It’s All About The Light.
For the photographs I strive to make, one thing matters above all else. That one thing is the light. The best light is often fleeting, frequently lasting mere minutes. If you aren’t prepared for the best light, if you are unable to recognize its onset, you may very well miss out.
Within minutes the sun would be gone, hidden behind the distant mountains. I actually had several minutes to set up this shot, seemingly an eternity when it comes to the ideal light.
In this shot, I had approximately 3 1/2 minutes from when the pink fire ignited the sky to when the flames flickered out. Had I not been prepared, I may very well have missed this shot.
The ability to not only recognize the best light, but also to recognize when the best light is about to happen, before it happens, are the two skills, more than almost any other, that have made me a better photographer.
The next time you’re out photographing in absolutely beautiful light, think hard and remember what lead up to that light. Soon, with enough time and experience, you’ll never miss another shot because you weren’t ready for the light.
Jeff, those shots are amazing!!
Thank you very much! The best part, not a single extra calorie in either of them 😀
🙂
I love these shots, they are both extremely beautiful.
Thank you very much. It pleases me to no end to hear you say that.
Fab u lous
Compliment greatly appreciated and graciously accepted.
I am happy you were ready to give us this treat 🙂
Ready, willing, and able. Thank you for enjoying them. 🙂
These are superb photos Jeff…and you live by the best motto ever. “Be Prepared”
Thank you! I’ve learned the hard way by missing out on more than a few photographs by not being prepared/paying attention.
Stunning – great capture Love the colors. Where is this in NewHampshire – have to put it on my list
Thank you! The first one is Foss Mountain in Eaton. It’s a little hard to find, but let me know the next time your in NH and I’ll give you directions. It’s hard to believe the view is as good as it is considering the hike from the parking area is about 10-15 minutes. It almost seems like you should have to work harder for it 🙂
The second one is Baxter Lake in Rochester/Farmington.
OK, perhaps a tad more sophisticated than mine interpretation of the theme 🙂 — stunning!
Thank you, but I disagree. I think yours shows in a much more illustrative way how fleeting the light can be. Mine only shows the end result when I get it “right.”
And how salutary to know that that exact moment will never return. It makes your photograph so very special. Just one fragment of the eternal picture. Brilliant. Thanks for sharing with us.
Thank you Maureen.
Sunsets are never a disappointment … always captivating.
Good choice for the challenge, Jeff.
Isadora
http://isadoraartandphotography.com/2013/06/09/weekly-photo-challenge-fleeting/
Wonderful ! And so beautiful !
Thank you very much!
Beautiful shots Jeff, and nice dialogue. Knew we could count on you on this one!
Thank you Tina, I do try to keep my inner babbling idiot from getting out too often 😉
I’m glad I came through for everyone.
Beautiful images once again Jeff!
We’re in the middle of moving, so I couldn’t participate in WPC lately, but I’ll hopefully be back on track soon.
Thanks CG. I hope the move is going smoothly. I know how much “fun” moving can be.