Eastern Sierra Nevada, Alkali Lake, Dawn. Owens Valley, California. October 10, 2010. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell – all rights reserved.
Snow-dusted peaks of the eastern Sierra Nevada near Mammoth Lakes illuminated by dawn light and reflected in the surface of an Owens Valley alkali lake.
I like to stay flexible when I photograph so even though my original reason for traveling to the eastern Sierra was to photograph fall aspen color, when it seemed that other subjects might be just as interesting I switched gears and headed out into Owens Valley to photograph this high desert region and the morning views from there of the eastern escarpment of the Sierra Nevada. I first got this idea the previous morning while driving towards some prospective aspen color before dawn when I saw the outlines of fog over Crowley Lake and other areas of the valley. I ended up shooting along Hot Creek as fog rose from the water and the Sierra crest broke through in the distance. (Photos of that scene will likely appear here later on.) On my way to Hot Creek I passed this lake and decided not to stop since it looked like photography workshop participants were already crowded along one shore.
The next morning I once again thought that I’d start my day out in Owens Valley. This time I went straight to this lake – which I believe is known as “Little Alkali Lake” – and found it completely deserted and the water totally still. It remained that way as I made my way to the far shore and set up before sunrise. In this part of Owens Valley, on cold mornings there are clouds and columns of steam rising all around, coming from the many hot springs that remind one of the volcanic forces hidden just below the surface of this area. Some of the steam sources are visible across the lake in the photograph. Soon the dawn light began to touch the highest peaks and then work its way down toward the rolling hills of the valley floor, reflected in the smooth water of this small lake. This part of the Sierra includes an impressive group of peaks including Mounts Morrison, Baldwin, and Morgan along with McGee Mountain.
This photograph is not in the public domain and may not be used on websites, blogs, or in other media without advance permission from G Dan Mitchell.
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Those lit reeds in the foreground are brilliant! They carry the same colors of the mountains, yet have a different form and pattern.
Thanks, Greg. I didn’t start out to photograph the reeds, but once I saw them along the shore of this very smooth pond, the idea of including them in the foreground seemed like the right thing to try, especially with the way they contrasted with the dark tones of the water.
I was flattered to get the very complimentary message from David Hyde! We all know the reputation of his father, so Davids’ opinion means a lot. For anyone reading this who is unfamiliar with Phillip Hyde’s work, here is a link: http://www.philiphyde.com/home-p_1.html
Dan
Wonderful photograph Dan! What makes this photograph for me are the sunlit reeds contrasting with the deep blue, mirror-smooth, lake water. The sunlit Sierras in the background are icing on the cake.
I have never explored this portion of the eastern Sierras before, as I’m always on 395 heading for Bishop and similar. Good photos are where you find them!
I recognized David Leland Hyde’s name as the son of Phillip Hyde, the master landscape photographer. He has a very good blog on landscape photography, and David’s email newletters are always interesting.
Phillip Hyde (as well as Carr Clifton) was one of the reasons I thought to explore the northern Sierras a few weeks back. I figured there’s got to be a reason why these two notable landscape photographers would live here, versus Bishop, and similar Eastern Sierra locations!
I have heard your name but I don’t know how I have missed your blog so far because your images are unique and tastefully made without a lot of the Photoshop hopping up that seems to be popular here and there. I found you through Richard Wong and am happy to have done so. I like your aspen images and many of the others because you aren’t relying on the shock value of color but on good seeing. I like that you also photograph cityscapes and a variety of subjects besides nature. Since you’ve been photographing a long time, did you ever met my father, landscape photographer Philip Hyde?
David, I’m honored that you found my work and dropped by to leave a comment – and also that you said such positive things about my photography! I never met your father, but I have been aware of him and his work for along time, and I’ve always enjoyed his wonderful photography. I feel that much of my photography probably follows in the footsteps of great photographers who inspired me, like your father. (I also subscribe to the RSS feed from the blog that you have set up.)
Thanks!
Dan
Thanks for posting images of the Eastern Side. While this area is wonderful you seem to be able to capture images beyond the normal.
Thanks, John. I’ve loved this area for many years and I’m glad you enjoy the photographs!
Dan