Warm afternoon light back lights mist on the Rams Heads, with a view to Swampy Plain. Kosciuszko NP, NSW Australia
After food and a little rest I emerged from the tent to a delicate play of light. Recovered from a navigational challenging walk in the fog I grab the camera gear and head to a ridge overlooking Swampy Plain. Finding a jumble of green and black lichen encrusted granite I started setting up. Mist is rolling down the valley from the Rams Head Range, the wind picking up and droping the temperature. My hands begin to numb and swell with the effects of the cold so I put on gloves. As I finish composing the sun peeks from beneath the cloud, its brightness tempered by the mist. My concentration diverted to readjust the camera, I look back and all has changed. Swampy Plain is now bathed in golden light, contrasting beautifully with the shaded rock in the foreground. Rolling mist drops from the shadowed cloud again and is backlit by the gradually setting sun. It continues ts slow roll down the valley a soft orange, I'm immensely struck by how stunningly beautiful this is and get absorbed in the moment, almost forgetting to take the shot. I make this image and a few more as the sun appears fully now changing the landscape yet again. I'm running all over the place with camera attached to tripod tring to find other compositions before the light fades, and not break a leg. Its the typical hurry up and wait then a hive of energised activity. Its gone, all over, behind cloud and Swampy Plain returns to its cold dismal grey feel, harsh and unforgiving yet still beautiful. I wait and look, there's a gap on the horizon and maybe more to come in a few minutes. I set off back uphill looking for another composition, full of hope for another spectacular light show. Alpa 12SWA, Schneider 24mmXL, Leaf 75s, .9ND Grad, f11@1/2sec
Size: 6682px × 5004px
Photo credit: © Matt Smith / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: afternoon, alpine, australia, australian, backlit, boulders, bushwalking, camping, delight, granite, kosciuszko, landscape, light, mist, moors, mountain, mountains, national, park, plain, scene, south, sunset, swampy, wales, wild, wilderness
