Bill Crawford
Well-Known Member
Two weeks ago, (Sept. 7), a fast moving cold front pushed through Washington. I was hoping for some dramatic clouds, and a good sunset photo. When I checked the skies in the late afternoon, it was completely overcast and I was thinking, there would be no photos tonight. I went back out about 6:30, and I could see some blue sky, through a few holes in the clouds, to the West over the Cascades. By the time I packed up and got on the road it was after 7, and I need an hour to get to my spot. I didn't think I would make it before sunset, but maybe the Golden Hour would be good. I got this first photo over an hour after sunset. I'm not sure why the yellow light is so bright, must be light pollution from Portland! As I'm messing with the camera, I notice some bright flashes from the East. Lightning! I thrash the old Ford pickup up to the top of the mountain where I can see to the East. A huge lightning storm is underway, all over Eastern Washington. The second photo is a 3 1/2 minute exposure. A large fire is already burning near the lighting strikes on the left, and another has started on the right. After about an hour, I notice cloud bank has an abrupt end to the West, and clear skies are coming fast! Within 20 minutes, the clouds are all but gone, and the Milky Way appears, my night of no photography, turns into a trifecta!
