Posted by Cory Freeman on February 12, 2007 at 11:10 PM
{edit}....Yesterday was a glorious day to witness here in the Eastern Sierra. From a spectacular sunrise to a day filled with exploration and new beginnings. I can't put into words, I've been trying for the last couple minutes, the range of light, and changing of clouds, mood, etc. I witnessed yesterday morning here in bishop. It was all I could do to keep shooting and try to do justice to what I felt and saw. That was the first few hours.
I decided to once again head to the Buttermilk Region, however this time I had my eye on hiking/snowshoeing up to the top of the moraine between Mt. Tom and Basin Mountain.
We had received a couple of feet of snow in the high country between Fri-Sun morning so I rented some snowshoes and headed west. Keep in mind this was my first time EVER snowshoeing, let alone heading into the sierra during the winter. All of my sierra excursions, limited at best compared to some, have all been fair weather three season adventures, i.e. no snow on the ground. Well, it was time to broaden my horizons!
Any how, I shot this image on the way up to the Horton Lake TH. The clouds were finally starting to break over Mt. Tom, but were still hanging around Basin and Humphreys. I have been wanting to get a shot that says EASTERN SIERRA, at least in my mind, and I grabbed this one. To me, when I think of the eastern sierra, I think of a land of contrasts, from the valley floor to the highest of the high sierra, well almost here. I think of desert chaparrel, pastel colors of red, green, and yellow, storms, and craggy peaks towering above the desert floor. And of course, it wouldn't be the eastern sierra without those crystal clear streams flowing from the canyons(to the faucets in LA!). The list goes on.....
Living here is more than just about photography, it's a lifestyle and so much more. I hope I can begin to convey just how special and important this area means to me.
I have tried to write about my impressions of this great 'Range of Light' without much success. I like what you've written here because it rings so true for me. Your writing, coupled with this very nice photograph, is sort of like a shot of good whiskey on an empty stomach; the glow is soothing and easy-going. Thanks!
Life on the East Side obviously suits you! One of these days, you'll find me standing in your doorway! It will be nice to see you again!
-PB
Posted by Richard Wong on February 13, 2007 at 1:44 AM
Incredible photo. Looks like something out of Tibet. I want to try snowshoeing myself. Perhaps next winter.
Posted by John W. Wall on February 13, 2007 at 10:49 AM
Yeah, so you live right near there eh? Rub it in. I love the shot.
Posted by Eric A. Rosen on February 13, 2007 at 11:47 AM
Humm, very nice you are making it very difficult for me to NOT come up there this coming weekend for some snow photography.. I really want to asdd some to my collection....
Posted by Lon Overacker on February 13, 2007 at 12:26 PM
I'll chime in with envy Cory. I'd live there in a heartbeat. Unfortunately my wife prefers the ocean, so we comprimise in Livermore... :-)
Your image has so many beautiful layers to it, right from the first foreground brush, thru the willows and on it, all the way to the peaks and great sky. Somehow I wish the peak was visible, but I'm not complaining.
You just keep on having fun exploring the Eastern Sierra! Thanks for the story, I'm with ya.
Lon
Posted by Cory Freeman on February 13, 2007 at 9:35 PM
Thanks for the comments fellas. I hope you don't seriously take this as bragging as that's not the intent. Just trying to share the eastern sierra with those whom enjoy it as much as I. When I bring NPN up on the web, I'm always looking for eastern sierra imagery first, then everything else after that.
Preston: let me know when you're coming and as they say...."we'll leave a light on for ya!"
Richard: snowshoeing was pretty cool, and a great workout for this out-of-shape soul. Hoping to do somemore this coming weekend.
Eric: better hurryup before it melts!! :)
Lon: I hear ya. Luckily for me my wife likes the eastern sierra enough to move out here too.
Posted by Anil Rao on February 14, 2007 at 5:20 AM
A really beautiful image, Cory. The different layers, with their textural details and colors make for a delightful composition.
I am very glad to hear that you are enjoying your stay in Bishop.
Discussion
7 repliesI decided to once again head to the Buttermilk Region, however this time I had my eye on hiking/snowshoeing up to the top of the moraine between Mt. Tom and Basin Mountain.
We had received a couple of feet of snow in the high country between Fri-Sun morning so I rented some snowshoes and headed west. Keep in mind this was my first time EVER snowshoeing, let alone heading into the sierra during the winter. All of my sierra excursions, limited at best compared to some, have all been fair weather three season adventures, i.e. no snow on the ground. Well, it was time to broaden my horizons!
Any how, I shot this image on the way up to the Horton Lake TH. The clouds were finally starting to break over Mt. Tom, but were still hanging around Basin and Humphreys. I have been wanting to get a shot that says EASTERN SIERRA, at least in my mind, and I grabbed this one. To me, when I think of the eastern sierra, I think of a land of contrasts, from the valley floor to the highest of the high sierra, well almost here. I think of desert chaparrel, pastel colors of red, green, and yellow, storms, and craggy peaks towering above the desert floor. And of course, it wouldn't be the eastern sierra without those crystal clear streams flowing from the canyons(to the faucets in LA!). The list goes on.....
Living here is more than just about photography, it's a lifestyle and so much more. I hope I can begin to convey just how special and important this area means to me.
I have tried to write about my impressions of this great 'Range of Light' without much success. I like what you've written here because it rings so true for me. Your writing, coupled with this very nice photograph, is sort of like a shot of good whiskey on an empty stomach; the glow is soothing and easy-going. Thanks!
Life on the East Side obviously suits you! One of these days, you'll find me standing in your doorway! It will be nice to see you again!
-PB
Your image has so many beautiful layers to it, right from the first foreground brush, thru the willows and on it, all the way to the peaks and great sky. Somehow I wish the peak was visible, but I'm not complaining.
You just keep on having fun exploring the Eastern Sierra! Thanks for the story, I'm with ya.
Lon
Preston: let me know when you're coming and as they say...."we'll leave a light on for ya!"
Richard: snowshoeing was pretty cool, and a great workout for this out-of-shape soul. Hoping to do somemore this coming weekend.
Eric: better hurryup before it melts!! :)
Lon: I hear ya. Luckily for me my wife likes the eastern sierra enough to move out here too.
I am very glad to hear that you are enjoying your stay in Bishop.