Emigrant Solitude

Gallery: Man & NaturePosted November 5, 2017610 views6 comments

After sunset, near Relief Peak in California's Emigrant Wilderness. The views from our camp were spectacular, extending to Desolation Wilderness in the North and Yosemite National Park in the South. The geologically inclined will notice that I am sitting on a (big) pile of volcanic rubble, while the surrounding ridges are all "Yosemite-style" granite.

What looks like fog in the lower right is smoke from a nearby wildfire - though luckily a relatively small one. The devastating Bay area wildfires broke out the weekend after this trip.

Nikon D610, 20/1.8 AF-S, tripod, two exposures blended

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Dan Schwartz on November 6, 2017 at 5:19 PM

I think this is wonderful, on a grand scale. The evening light is beautiful, with the glow on the person's face really making it.

Registered on September 29, 2016, 23 Posts, 97 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Jones on November 6, 2017 at 10:43 PM

This image gives me the feeling of solitude that that title suggests, feeling warmed by a gorgeous sunset, even amid the patches of snow. I don't know how the the smoke affected your feelings at the time, but it sure does add to the sense of depth in the photograph.

Registered on April 18, 2007, 953 Posts, 6435 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Williams on November 10, 2017 at 12:48 AM

Beautiful blend Basil. This has the feeling of the Hawaii volcanoes to me somehow. Maybe the smoke, maybe the light, maybe the top down perspective. What a wonderful place to watch the sun go down.

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on November 10, 2017 at 6:48 PM

Beautiful and serene. The image conveys a great sense of peaceful solitude and wide spaces.

Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments

Comment posted by Dave Harwood on January 24, 2018 at 8:05 AM

It's a story as old as existence: I am me, I exist in a world of vast beauty but also a world which requires footsteps: I had to walk to get to this place and I'll have to leave it--clearly the terrain under my feet isn't always plain. A great photo always does that, it stirs something in us, it makes a connection to a narrative that reaches far beyond color and light. All that's rather cosmic; your photo-story also includes the temporal, fire and smoke right now and here, and then the tragic fire coming in days. Beautifully and thoughtfully composed, and well edited. Curious about the layering, what was your objective? Thanks for posting it! -Dave

Registered on February 4, 2015, 29 Posts, 29 Comments

Comment posted by Basil Greber on January 25, 2018 at 10:03 PM

Dave, thank you for a very thoughtful comment. Regarding the layering, I assume you are referring to the exposure blend? I needed a second exposure (minus 1 or 2 stops - I usually do minus 2, but I think I was so exhausted that I fumbled it and dialed in minus 1) to keep the brightly lit horizon from going white completely.

Registered on November 8, 2005, 219 Posts, 1340 Comments