 2013 at 1:34 PM

Very nice scene Zack with a nice warm mood to it. I like the comp and the haze adds a lot I think. Well done.

Registered on January 27, 2013, 65 Posts, 2460 Comments

Comment posted by Lucy VanSwearingen on September 18, 2013 at 3:44 PM

nice color and comp. I really like the river running through the valley - kind of like the "Road to Shangri-La"

Registered on May 23, 2009, 800 Posts, 2042 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Campisi on September 18, 2013 at 7:02 PM

I'm with Navin as well on his suggestions. And I'm with Vance about only a slight bump. If you're going to crop any off of the bottom though, I would crop a little from the top as well for balance. It works fine for me though as is. Beautiful mood you captured in any case Zack! Was this up at Sunrise?

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

Comment posted by Ted Gore on September 18, 2013 at 7:40 PM

I think it's a good start, and with some tweaking can be a really solid image. The strong pink cast is a bit much for me and I think some contrast could be worked into the background as it looks pretty hazy how it is

Registered on April 25, 2013, 36 Posts, 149 Comments

Comment posted by Russell Colletta on September 19, 2013 at 5:20 PM

The dramatic color is very powerful, but I would also like to see the peak a little more distinctly. Very interesting image.

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

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on September 21, 2013 at 3:20 PM

Great shot Zack. My dad took me here when I was a kid and I can not remember exactly where it is. I'll get up there again though. This photo reminds me of the magic of the place. And massiveness of that MT.

Registered on June 19, 2009, 276 Posts, 6240 Comments