Clouds and Wind

++ Image featured in the Bighorn Gallery at Dead Horse Point State Park September 1, 2015 through February 29, 2016 ++

As I walked the lakeshore among the Tetons, I encountered several "bear warning" signs, but ‘alas did not experience any intimidating wildlife on the walk. I remained on the beach through sunset and well into dusk, and nearly into complete darkness to capture this scene. And thankfully so, as shooting sunset on the Wyoming side of the Tetons is critically dependent on one element, clouds. The sun sets behind the mountains, so clouds are required to colorize the sky and brighten the foreground. Among my photography philosophy is one fact: nature photography requires at least a minimal amount of luck. Luck prevailed this evening. The clouds and wind combined to create a mood that was exceptional. I used a polarizer to extend the exposure and to capture the reflected surface light. What a colorful spectrum!

File info: 1306-4-3495 [2:3]