Painted Hills & Grasses

I made my first visit to Painted Hills about 2 weeks ago, just a one-day stop before moving on to the Alvord Desert. The weather was overcast and drizzly the entire day, and even at 6pm there looked to be no hope of a sunset. Around 6:30, a seam appeared above the western horizon, and continued to expand slowly, giving us about 2 hours of remarkable light.

Not an original comp, but the choices are somewhat limited. I also find that my first visit to any location usually doesn't result in great comps; it takes me time to "see" an area and its possibilities. But, hopefully the light makes up for it here.

D2X, 12-24mm @ 14mm, f/16 @ 1/40, 3-stp GND. The light was cooperative, and I also had time to setup the 4x5, which I'm looking forward to getting back.

Nice shot Rick. You've managed to capture a lot of range here between dark skies, bright hills, and grass.

It surprises me how many shots I see from here that have this effect, with the sun firing off the hills. I really like what it does here Rick, and the layering of the grass/hills/sky is wonderful. Well done, nice to see you posting more shots from your "new home ."

Beautiful image Rick, the light on the grasses makes this one for me. I know what you mean about taking a few visits to a location to start finding your own personal takes on it.

Very nice light indeed, Rick. Love the fg grasses, so wispy in contrast to bold forms of the hills. Very pleasing to view this scene.

I looked at this a few times today - really admire the great light you captured...