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.

First LightEmerald BayLake TahoeSunriseSierra NevadaREDMountain LightFirstLightEmeraldBayCrop