EVENING SKIES

The skies of evening here in the West are always a challenge to the photographer. It is easy to understand. The landscape itself in bright sunlight is so colorful it begs the photographer to unpack the camera and light meter and to test his skill to catch the colors of the scene on film. But when the sky of evening becomes a flaming canvas, then the photographer has a chance to imprison some of the most memorable scenes the West has to offer. Clouds enhance the color of the evening sky because they do tricks with the rays of the sinking sun, turning the red of sunlight into a million hues. In summertime, for instance, when the massive thunderheads fill the sky, the departing sun will paint them with vivid shades of firelight and if one happens to click the shutter at the right time the result is something to cherish.