
Wednesday, 8th September 2010
Above the Timberline
by Stephen Oachs
Posed regally above the south-central area of Yosemite National Park, skirted by Tuolumne Meadows, sits the incredible Cathedral Peak. Formed from ancient glacial activity, this beautiful and famous peak in the Cathedral Range of the Sierra Nevada is part of what is known by geologists as the Tuolumne Intrusive Suite. Cathedral Peak is the youngest of the rock formations in the Suite, being a mere 83 million years old.
This photograph captures upper Cathedral Lake in the magnificent light of a late August sunset. The glowing Cathedral Peak is an ideal backdrop and reflection in the mirror-like surface of the lake. The photo was taken from an elevation of 9,716 feet above sea level.
Equipment: Canon 1Ds Mark III
Stephen Oachs
Stephen W. Oachs is an award-winning photographer, successful entrepreneur and technology veteran who began his journey in photography the moment he picked up his first camera.
Completely self-taught, Stephen's unique and distinctive style has earned him recognition as one of today's finest nature photographers. He was recognized in 2007 as wildlife photographer of the year by the National Wildlife Federation and was awarded best nature photographer in 2008 by National Geographic.
Stephen has received many other awards and achievements. His work has graced the pages of such notable publications such as National Geographic, Popular Photography, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Magazine and many others.
In 2009 Stephen founded The Aperture Academy, a unique combination of fine art photography gallery in conjunction with classroom and workshop instruction. Students of the Aperture Academy recieve hands on instruction designed for their individual skill level which includes everything from learning to shoot in the field to digital post processing techniques.
Whether trekking through the wilds of Alaska, enduring the raw challenges of nature or experiencing the thrill of life on the edge, Stephen captures rare and breathtaking moments of light and time. His exceptional eye is filtered only by his passion for life, deep affinity with nature and love of adventure.
Website: www.ApertureAcademy.com
Above the Timberline by Stephen Oachs was photo of the day on Wednesday, 8th September 2010. It is tagged Mountains, Yosemite. You can leave a comment below.

19 Comments
Geana
OMG!!!
julie
wow!!! this is great!!! Thanks so much for entering and winning the POD for we are so lucky to view your photos!!!!
Katherine Lee Strassburg
The last time I drove through Tuolumne Meadows, there was a surprise hail storm! Thank you for reminding us that Yosemite is more than just the famous valley floor tourist area. The high country and the trip east to Mono Lake via Tioga Pass just can’t be beaten for breathtaking views at every turn. Magnificent photo!!!!
Anurag
Great colors and composition. One can learn a lot from seeing your photographs.
Pauline Jones
Absolutely gorgeous; a well taken phtotgraph of a spectacular area.
Cape Town Wedding Photographer
Love the HDR!
Kambiz
WOW!
Paul Dass
Stunning capture. There is no word to express. Stephen captured it so well, but the creator God placed them also so well too.
Bobbye Stothers
I have never been able to travel very much -
love these pictures they help take me to some awsome places thanks
PlanetLover
Magnificent picture. The light at sundown really highlights those colors.
Marie Dunphy Harding
You made the scene even more exquisite by not centering the Peak! Marvelous shot!
Rajib Singha
Lovely picture!
Renee
simply beautiful!
mike
Great colors.
Louise | Italy
Gorgeous. Those colours seem completely unreal!
Suzie
It reminds me a little of the mountains near my house. The only thing that really strikes me as being different is the lake.
Great Shot!
Tad Bowman
Beautiful photograph Stephen. Congratulations on your photo of the day.
dmarsh15
Epic picture! Any way to get a larger version to set as my wallpaper?
MediaGrump
I love the contrast coloring in the picture. The orange mountain in juxtaposition with the blue water. Breathtaking!