Smoke on Water

The summer of 2021 Central Oregon experienced high levels of smoke from regional forest fires. It was during this time, on August 30, 2021, I captured a beautiful moment at Sparks Lake.

That morning was a surreal experience. I vividly remember the deep red glow emanating from the east, just at the start of the hint of light in the sky. It was that time immediately after night, and before the magical hour of golden hour and sunrise. The red hue glowed through the treetops, and I knew it was going to be a special morning.

As the sunrise approached, Sparks Lake was incredibly calm, creating a perfect reflection of Broken Top Mountain. Sometimes, the smoke can be too thick, hindering the colors from shining through. On this morning, there was just the right amount of smoke to enhance the beauty of the mountains.

What I love most about this image is the vibrant colors that are on display. Through some post-processing techniques, I was able to enhance the oranges and yellows, bringing the image to life. The mountains and trees were also darkened to create a beautiful silhouette effect, adding to the overall aesthetic of the photo.

“Smoke on the Water” is a testament to the resilience of nature and the beauty that can emerge even during chaos. It captures the essence of Central Oregon and the stunning scenery that can be found here.