Anatomy of a Composition - Mt. Wilson Sunrise (Panorama)

Mt. Wilson and the Wilson Mesa have become familiar destinations the past 11 years. The first trip was an intense and beautiful hike into the Wilson Basin accompanied by two good friends while I was in the midst of a divorce. The area can be enjoyed so many different was, as a place to hike and explore, enjoying it as a side route on a motorcycle tour, or just out looking for Apens and wildflowers in their various stages; this corner of Colorado has a genuine beauty and appeal.

This particular morning offered more sublime views, though I’d been hoping for something more dramatic. The reality though was the subtle hues and light were a better match for my mood. I was about to head out for a hike to the Ophir Falls, a sight that I’d wanted to see for a few years, and had finally located the night before. The simple contentment of having answered an important question, or solving that one sticky riddle washed over me as I sipped my coffee watching the hues change and the peaks begin to glow.

This composition was shot on a 135mm lens, which has become a new standard the past few years. It is normally a portrait lens, but has shown real benefits while out photographing landscapes, especially when I can be patient enough to use the tripod and slow down. The 25 images, shot from the lookout at the top of the Last Dollar Road, proved that patience is worth exercising during a dawn like this one, and even though I have more than one image like this, I will never pass the opportunity watch one more sunrise or sunset over the mesa.

Just as a reminder, this year’s calendar is now available and they are ready to ship! It features a collection of shots taken each month from around Colorado to share the unique beauty of the state throughout the entire year. You can preview a Web Gallery for all of the images inside this year’s calendar.

November, 2021 - As always, thank you for the support and for joining me on this adventure.

For more thoughts on some of these images, and life’s other travails, head to www.wordpress.com/alma175w  

Mt. Wilson Sunrise Panorama - ISO 100 | F/5.6 | 1/125 sec. - 25 images stitched together, edited in Lightroom and Photoshop - Sony a7riv & Sony FE 135GM