Dallas Divide Sunset
Colorado Beauty
Colorado Beauty
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Jul, 2019Views
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Awards
2020 Choice Award
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Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo while in the Dallas divide, a pass, not far from Ouray, Colorado, between the San Juan Mountains and the Uncompahgre Plateau.Time
As part of a photography workshop, we headed to the Dallas Divide during late afternoon. As our time progressed, a storm developed on the horizon, and most of the workshop participants decided to head back to our hotel. I was car-pooling with a couple of other fearless women, and we decided to hang out for the light. This is one of several photos that were my reward for that decision to stay.Lighting
There may be nothing more spectacular than the golden hour near and around a developing storm. The golden hour light was spectacular, clouds were forming, creating all kinds of drama and opportunities to catch the sun peeking out behind them. We also experienced some intermittent rain that created opportunities for the light to reflect from the landscape.Equipment
Nikon D800E on a Manfrotto tripod. f/22, 1/30s, ISO 320, 55mm (Nikkor 28 - 300 mm); there may have been a circular polarizer involved, as well.Inspiration
To repeat a bit of the story posted elsewhere in this write-up, my friends and I decided to break apart from other participants in the photography workshop we were attending, because we were intrigued by the opportunities posed by the time of day and the incoming storm. This is not a decision to be made by those who are faint of heart or risk adverse. Had we asked the director of the workshop, I am sure he would have ordered us to follow the group. We got lucky. The storm occurred over the San Juan Mountains in the far horizon, and we had nothing, weather-wise, but a bit of rain, the golden hour and spectacular cloud development. We were surrounded by hills, mountains, fields, rustic fencing and trees. The opportunities were endless.Editing
Because I shoot in raw format, post processing is a necessity. I start in Lightroom Classic, and, in this case, Lightroom was the only tool I used. I always import with a preset that assigns the lens profile, turns on chromatic aberration correction, and adds copyright information to the metadata. The first step in the Develop module is to correct white balance. I start with the dropper and, if necessary, modify from there. The rest is playing around with sliders. As I look at this photo now, I would probably incorporate use of some new tools and techniques that I have acquired since I first made this image.In my camera bag
I always carry two bodies, a full frame and a cropped sensor. Currently those are a Nikon D800E and a Nikon D500. My "go to" lenses are my Nikkor 28mm - 300mm and my Nikkor 14mm - 24mm f/2.8. Depending upon location, I will add either my Nikkor 105mm Macro or my Nikkor 200mm - 500mm. Also in my backpack are extra batteries, a variety of ND filters, and various tools of the trade. I rarely go out without a tripod, which may or may not be put to use.Feedback
Photographing in and around mountains is something that I think every photographer should try. The opportunities are endless. Be sure to go with someone who knows the area (yes, take advantage of one of the many workshops out there). I can't advise ignoring the signs of an oncoming storm, but, if you happen to be lucky enough to encounter such conditions at the golden hour in a beautiful place and are wise enough to keep yourself safe, you may be richly rewarded.
