Watching the sky after sunset

This was one of those days where the afternoon sky didn't hold much interest - until, that is, we were quite close to sunset. Then things began developing quickly in a way that made me determined to get someplace where I could photograph the cloud formations and colors.

I couldn't quite get to a clear view of the western sky until after the sun was below the horizon. Fortunately, that is sometimes when the best show appears. I made my first shot focusing on a lacy tree against the blue that was still dominant about halfway toward zenith.

I found some leftover snow/ice, and wished I had a tripod with me, so that I could try stacking multiple exposures. I wanted to be able to expose for the texture of the snow crystals, yet also catch the tones of the sky. Oh well, it was not to be this time. Instead I tried two different approaches to individual shots.

Oh, but the sky! I wanted to have some foreground and mid-ground interest, but not finding that ideal, I wasn't about to let the changing light show go unrecorded. I made do with a simple horizon silhouette.

Things came together just enough to let me pull off the effect of the blue ice against the orange sky.

Then back to focusing on the sky.

Another compromise that worked, maybe.

All of the photos were shot in a span of 10 minutes plus a few seconds. I would ideally want to be in position and organized well before trying a sunset series, but this was a spur of the moment exercise. You know what? I'm glad I did it. Each time I shoot this way, I'm just a little bit better prepared for the next time I find myself in gorgeous surroundings just when great light makes an appearance.

All photos shot hand-held with a 70-200mm f/2.8 IS

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