MSH a month or so ago

Still trying to catch up on processing photos taken in August. Took a nice hike at Mt St. Helens, albeit in the afternoon by the time we got there. Here is one of the better "high noon" shots. I have a b/w that works nicely given the mid-day contrast.

If anyone has suggestions for improvement, I'm all ears. Of course, getting there earlier or staying later is a given ;-).

M....... Love the detail in the forground---well done for mid day------ I might loose abut 1/2 the sky---bald --like my head!
JG

I agree with Jacks comment and think this is very good for a mid day shot. I can only imagine how nice the lighting at sunset might have been had you stayed.

No suggestions from me. I think you did an excellent job with the harsh light. The detail is excellent and shows how desolate the eruption area still is. The emerald green color of the lakes in the foreground is very cool.

I too noted those lakes. They really add.

Thanks, everyone. I cropped off the top of the sky. Thanks for the suggestion, Jack. I loved the color of those pools. There was very little processing on them.

I also took a few of what was left of the paintbrush blooming. I was dogged by a ranger who wouldn't let me get even one inch off the trail, so there is color without the drama of close detail in the flowers.

Both photos are just great for midday shots, Marylynne. The color and detail are marvelous. The lakes in the one and the flowers in the other are definitely added attractions. Sorry to say this, but, good for the Ranger.... tempting as those flowers are! To include everything in the scene as you have done and still get close to the flowers? uh-oh, any zoom in the lens you used? But then no doubt have to cut something else out... I like as is!

I totally respected the ranger's rules, and I am a strictly "no trace" kind of gal. I'm sure those paintbrush wouldn't be there at all if folks could walk right up to them. I stood on the trail and put my tripod on the scree at the edge of the trail, and she swooped down on me. I moved it back so the forward most leg was within the main part of the trail, and that was okay. I had two lenses with me: 10-20mm and 24-105mm. I lost too much of the mountain when I used the zoom.

I really want to see that area at sunset. Just gotta get someone with better night vision to drive home!!

The lakes make the shot for me Marylynne. A slight crop of the sky as Jack suggested would be good. And midday shots can be good, despite what a lot of people may think. Love the color of those lakes!

Both shots are gorgeous, nicely done. :)