Mono Lake Revisited…again!
Well, yes–my last post was on Mono Lake–but I visited again and witnessed the most amazing sunset and sunrise moments in my life.
I do know that I need to do more research on what conditions make for a more vivid color show at sunset and sunrise…my hunch is that storm clouds and conditions calling for weather changes do make a huge difference!
Just over a week passed from the photos I took at Mono Lake the previous week, to these views. It is a common spot to find photographers and many famous artists have captured the glory of this locale. I was joined by about 4 serious photographers on this night. The scene constantly changes with various flashes of color and the changes in the clouds. There is not a single place in the 360 degree view that is not worthy of remembering. A good example–is watching a professional photographer from the Bay Area running with his tripod from one spot to another. That is how much you want to be able to capture every moment. Here are a few of the more memorable shots from an amazing sunset session.
Changing Flashes
All glowing
Western View
Finishing off the show was the most fire ball of light on the Western horizon…
Last fire light
Following this show of light, I was on such a “high” in total amazement of what I had witnessed over the course of less than an hour. Decided if there is such a thing as “Photographers’ High” I had the pleasure of experiencing it. Was wide awake until well after midnight and had my alarm set for sunrise.
Didn’t think I could see anything as wonderful as the night before–however, I was not disappointed by any stretch of the imagination by a spectacular sunrise.
First light
Calm waters
Spectacular reflections
Space Age View
Distant colors
The last part of the extraordinary sunrise is when the first rays of the sun hit the highest peak. The color is in fact red and glows for a few minutes. For the true meaning of the art of photography that is “all about the light” this is one of the few times it is so visible. After a few minutes, the color of the sierra peak returns to the normal wonderful color–but still you can remember what it looked like!
Golden Hour Moment
So thankful this wonderful treasure is no longer on the closure list for California State Parks. To be a supporter, you can join the Mono Lake Committee–it is over 16,000 members strong. I was able to visit the information center and bookstore, located in Lee Vining and will now proudly be sporting a “Long Live…Mono Lake” on my license. www.monolake.org
My heartfelt thanks to all of the individuals that have dedicated their time and resources to keep this fabulous place for many generations to come!
Drmarm's Blog 
Oh my goodness, truly spectacular shots! My jaw dropped lower and lower as I scrolled though this beautiful post. It is so very interesting how the slightest change in light creates a totally different scene. It is very difficult for me to select favorites, but photos 5, 6, 7 and 8 really opened my eyes wide in awe. Such a lovely place to visit. Gorgeous photography, Laura!
January 2, 2012 at 6:08 pm
Julie,
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. You amaze me with your words and I am flattered and humbled with your compliments. I really appreciate you!
Laura
January 2, 2012 at 6:13 pm
Laura, you continue to amaze. Excellent job to get back to this wonderful place – a locale I should have visited at least once all those years I lived in the Bay Area – of course, then, I barely was able to take a snapshot 😉
January 2, 2012 at 6:14 pm
Bill,
Thanks so much. I will admit to going back another time after this visit too, am absolutely hooked on the majestic splendor of Mono Lake.
January 2, 2012 at 6:52 pm
Very awesome! Glad Mono Lake got saved!
January 2, 2012 at 6:46 pm
Trudy,
Thanks, me too!
January 2, 2012 at 6:52 pm
Absolutely Stunning photos!
January 2, 2012 at 8:38 pm
Dawn, Thanks much–missed appreciating your view and comment before. You rock!
Laura
January 17, 2012 at 2:45 am
Laura, these are stunning. I prefer the sunrises to the sunsets, but all are spectacular. You have become an ace photographer!
January 3, 2012 at 4:49 am
Amazing scenes – really wonderful.
dan
January 3, 2012 at 11:56 am
Nice Laura, enjoy this. Thanks
January 3, 2012 at 4:20 pm
Kerry,
Thanks so much! Need to catch up with you!
Laura
January 17, 2012 at 2:43 am
What an amazing collection of photos, Laura. I love the ‘Space Age View’. Fantastic!
January 6, 2012 at 5:04 am
Thanks Scott, my friend said they reminded her of Land of the Lost. The colors do make it even seem more space like. Glad you enjoyed them.
Laura
January 17, 2012 at 2:41 am