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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Fifty Nine: Using dramatic light at the fringes of the day > Volcanic slopes, Mount Shasta, California, 2008
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13-SEP-2008

Volcanic slopes, Mount Shasta, California, 2008

We could drive almost half way up Mount Shasta, ending in a parking area at the base of the slopes leading to the summit. We waited for the sun to warm these slopes, creating low shadows that made the mountain’s barren surface above the timberline rich in craggy texture. That same sun turns brownish lava to golden sands, enhancing the mystical lore of a volcano that last erupted 200 years ago.

Leica V-Lux 1
1/400s f/5.6 at 39.0mm iso100 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Phil Douglis03-Oct-2008 05:46
Those contrasts, textures, shadows, and shapes that create this tactility can only be present at this particular time of day, Celia. The angle of light and nature of color at the time of exposure is as important here as the nature of the subject itself. If I had tried to make this picture an hour earlier, or an hour later, it would not have the same feel and meaning. Thanks for realizing this.
Cecilia Lim02-Oct-2008 22:21
The contrast of the deep black shadows against the fiery golden surface speaks of a hardness in this hostile environment. The shadows also enhance the shape of the rocks and pebbles which make this a very tactile image-I can almost feel the sharpness of the craggy rocks in my hands and the loose pebbles beneath my feet! A beautiful example of wilderness at its most extreme brought out dramatically by your perfect timing in lighting choices.
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