In the right conditions, a Mono Lake sunrise can be spectacular. To some extent it is up to the clouds. Clouds produce the most colorful sunrises, of course, but if they are too thick or in the wrong place they can also “turn out the lights.” The ideal, I think, is for it to be clear on the eastern horizon, with scattered clouds closer to the lake. Almost anything goes in the west — some clouds there to catch the light can be good, but clear skies and the earth shadow or even dark and dramatic clouds can work.
To really experience such a sunrise you must get up early. Very early. Painfully early. Ideally you will be in place at least a half hour (an hour is better) before the actual sunrise time, since the best light and colors usually come before that. A half hour will not be enough if you need to search for compositions and camera position. Arriving in the dark is a fine idea. I know that sounds painful to plenty of folks, but if you have experienced a few spectacular sunrises this way you will be hooked — and you may start to wonder about all of those other people who don’t get up early enough to see them!
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G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him.
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