Winter's sunrise at Mt St Helens, WA
Winter's sunrise at Mt St Helens, WA
Read less
Read less
Views
4034
Likes
Awards
Contest Finalist in Monthly Pro Vol 28 Photo Contest
Featured
Runner Up in Sun Flares Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Sun Flares Photo Contest
Judge Favorite
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Genius
Love it
Top Ranks
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
Just off highway 504 N of Mt. St Helens, WA before Johnston ObservatoryTime
I took this just before sunrise at the very end of December 2013. My husband, son & I were trying to get a sunrise shot of St Helens but were being foiled by thick fog at the lower elevations. Suddenly I saw the mountain starting to emerge through the fog . We found a place to pull over then clambered carefully over icy snow banks, with camera & tripod & grabbed this shot as the sun hit the rim of the volcano.Lighting
Since the sun was already up by the time we got out of the fog, I waited a few minutes to get the sun star on the Volcano's lip. I shot with the highest f-stop I could to get the sunburst.Equipment
I shot with a Nikon D600, using a 24-120mm lens. I believe I was using a graduated ND filter as well.Inspiration
First, the mountain began to emerge from the fog but there was still a wonderful sea of fog in the valley. Then I chose this composition because I loved the regular tiers of Noble fir branches on the hillside. Lastly, working quickly, I got the sun star on the lip of the volcano.Editing
I made RAW adjustments, lightening shadowed areas and used layer masks to lighten a bit further. The ND filter allowed me to leave the sky pretty much untouched.In my camera bag
Depends on what time of day I'm shooting & how far I'm planning on walking. I have to travel light because I have a lot of arthritis, so usually I'd just be carrying polarizer, graduated ND filters & holder, extra memory sticks & batteries and maybe my 70-200mm lens.Feedback
Sunrise & sunset give the most spectacular light to Mt St Helens. I have had the best luck catching those times of day by staying as close to the mountain as I can (which is about 40 minutes, unless you're camping). There are amazing trails on the N side of the mountain starting - specifically the Boundary Trail from Hummocks, past Johnston Observatory all the way to Harry's Ridge & beyond. Unlike most mountain trails, you get a full view of the mountain both coming & going almost the entire time.