Welch's Overlook #1 Fall Colors

Jon Buffington

Well-Known Member
Went with my wife and grandson yesterday afternoon to an overlook that I have been trying to hit at peak colors. Not a whole lot of drama in the sky but enough. Up atop the Cumberland Plateau, we are probably 4 or 5 days past peak but still lots of opportunities. As we arrived, the lower rock was occupied by some folks there to watch the sunset (they left before it was completely done and I will post an image or 2 from there tomorrow). So I climbed out onto the ledge above them which is sloped precariously downward. I just inched along on my backside and sat cross legged with my tripod setup between my legs. It was a great few moments and it was the first time my 9 year old grandson had ever had the opportunity to appreciate a sunset.

 

Jon Buffington

Well-Known Member
This is really dramatic. I could not tell it was past peak. Now I am awaiting your other image.
I got lucky with the sun and clouds. When I walked out, it was not like this. Then, just for a moment as I had finished setting up, the light became very brilliant and everything turned this orange/red. This was actually very faithful to what I saw with my own eyes. I was happy to capture this. In the other images, you will see that the colors are just a bit past peak. This was my favorite as the sun rays added depth and contrast to the coves running up the sides of the plateau. I was hoping to get the sun as it dipped below the horizon but it was blocked by the clouds. I only had just a couple minutes at the most to capture this.
 

JimFox

Moderator
Staff member
Wow Jon! This is awesome.

Like Ben, I would never take this for past peak colors. But as you say the sun is everything sometimes when it comes to fall colors. Being backlit it can really make the fall colors come alive.

Awesome work with this, and it's great that your grandson went out with you. I know my grandkids love to go out photographing with me, so I know yours did too. Helping them to think about nature and to appreciate it at an early age will have life long benefits.
 

Jon Buffington

Well-Known Member
A wonderful image, Jon. I can't wait to see the other images.
Thank you!

Wow Jon! This is awesome.

Like Ben, I would never take this for past peak colors. But as you say the sun is everything sometimes when it comes to fall colors. Being backlit it can really make the fall colors come alive.

Awesome work with this, and it's great that your grandson went out with you. I know my grandkids love to go out photographing with me, so I know yours did too. Helping them to think about nature and to appreciate it at an early age will have life long benefits.
Thank you Jim and appreciate the kind remarks. He is behind in the outdoors (his parents are in door people) however we do what we can when he is with us :).
 

AlanLichty

Moderator
Gorgeous fall colors and especially with the backlighting from your sunset. With this sun angle its hard to pick out the trees that have already dropped their leaves and the whole forest canopy lights up. I love the sun rays in this capture.
 
Went with my wife and grandson yesterday afternoon to an overlook that I have been trying to hit at peak colors. Not a whole lot of drama in the sky but enough. Up atop the Cumberland Plateau, we are probably 4 or 5 days past peak but still lots of opportunities. As we arrived, the lower rock was occupied by some folks there to watch the sunset (they left before it was completely done and I will post an image or 2 from there tomorrow). So I climbed out onto the ledge above them which is sloped precariously downward. I just inched along on my backside and sat cross legged with my tripod setup between my legs. It was a great few moments and it was the first time my 9 year old grandson had ever had the opportunity to appreciate a sunset.

Jon, such a beautiful photo, this is the "golden moment sunset" , the foliage in the middle makes it even better.

Oliver
 

Jon Buffington

Well-Known Member
Gorgeous fall colors and especially with the backlighting from your sunset. With this sun angle its hard to pick out the trees that have already dropped their leaves and the whole forest canopy lights up. I love the sun rays in this capture.
Thank you kindly, Alan :)

Jon, such a beautiful photo, this is the "golden moment sunset" , the foliage in the middle makes it even better.

Oliver
Thank you very much, Oliver :)
 

dan swiger

Well-Known Member
Went with my wife and grandson yesterday afternoon to an overlook that I have been trying to hit at peak colors. Not a whole lot of drama in the sky but enough. Up atop the Cumberland Plateau, we are probably 4 or 5 days past peak but still lots of opportunities. As we arrived, the lower rock was occupied by some folks there to watch the sunset (they left before it was completely done and I will post an image or 2 from there tomorrow). So I climbed out onto the ledge above them which is sloped precariously downward. I just inched along on my backside and sat cross legged with my tripod setup between my legs. It was a great few moments and it was the first time my 9 year old grandson had ever had the opportunity to appreciate a sunset.

Jon, some sweet color and scene. Love it! Was this film?
 

Jon Buffington

Well-Known Member
Beautiful image, looking forward to seeing the others from this series.
Thank you, hope to post another one tomorrow :)

Nice work.

Thanks!

Jon, some sweet color and scene. Love it! Was this film?
Thank you Dan! This was a rare occasion of shooting digital (albeit my ancient 5dmkii). Right now my B&W stock is loaded in my M5 and awaiting the leaves to fall so I can get back to some film work. Though scenes like this are perfect for some portra 160 as I can meter for the shadows and not worry one bit about blowing out any highlights.
 

dan swiger

Well-Known Member
I should have known. I also have a 5DMkII. This last trip to Yosemite I brought some Portra 160, 400 & 800 to see how they fare.
Just picked up the four rolls worth & am scanning now
I do have some color chemistry but did use it for these as I had some issues with CineStill 800.

Need to restart the experiment!
 
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