Antelope Canyon Shape and Color
First Light Mono Lake

I went to the Eastern side of the Sierra to capture the inclement weather coming through the area the day before. There were lightning strikes and a late afternoon thunderstorm. I woke up early the next morning to lightning in the distance and drove to Mono Lake parking lot. The clouds opened up slightly and I hoped that the sunrise would light up the underside of the clouds and bring some color to the water. The Tu fa's are random and not positioned to find an easy composition.  I settled on this location and waited while the seagulls and Osprey flew around as the sun rose from the East.
First Light North Lake

This was an Epic Sunrise at North Lake October 3. 2010.

I went to Bishop to chase light and capture some fall color... On my fourth morning with 25 other photographers we were all in awe with this Epic Sunrise at North Lake taken on October 3,2010...
This image was made on 10.03.2011 at around 12:16 pm.  While camping at Bishop Creek Campground,  I woke up to fresh powder and cold temperatures. The snow continued through the early morning so I decided to go to Cardinal Village for some warmth and a great breakfast. Soon after the storm started to clear so I went up the road to North Lake. I was the first one up there on this day to see fresh snow without any tracks or signs of mankind. The wind was blowing very hard toward me as I tried to stabilize my tripod for a few images, struggling to look through the view finder as the force of the cold air almost knocked me over several times.
First Light Hoodoos and Trees Bryce Canyon National Park.
First Light Hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park
First Light at Monument Valley from the "View Hotel" balcony
First Light at Mesa Arch

Located in Canyonlands National Park. I was the first to arrive at 5:30 am, and by 7:00 am there were about 20 photographers and 30 more on lookers to witness an amazing sunrise at Mesa Arch. If you look closely past the arch and just below the sun beams, you will see three interesting rock formations,  Washboard Women and to her right is Monster Tower, and behind both of them is Airport Tower.

Canyonlands is the largest National Park in Utah, and its diversity staggers the imagination.  The easiest way to see the park is with a visit to the Island in the Sky district, only 32 miles (51.5 km) from Moab.  The Island in the Sky offers many pullouts with spectacular views along the paved scenic drive.  Hiking trails and four-wheel-drive roads access back country areas for day or overnight trips.

The Island in the Sky sits atop a massive 1500 foot mesa, quite literally an Island in the Sky.  Twenty miles (32.2 km) of paved roads lead to many of the most spectacular views in Canyon Country.  From these lofty viewpoints visitors can often see over 100 miles (161 km) in any given direction, resulting in panoramic views that encompass thousands of square miles of canyon country.   Take a short day-hike or spend a relaxing late afternoon enjoying the sunset. Whether you have a few hours to spend or a few days, the Island in the Sky provides an unforgettable Canyon Country experience for the entire family.
First Light at Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe.

I have taken many early light images at Emerald Bay for the past few years. 

With at least 20 attempts under my belt with little success.
 

Well... I have witnessed some nice light but I'm always looking for drama in the sky. 

It is not as easy as one might think to capture all of the elements coming together. Gap light, clouds and color throughout the sky and in the water.


When I visit Lake Tahoe, I'm up at 4:30 am and work my way down to a pull out along Hwy 89 at the back of Emerald Bay.


I usually go to the same location and use my headlamp to set up my tripod and camera. My hope is that this time I will witness an amazing sunrise...

You just never know what show nature will put on so you must go there and be ready.


Emerald Bay is one of the most picturesque places at Lake Tahoe and the Sierra. With Fannette Island rising 150 feet above the lake, 

it is the only natural island in Lake Tahoe and it serves as a nice element that adds to the composition

Emerald Bay is a must see when you are in Tahoe, whether you drive along hwy 89 or you take one of the many cruises that venture into the emerald blue water.

This sunrise is another fleeting moment ,and you can bet that I will be ready on my next visit to see what nature has for me...

This image was captured on September 25, 2011 at 6:27 am.

This is a 13 second exposure, f9, ISO 400 at 29mm.
I used a graduated nuetral density filter which holds back the light on the upper sky portion of the image by three stops, 
this helps balance the light and create a more pleasing exposure.
Antelope Canyon Shape and Color
Antelope Canyon Shape and Color
Antelope Canyon Shape and Color
See photo in original gallery.