The Gift

Gallery: LandscapePosted February 6, 2010579 views46 comments

The alarm goes off. But the bed is warm. O.k., I'll go look outside. Fog. Can hardly see across the street. The bed becons. O.k., I'll look online. No real info to help me there. Maybe I'll just go back to bed. Nagging thought. Maybe something good could happen. It won't if I go back to bed. But where to go. Flat Irons might be worthwile if they have fog moving across them. But they're 50 miles away. Look, this is all you think about all week long! Just go! O.k.

Sometimes an effort is all that is required to receive the gifts that are waiting for us. Thank you, Lord.

Comments and critiques always welcome, and thanks for looking,

Morris

Comments

46 comments

Comment posted by Benjamin Glatt on February 6, 2010 at 8:59 PM

Wowzers. Gorgeous light and composition, Morris--glad you didn't go back to sleep!

Registered on July 15, 2007, 171 Posts, 3566 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on February 6, 2010 at 10:38 PM

At least half of nature photography is just showing up. The light will find you if you make yourself available. Gorgeous scene. My preference would be to crop a bit of the brown from the bottom.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Olsen on February 6, 2010 at 10:49 PM

What a good pep talk to get my butt out of the sack!...thanks!!
Beautiful capture!
Thanks for getting up and for sharing!

Registered on October 19, 2006, 306 Posts, 1571 Comments

Comment posted by Ryan Dyar on February 6, 2010 at 11:29 PM

Really nice light! The subtle misty atmosphere is great and the moon really helps balance out the heavy right side, well done. I'm with Tony, I could go for a little less brown up front, but cropping it may make it too top heavy... I would consider a slight pano crop losing a little off the top and bottom, but that's just me. Regardless, it's beautiful as-is... well done, Morris.

Registered on November 8, 2008, 22 Posts, 129 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Goldwasser on February 6, 2010 at 11:29 PM

I think we've all had that pre-sunrise conversatioon with the alarm clock a few times. Glad you got rewarded for your efforts here, great sharp image with beautiful soft light.

Registered on May 10, 2009, 127 Posts, 970 Comments

Comment posted by Art Escobado on February 6, 2010 at 11:55 PM

The world is run by the people that show up! Grrreat shot.

Registered on January 7, 2007, 0 Posts, 775 Comments

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on February 7, 2010 at 12:01 AM

Sleep is over rated! This is great and I am sure you are really glad you passed up your bed. I am gald you did.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 474 Posts, 5555 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Campisi on February 7, 2010 at 12:34 AM

This is absolutely beautiful Morris. Love the undulating curve of the Flatirons and the trees on the left. Your effort was well rewarded!

Registered on November 24, 2008, 304 Posts, 3211 Comments

Comment posted by Joel Hazelton on February 7, 2010 at 12:42 AM

This is a beauty! I'll bet you're glad you got up!

Registered on August 6, 2008, 194 Posts, 1315 Comments

Comment posted by Russell Colletta on February 7, 2010 at 12:46 AM

Wow Morris, great capture. The light is awesome and was worth the effort from my POV. The lines in the Flatirons are a good study. Amen on the thanks.

Registered on October 31, 2009, 114 Posts, 1008 Comments

Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on February 7, 2010 at 1:02 AM

I love the diffused light on the moon, and what lovely open space you've captured.

Registered on December 19, 2008, 306 Posts, 4840 Comments

Comment posted by Angela Classen on February 7, 2010 at 1:45 AM

Gorgeous light & color! The moon is a cool touch. Glad you didn't stay in bed!!

Registered on June 13, 2007, 434 Posts, 2742 Comments

Comment posted by Jay Nielsen on February 7, 2010 at 2:58 AM

Beautiful colors in that sky and I really like your composition with the sloping line of the horizon.

Registered on October 6, 2008, 137 Posts, 720 Comments

Comment posted by Anthony Vincent on February 7, 2010 at 8:21 AM

Divine inspiration Id say. Well captured and the best gifts are the ones you work hard for, right. Glad you got out and were able to share this one with us Morris. A real beauty and so peaceful.
Great job bud

Registered on February 5, 2009, 199 Posts, 2775 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Anderson on February 7, 2010 at 8:32 AM

Beautiful image Morris.
It's so easy not to get out of bed. Why is that ?
I'm glad you made the effort. It's almost always so rewarding when one does.
Nice work!

Registered on September 6, 2007, 346 Posts, 2696 Comments

Comment posted by John&Patty Benway on February 7, 2010 at 8:49 AM

Definitely a pretty scene Morris, beautiful light and composition.
John

Registered on May 12, 2006, 626 Posts, 8700 Comments

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on February 7, 2010 at 9:02 AM

Gorgeous view Morris. This truly is a gift. I like the warm and cool colors as well.

Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on February 7, 2010 at 9:26 AM

Very nice Morris. Certainly paid to get out that morning. The wide open feel and great color really makes it for me. The moon just makes it even better.

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Gabi Lach on February 7, 2010 at 9:55 AM

Great scene, Morris. Mornings like that are just unforgettable and your capture shows it. Beautiful work!

Registered on May 1, 2007, 101 Posts, 3187 Comments

Comment posted by R.Bill Moser on February 7, 2010 at 11:16 AM

Fantastic light....and those colors in the clouds are amazing. Glad you didn't go back to bed

Registered on January 29, 2010, 285 Posts, 4281 Comments

Comment posted by Jeff Hackett on February 7, 2010 at 11:36 AM

Incredible Morris, great work!

Registered on March 13, 2006, 65 Posts, 1119 Comments

Comment posted by Greg Cope on February 7, 2010 at 11:44 AM

Beautiful all around! I love the light and the moon adds a great deal of balance

Registered on January 22, 2007, 212 Posts, 2737 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Fach on February 7, 2010 at 12:24 PM

Morris: Wonderful musing and an even more excellent image. Marvelous scene superbly captured. >=))>

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments

Comment posted by Joshua Hardin on February 7, 2010 at 12:54 PM

This one is by far my favorite of yours from the morning (when compared to the great selection on RMNP too). Awesome decision to go out there and shoot this!

Registered on July 29, 2006, 40 Posts, 414 Comments

Comment posted by Chikku Baiju on February 7, 2010 at 1:12 PM

Glad you got out of that bed, so we could see a scene like this. Love the colors and that moon adds a nice touch. I would suggest to crop that brown stuff from the foreground, and the image should be more balanced then.

Registered on January 9, 2010, 31 Posts, 246 Comments

Comment posted by Jeremy Kessler on February 7, 2010 at 2:31 PM

Glad you got out of bed. This is beautiful, one of your best.

Registered on September 13, 2007, 36 Posts, 1283 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Baumbach on February 7, 2010 at 2:35 PM

Definitely a gift. Is that the Flatirons? I just got a job in Westminster and will be out there in March.

- Dan.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 473 Posts, 7980 Comments

Comment posted by Wade Hardy on February 7, 2010 at 2:40 PM

All the conditions came together perfectly for this one - Excellent capture!!!

Those early morning thoughts/doubts sound very familiar too

Registered on May 2, 2006, 121 Posts, 1824 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on February 7, 2010 at 3:34 PM

Thanks so much to all who have commented so far! I do appreciate your valuable time. Looks like it could use a crop off of the bottom maybe from some comments.
Dan, yes, it is the Flatirons in Boulder. E-mail me when you are out here, and we'll go shooting together!

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments

Comment posted by Daniel Ewert on February 7, 2010 at 3:48 PM

Awesome shot, Morris! I have the same sort of conversations with myself all of the time. And I have never regreted being on location just to be there in case the opportunity comes. I am really loving that moon and the color in the clouds. Well done.

Registered on June 2, 2009, 103 Posts, 1500 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Pelton on February 7, 2010 at 4:19 PM

Awesome, Morris. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on November 25, 2003, 380 Posts, 4647 Comments

Comment posted by Vance Gese on February 7, 2010 at 11:01 PM

Absolutely stunning image Morris. The color in the sky, the touch of light on the mountains and the moon all make this a phenomenal image. A few have suggested a crop and I would agree with a crop on the bottom and a bit off the left hand side to retain the proportions and focus the viewers attention on the moon, sky/clouds, and those phenomenal mountains and light. Man, I would definitely say the Lord blessed you this morning with a wonderful gift.

Registered on November 13, 2008, 298 Posts, 6629 Comments

Comment posted by Dean Sauskojus on February 7, 2010 at 11:22 PM

Of all that you shot of this area this is my favorite. Nice colors in the sky and a lovely addition of the moon. Thanks for getting out of bed and sharing the image.

Registered on September 29, 2009, 137 Posts, 2659 Comments

Comment posted by Stuart Williams on February 8, 2010 at 1:54 AM

gorgeous light and colours. just got to get out there.

Registered on December 7, 2007, 247 Posts, 4792 Comments

Comment posted by Bruno Silva on February 8, 2010 at 7:12 AM

very cool, morris. one of you´re best, imo. sunsrise? man, what a blessed mood and conditions. no nits my friend, but I might try that crop that some have mentioned, besides that, a wall hanger indeed. fabulous comp.

Registered on May 6, 2009, 132 Posts, 1406 Comments

Comment posted by Dorin Bofan on February 8, 2010 at 8:04 AM

Superb image, Morris! Perfect composition and light.

Registered on April 30, 2007, 122 Posts, 3086 Comments

Comment posted by Kevin Trinkner on February 8, 2010 at 8:21 AM

Beautiful capture Morris, and a great story to go with it. We have all been there, debating the pre-dawn darkness and the comforts of sleep. I can imagine your excitement watching this scene unfold, confirming your decision to make the trip.

Excellent work.

Registered on June 30, 2008, 203 Posts, 2641 Comments

Comment posted by Jay Patel on February 8, 2010 at 9:50 AM

Very nice colors and composition. Good work Morris.

Registered on August 28, 2008, 87 Posts, 566 Comments

Comment posted by Tom Nevesely on February 8, 2010 at 11:21 AM

"Just go!" is absolutely right. I've never regretted going out even if I don't end up taking a single photo and I always regret it if I don't go. I go because I love being out there. The photography is a bonus!

I really like the pinks and blues here Morris. And the position of the moon really adds to the image. Nice work!

Registered on June 14, 2005, 147 Posts, 1550 Comments

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on February 8, 2010 at 3:07 PM

Effort rewarded.... big time! One of my favs from you, Morris. Great light, comp and oh, those colors in the sky.

Registered on July 26, 2007, 244 Posts, 2807 Comments

Comment posted by Erik Stensland on February 8, 2010 at 4:13 PM

I'm glad you didn't sleep in so that we all get the opportunity to enjoy this. Bravo!

Registered on September 27, 2004, 121 Posts, 718 Comments

Comment posted by Chip Phillips on February 8, 2010 at 8:47 PM

Awesome image Morris. Glad you got out of bed. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on November 26, 2007, 128 Posts, 1436 Comments

Comment posted by Albert Darmo on February 8, 2010 at 11:13 PM

Hi Morris

Awesome in every aspect,

Colors to die for. Now ill have to get up earlier

to even come close to this masterpiece

Albert Darmo Canada

Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments

Comment posted by David Edwards on February 9, 2010 at 5:09 AM

A stunning shot, Morris! I love the curving line of the mountains around to the treeline, and the way the moon sits nicley in the pocket. Fabulous light. Great comp.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 142 Posts, 2623 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on February 9, 2010 at 8:06 PM

Sorry im late to the party--heres the toast

Registered on September 15, 2005, 836 Posts, 17099 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on February 9, 2010 at 8:31 PM

Sweet Morris!!!

Mark

Registered on June 19, 2009, 276 Posts, 6240 Comments