Larry Treadwell  


A Royal Sunset by Larry Treadwell

February 2025 - A Royal Sunset

About the Image(s)

Nikon D850, Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 lens, ISO 320, f18, 1/60with Tripod
While most of the everglades is swamp and marsh land there are a few lakes that I’ve come to view as the crown jewels of the Everglades. One such jewel of Long Pine Lake and is the only lake than can be reached by a paved road. It is also the only lake that has exceptional views at both sunrise and sunset. I make it a priority to visit the lake at least 5-6 times a year splitting the visits between sunrise and sunset. I usually plan to be when the skies are cloudy or there is inclement weather. This image was taken last fall on a day when there had been heavy clouds but with a promise of clear skies by midnight. The lake is pretty much surrounded by Florida’s version of a pine tree which breaks up the generally flat terrain. On this fall evening there were thankfully no mosquitoes which makes shooting a more pleasurable experience. This image is a bit unusal as it is the only time I have really seen purple in the sky. I thought the purple and yellow complimentary colors made this a unique evening.


8 comments posted




Barbara Gore   Barbara Gore
Hi Larry. First and foremost, the absence of mosquitoes is a WIN! Regarding the photo, this is undoubtedly a great sunset fit for royalty. The striking contrast between the purple and yellow hues fascinated me with its depth and almost mystical ambiance. The addition of clouds gives the lighting a soft glow. Also, I like
how the trees, reflections, etc., frame the sunset. Well done!   Posted: 02/10/2025 14:37:49
Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell
Thanks. I agree that the biggest plus was no mosquitoes.   Posted: 02/13/2025 03:47:23



Michael Jack   Michael Jack
Beautiful color and great timing. I like the framing of the sun by the trees and the cropping which makes most effective use of the reflections of the trees in the lake. My eye is first drawn ot the sun but then follows the curve of the lake around the bottom and back to the sun. Nicely composed. I may have considered just slightly darkening the bottom right more, but that may make it too muddy.   Posted: 02/12/2025 01:11:27
Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell
Thanks Michael
That lower corner was a real problem. Originally is was close to black and that black hole really bothered me. I opened the shadows and tried to match the tones to the grassy bank just above it. Maybe it still needs work   Posted: 02/13/2025 03:51:25



Adi Ben-Senior   Adi Ben-Senior
A magazine cover !
I have 2 thoughts: The crop- is not vertical is not horizontal and not square. I am a bit lost.
The color in the sky is not natural but very complementary and arguably adds to the atmosphere. Yet, this color in the foreground grass - does seem a bit off in my thought.

  Posted: 02/13/2025 01:36:12



Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell
Just a personal thing. Unless specific size is required I crop so the image looks its best. I had more trees on the left but thought it just was too many trees.

I'm partly color blind so sometimes it gets to be a problem. In this case I just opened the shadows until it looked like the bank above it.
  Posted: 02/13/2025 03:58:31



Arne Skinlo   Arne Skinlo
As always, you wait until the right time. The sun is in a perfect position to illuminate the scene and at the same time not dominate. The reflection of the trees just hit the shore plants which to me, enhances the composition. My only suggestion is to crop from the top below the upper light layer of clouds, but I am not 100% sure.   Posted: 02/16/2025 07:07:00
Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell

Thanks for the thought. Your help with composition is always appreciated.   Posted: 02/20/2025 18:59:27



 

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