Granite Awakens

Gallery: LandscapePosted October 12, 20173,324 views13 comments

Another from my summer trips to the Sierra. This lake is about 3.5 miles/2500 ft gain from the trailhead. I started with a headlamp at 3:45 and arrived just in time for sunrise. When I got to the lake the log crossing across the outlet stream was washed away and the water was a bit too high and swift to safely cross, so I ended up fording in the lake near the outlet in thigh-deep water.

5DSR, 16-35 f/4 IS L, .75 GND. Two exposures blended for dynamic range.

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Shirley Freeman on October 12, 2017 at 4:33 PM

Wow, Dave! This is absolutely gorgeous! I can tell you, if this was my shot, I would be making room on my livingroom wall for this one in medal, wood, something. The lighting is just spectacular. You went through a lot to get this shot, but looks like it was well worth it.

Registered on May 27, 2017, 77 Posts, 844 Comments

Comment posted by Igor Doncov on October 12, 2017 at 5:15 PM

Ah to be young again and go all out for your image. Interesting that this is a 50/50 image yet there is no sense of that. The 2 halves are so different they're not really halves. Lot of elements interweaving here (grass and reflection, rock and clouds) that invites the viewer to explore. I don't know how you feel about this but I would desaturate the yellow/orange/reds in the center area. I say that because the distant sunlit mountains have a nicer glow to them. I don't know if it's possible to process and match them. It's all up to how you felt that morning.

Registered on November 22, 2014, 189 Posts, 2733 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on October 12, 2017 at 6:51 PM

Hi Dave,

The scene looks pretty good and I agree with Igor about the color on the back mountain--awesome. Tweak down the saturation a hair in the center and should improve the comp....................................Jim

Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on October 12, 2017 at 6:51 PM

Dave, What a beautiful image this is. A fantastic scene that you captured in wonderful conditions. Love the light and colors here. I'm with Shirley here and think this would make a great looking print...gloss metal would be awesome I bet. cool

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Aaron Feinberg on October 12, 2017 at 9:51 PM

Very cool indeed! Nice effort to get there! Might suggest having put the rocks in the bottom right more in to the corner to make a stronger leading line. Other than that great capture of a fun scene :)

aF

Registered on October 26, 2009, 399 Posts, 2789 Comments

Comment posted by Ry Birge on October 12, 2017 at 11:04 PM

Wow, what a shot Dave! Reflections, color, composition, all great. Luck is that place where preparation opportunity meet. What a lucky shot! Keep up the good work Ry

Registered on September 23, 2017, 118 Posts, 278 Comments

Comment posted by gary phillips on October 13, 2017 at 1:51 AM

Sometimes the effort pays off and sometimes it doesn't. This is one instance that it emphatically does pay off. I love your alpine shots, Dave. Makes me wish I had the energy to visit places like this for a sunrise. Awesome image.

Registered on October 24, 2013, 185 Posts, 4136 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on October 13, 2017 at 10:21 AM

Dave,

OH My! Clearly well rewarded for your efforts! That's gotta feel good.

A LOT going on here, but it's all good - I might even say harmonious. (can't say I've ever used that in a comment before...)

What's to critique? Only to enjoy.

Lon

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

Comment posted by Ed Lowe on October 13, 2017 at 2:36 PM

Your hard work certainly paid off with this beautiful alpine scene, Dave. This has it all; wonderful light, lovely clouds and lots of interesting elements throughout to savor and enjoy. This is being super picky; and it might not have been possible; but I wish the rock along the bottom edge was not clipped off. Either way this would make a wonderful print as Nick already noted.

Ed

Registered on February 7, 2004, 414 Posts, 7115 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Minish on October 14, 2017 at 1:38 PM

Absolutely gorgeous scene and an exceptional capture of it, Dave! Amazing light and reflections and definitely worth getting wet for. Nicely composed and I like that it's not over processed. The large version has great presence and should be required viewing! devil

Registered on February 4, 2006, 625 Posts, 3583 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on October 14, 2017 at 7:26 PM

Beautiful light, beautiful scene, beautiful image. Very Galen Rowell story. Sure you did not forget your lens and run back to the car to get it? :) No nits here. Lovely!!