Sunrise, sunset

Hooper Lake Sunrise Reflection, Flat Tops Wilderness

After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, the sun breaks through a cloudbank to light this high ridge above Hooper Lake. This image was taken about 1/2 hour after "sunrise".

I wasn't sure if there would be a sunrise after an afternoon and evening of groppel thunder-snow.

Looking the other direction (the evening before) from Hooper Lake as one squall passes and another drifts overhead. The droplets in the water are pea-sized groppel.

I really like that second shot! The first is nice too, maybe id crop out the trees on the rhs.

Really like your first image Dave. Perfect reflection, nice color and I dig the fog on the lake.

I think both are beautiful. I like the fist one best.

Dave, did you consider lightening the darker areas in PS to reveal more detail?

Not criticising, just asking.

I like that first shot, with the mist on the lake. Perhaps a little brighter though?

Both images are very nice, I really like the reflection in the first one!. I think I would lighten the first one a little, perhaps selectively to bring out some more detail.

Thanks for the feedback, folks. I took another look at image 1 and opened up the shadows and mountain without touching the snowfields. I agree that this has a more natural feel. I've always liked hard, black shadows, which probably comes from years of shooting Velvia. That's certainly the effect I was after in image 2 ~ using the trees as graphic elements.

The new, new version of Hooper Lake at sunrise is attached.

I think you just increased the dynamic appeal of the photo by like 100% Dave. I feel myself being drawn right into those soft greens under the patch of snow.

I wish I was in a kayak paddling into those trees right now.

Very nice! The difference between #1 and the reworked version of # 1 are like night and day. Reworked # 1 is excellent! I think #1, with the blocked shadows, would look good converted to B&W. If that makes any sense.