Sunrise at South Tufa, Mono Lake, Monday morning
Claudia and I have been in Lee Vining, on the eastern side of the Sierra, preparing for my Hidden Yosemite workshop. The weather over Mono Lake the last few days has been really interesting and moody, with some light showers, rainbows, and skies full of beautifully-textured clouds. In between scouting and setting up we’ve photographed a couple of sunsets and a sunrise at the lake, and I’ve included some of the images here.
The last photo might be the most unusual rainbow I’ve ever seen. Claudia, my workshop assistant Kirk Keeler, and I were walking out of the Whoa Nellie Deli after dinner last night when we spotted a rainbow. We drove quickly toward the lake, where we found a short, vivid section of the rainbow over a zigzag shoreline. The rainbow was formed by the sun poking through a small hole in the clouds and hitting a rain squall, which made it look like the rainbow was suspended in space and creating a sunbeam.
Forecasts call for similar weather over the next few days, so I’m looking forward to a great week with our group!
— Michael Frye
Rainbow over Mono Lake and Negit Island at sunset, Saturday evening
Sunset over Mono Lake, Saturday evening
Cloud formations, sunrise, Mono Lake, Monday morning
Sunbeams and tufa towers, Mono Lake, Monday morning
Hills, sunbeams and tufa towers, Mono Lake, Monday morning
Rainbow and sunbeam over Mono Lake, Monday evening
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Michael Frye is a professional photographer specializing in landscapes and nature. He is the author or principal photographer of The Photographer’s Guide to Yosemite, Yosemite Meditations, Yosemite Meditations for Women, and Digital Landscape Photography: In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams and the Great Masters. He has also written three eBooks: Light & Land: Landscapes in the Digital Darkroom, Exposure for Outdoor Photography, and Landscapes in Lightroom 5: The Essential Step-by-Step Guide. Michael written numerous magazine articles on the art and technique of photography, and his images have been published in over thirty countries around the world. Michael has lived either in or near Yosemite National Park since 1983, currently residing just outside the park in Mariposa, California.
Love all of these photos!
Thank you Kristin!
Love the last rainbow photo. Don’t think I have ever seen one like that ever. It has already been a year since the Hidden Yosemite workshop last year and I cannot rave enough about how enjoyable it was. Of all my workshops that I have ever attended, it was one of the most instructive by far and productive also. Definitely the most bang for the buck. I would recommend this and all his workshops to any aspiring landscape photographer.
Thanks Karl, and I’m so glad you enjoyed the workshop!
Michael,
You know how much I love the Sierra Nevada and especially anything in and around Yosemite National Park. The Lee Vining area is so full of natural wonders and historical significance. I have only been there 3 times…once on a geography/geology trip for college units, once backpacking throughout that whole area, and once as a kid when my grandparents took us to the authentic Ghost Town of Bodie which fascinated me. After seeing your captivating photos, I realize I need to head up the road to Yosemite NP and across 120 E to revisit the Eastern side.
I just looked at the current Mono Lake WebCam. From that view, it makes the lake appear low. Anyway, have a fantastic workshop with your students, discovering and capturing Mother Nature at its finest. (Watch out for all those bird watchers roaming around the area ;-))
Thanks Ann – it is a great area. And yes, the lake is quite low after three years of drought.
Wonderful photos! Mono lake area is one of may favorite places. The last rainbow photo is truly special!
Thank you Alena! I love Mono Lake too.
Love the variety of the set! Certainly, a unique rainbow but with a deli by that name it should be expected. 🙂
Thanks Donnie. You’re right, you just go to the Whoa Nellie Deli and you’ll see a rainbow! 🙂
I really enjoy, and learn many interesting things reading your posts! These images of Mono Lake are stunning, each and every one. I like the way you posted by day, but was still curious about the times. I’ve been out there different times and always find hitting it right a trial! You have a very nice writing style too. Congrats on your fine photography work. Thanks for inspiring me!
Thanks very much Barbara – I’m glad you enjoyed the photos and the post. There’s no great mystery about the best times to be at the lake – early and late in the day.
You scored some great conditions, Michael. Love the diversity of images. Beautiful work.
Thanks very much John – I really appreciate the kind words!