Arriving at this spot involved one of those driving adventures that characterized much of our time in northwest Scotland. We were following a main road northward from Skye, and here we diverged to the west to get to the coast. As we topped this rise we looked back and saw this spectacular scene — spots of sunlight on nearby hills, light rain falling between us and three distant tall peaks, and a dramatic, cloud-filled sky.
Continue reading Three Peaks, Rain Clouds
If you are following along, it may start to be difficult to follow the itinerary of our late-spring trip to the British Isles. We started in Scotland, spent time in Ireland, then headed to England for about three weeks. The first week in England was spent on a walk between villages in the Cotswolds. We had heard about people doing that, and it sounded fun — and we were able to meet up with relatives who live in Europe.
Continue reading Wheat Field and Building Clouds
On this afternoon we decided to make a late run toward the northern end of Death Valley to photograph a particular feature. We perhaps got of to a slightly late start, but the light was still interesting as we approached. Nearby there is an area of very dark soil (which I assume may have volcanic origins) with very sparse plants. I’ve tried to photograph it before but with limited success. There was lovely cloud-dappled side light when we passed so we stopped to photograph.
The plan was for a brief stop before continuing to our planned destination while the light was good. But “the best laid plans” and all of that… Once I wandered into this spare landscape I found more and more interesting things to photograph — the plants on the rolling hills, tiny wildflowers just poking up through the soil, small playa-like areas of dried mud, and more. Before long we noticed the sun dropping behind nearby mountains… and by the time we got to our planned destination the light was fading.
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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. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email
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We almost came home early from our recent visit to Death Valley National Park. A significant rainstorm was forecast overnight, and the daytime light was already mostly gray. We decided to stay — after all, we had already paid for our accommodations. We visited a few interesting places in the poor light, and were about to visit one more location and photograph sprouting plants in the soft light. But suddenly and with little warning the sun came out! We changed plans and went looking for subjects in this light, backed by the dark, departing clouds.
The light seemed like it would be transient — after all, the forecast was still for rain. So we took advantage of the first light we saw, and I first set up my tripod literally in front of our lodgings. The light was very beautiful, and not just because it was such a surprise. This late day light was warmer in color, and it contrasted with a dramatic backdrop of darker clouds.
Leave a comment or question using the form. (Click the title to see the full article and to comment if you are viewing it on the home page.)
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. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email
All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others.