Rocky Mountain Sunrise

[Teton Chuck]

This photo of a sunrise over the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, WY was taken this morning. I was out trying to take advantage of the smoke that is prevalent in much of the western half of the U.S. The light hitting the smoky air is diffused, but the shadows behind clouds appear as bands in the sky. I had been photographing the color changes during the sunrise and was heading home when I noticed this scene. Click on the photo to get a large view. C&C welcome and appreciated.

chuck

[terrib]

This is gorgeous, Chuck. I like that the perspective leads me along the reflections from the sun but not right into the sun.

[Eric M]

Oh wow! That one needs to be on the wall.

[Mike Buckley]

I also like it a lot, Chuck. It's not the typically dark sunrise shot.

It's a good thing that I know about the National Elk Refuge. Otherwise, I'd see this image and think it's the National Duck Refuge.

[Teton Chuck]

Thanks Terri, Eric and Mike. I appreciate your comments. Mike, those are really elk that just look like ducks.

[cthermans]

I love the picture and the reflection of the clouds and mountains in the water. The water actually looks like it is sparkling.

[Ken Curtis]

Very nice image, Chuck. The bands in the sky caused by the clouds with all the smoke in the atmosphere are wonderful. I don't know if it is me or not, but image appears to be leaning very slightly downhill to the left and I wonder if rotating clockwise a small amount would help.

[Mike Buckley]

I noticed the perception of a slight tilt also, which I think isn't a tilt but is caused by an optical illusion involving the fog line. Rotating it a bit clockwise might eliminate that feeling or might bring on the feeling of a tilt to the right.

[MilT0s]

Excellent composition, perspective, reflections, colors and leading lines there Chuck.
Every element of the image is where it should be.
Congratulations.

[Nicola]

superb

[jprzybyla]

Magnificent, that is am image to print. Nice work Chuck.

[Teton Chuck]

Thanks to all for your kind comments. Mike, it think the "tilt" is an optical illusion. I check it out just to be sure.

Cheers, Chuck

[Cantab]

Chuck, a stunning photo!
My initial thought was that there was a slight tilt but then I thought no: it was just an illusion created by the sloping skyline of the hills in the distance. I'll be interested to hear your final verdict.
Looking at the photo closely, I feel like I'm facing the sun burning in my eyes.

[jeeperman]

Very nice Chuck, lovely scene and great capture.

[KeithH]

A gorgeous shot Chuck but it does need a little rotation. Drop a vertical line from a distinct part of a cloud and it should pass through the exact same point in its reflection. I make it needing 0.95 degrees cw rotation to get it right.

[Melkus]

I always love sunrise and sunset photos. Very nicely done.

[Teton Chuck]

Thanks to all for the feedback. Mike, Bruce and Keith, I wish I had the ability to see the slight tilt as well as the three of you. I had tried to check for tilt using horizontal lines but didn't do a very good job. Keith, your suggestion to use vertical lines to line up the clouds was very helpful. I have attached another version of the photo with the correction. I love this forum. I learn from all of you on a regular basis.

Cheers, Chuck

[Mike Buckley]

Keith, your suggestion to use vertical lines to line up the clouds was very helpful.

That suggestion about lining up the reflection and the source was made by someone just a short while ago, perhaps also by Keith. I already had forgotten about it until I saw his post in this thread. Sheesh!

[Eduardo Rijo]

Very nice ... I especially like the clouds ...

[Stinky]

Very nice. I especially like the waterfowl spread out across the lake.