For only a few short weeks each year, the blooming wildflowers put on an impressive display in the meadows throughout Banff National Park.
While road tripping through Oregon, I had one day set aside to visit and photograph Smith Rock State Park and the surrounding area. Just before sunset, the sky darkened with storm clouds rolling in from the west. At first I thought I was wasting my time heading out with the rain and overcast skies, but that quickly changed as the sky cleared to the west just before the sun dropped below the horizon. The break in the clouds gave the last rays of sunlight a chance to ignite the overhead storm clouds for a brief moment before torrential rain and hail hit. At the time of taking this photo, everyone else in the area had already cleared out from the trails and sought shelter. I am so glad I made the choice to show up and even happier that I chose to stick it out. The best part is that I made it back to the truck just before the hail came down. This is a prime example of how it pays to get out and stay out.
Shortly after making my way down to the beach I noticed a handful of photographers huddled around some sea stacks further down the beach with their gear scattered about, waiting for the perfect light. As the sun fell toward the horizon, it looked quite promising a spectacular sunset was developing. Eager to capture the perfect shot I set up quickly wiped the saltwater spray off my lens and started snapping away. With my luck, by the time the sun was just at the horizon a cluster of clouds had blown in from the north and completely blocked the sunset. After watching the last few people pack up and leave I had the entire beach to myself so I decided to stay and see if the light would change. Within ten minutes, the clouds cleared a bit and the colours of the setting sun were revealed. Sometimes patience is rewarded.
