Tahoe night light

Bonsai Rock, on the northeast end of Lake Tahoe, is a classic location for capturing Milkyway images. Most often there are large numbers of boulders protruding from the water making for interesting foregrounds. This summer (2017), however, following a winter with record snowfall, left the lake well above its natural rim. All boulders, accept the areas namesake, Bonsai Rock, were submerged. This challenging situation led to a unique and compelling composition.

After settling on one of the only remaining lakeside locations that enabled me to stand on a dry rock with my tripod in the water, I began to compose my image and consider creative new compositions. After lining up Bonsai Rock with the Milkyway, I began to conceptualize the foreground, which didn't appear to exist. As I shined my flashlight on Bonsai Rock, the submerged boulders caught my attention. I then moved myself in order to create a strong foreground with the submerged boulders. The surreal glow of the clear turquoise water and obscured boulders anchor the image and tie in to the glow of the Milkyway in the night sky above. Lake Tahoe never ceases to amaze!

Enjoy the View!

Jon Paul