Sunset Tom McCall Preserve
Glorious sunset from Tom McCall Preserve near Rowena Oregon. The lupines and balsamroots were brilliantly lit by the setting sun. (Philip A. Knouf)
This sunset at Tom McCall Preserve near Rowena, Oregon is probably one of my best, if I can say so! Conditions were just what landscape photographers dream of for images of lots of colorful flowers backlit by the sun. There was next to no wind and the Columbia Gorge Broad-leaf Lupine and the Northwestern Balsamroot were at peak bloom. See my previous post, “Sunrise Tom McCall Preserve,” for another example of these perfect conditions.
Next to me were Kasia and her friend who also enjoyed the serene beauty. She kindly shared some of her images of this scene. There were a few other folks walking around with their point and shoot cameras but no other people watching the sunset. Of course, it was a Sunday evening so the crowds had definitely gone home.
This was an exposure blend of two images utilizing luminosity masks and other Photoshop tools. I continue to marvel at how much creative control I am presented with through Photoshop. I spent many decades working in an optical darkroom and I believe produced some splendid images. However, with digital tools such as Photoshop and Lightroom, the digital negative, i.e., the RAW file, provides close to unlimited possibilities for creative expression. It is truly a wonderful time to be a photographer!
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