A Brewing Volcano in Joshua Tree

[JimFox]

Out shooting the Milky Way a few years ago, and these clouds had developed. It wasn't my original composition, but when I saw the shape of the clouds, I then moved a bit to get the MW to line up with the cone of hill along with the clouds lining up.

All comments welcome,

Jim

 

[AlanLichty]

Intriguing comp. A volcano erupting stars.

What is providing the illumination for the clouds?

 

[Ben Egbert]

Very nice Jim, it's good to see how you choose brightness and color for night shots. I always like when there are some clouds like this, and to have the MW align with the rock formation is great.

 

[BarryHamilton]

Same thoughts as Alan.....is the moon lighting up the clouds? I'd be tempted to tone them down a little bit. They distract me a little from the MW and the lovely moonlight (?) on the land.

 

[JimFox]

Intriguing comp. A volcano erupting stars.

What is providing the illumination for the clouds?

Same thoughts as Alan.....is the moon lighting up the clouds? I'd be tempted to tone them down a little bit. They distract me a little from the MW and the lovely moonlight (?) on the land.

There is some light pollution in Joshua Tree now, but there was a moon, that was what was lighting up the ground for me.

And Barry, actually that's the point I had with this. That the Milky Way would be hidden in the background and not jump right out at the viewer. There have been times where I have done what you suggested so that the clouds didn't distract from the MW, but in this scene I wanted the MW to be a bit more subdued and something that didn't just jump out at you, but almost surprised you with its subtleness. At least that was my hope.

Jim

 

[Tuan Le]

Cool comp Jim. It does indeed resemble a volcano.

 

[Bob Denton]

This is an interesting photo.