Thursday, 10th February 2011
The Grand Stage
by Michael Greene
An incredible sunset on Mount Rainier with a proliferation of wildflowers in an area called Grand Park. This is a difficult area to reach without spending at least one night in the backcountry. The problem is the closest backcountry camp sites to this location are almost 2 miles of steep hiking away. The mosquitos were so intense here - I would not change my lens for fear of bugs getting on my sensor. I was was wearing gloves, a head net, long sleaves, and 100 % Deet, and l was still chewed alive. On the hike back, the trail was so dark and poorly maintained, I almost got lost. Nevertheless, I wouldn't hesitate to do it again....
Michael Greene
Michael Greene began taking photography seriously seven years ago at the encouragement of others who enjoyed his work. A graduate of The Ohio State University with a BS in Business Marketing and an MA in Mass Communications from Arizona State University, he is an avid hiker and backpacker with considerable wilderness experience. Michael specializes in sweeping landscape scenes of wild waters, forests, mountains, canyons, and deserts. Originally from Pennsylvania and now residing in Arizona, he has extensive travel, hiking and photography experience in those states, as well and Utah, Nevada, Wyoming and California. His favorite place is Yellowstone National Park.
Michael is a volunteer for Friends of Arizona Highways and has received numerous awards and recognition for his work. He considers nature and the outdoors God's greatest cathedral and strives to find His presence and glory in the wild.
Website: www.wildmoments.net
The Grand Stage by Michael Greene was photo of the day on Thursday, 10th February 2011. It is tagged Flowers, Mountains. You can leave a comment below.
32 Comments
Chris
Beautiful, Michael. Well worth your effort and getting chewed alive!
Ruben Vicente
And what a stage!
Great scenery with a beautiful light and colorful composition.
Very good image =D
Marc Adamus
Such a pleasure to view in the off-season! The clouds parting to reveal the moon is icing on the cake! You can get what they call a ‘Cross-Country’ backcountry permit for camping in this park and put your tent pretty close to here, but not that you would want to. I did a trip in here in 05′ and I brought all my overnight gear only to turn back the first evening on account of mosquitoes. It was the only time that ever happened. I have great sympathy for anyone who attempts the hike into Grand Park in the summer.
Tim Andes
What a fantastic pictures. Like Marc said, the cloud parts for the moon and also the trees part for the mountains. Serenely beautiful. This is a masterwork
giuliana
Meravigliosamente Divina!
Un grade fotografo, complimenti!
Giuliana
Pauline Jones
This is just beautiful; thank you for taking the trouble to bring this to us.
BPMaiti
I convey my deepest regard as I can see a real landscape photo.Thanks for this unique specimen.
Sparts
Nice scene. Very pretty with great vivd colours
My only negative comment it that it’s been manipulated to such an extent that it doesn’t look “real” anymore.
Michael
Mosquito’s sound bad. Perfect scene for a perfect photo.
Balan Vinod
Paradise on Earth is what you should call this frame. Most important thing is that you have visualized this ..well done ..
Balan Vinod
Rajib Singha
Lovely!
Mario Fiorucci
What a fantastic pictures. Beautiful ¡¡¡
Regards.- Mario
Pat
Excellent work! I know I wouldn’t go through what you did to get it! more power to you! Thanks for sharing.
Helen Hart
As a Washington native, I really appreciate this shot, worth the effort! Know what you mean about ‘skeeters, had to apply repellent as I walked out the door every day! Gorgeous.
Yehoshua Halevi
We photographers are a hearty lot. Well done, and worth getting eaten alive. Thanks.
Santha soruban
Hard work shows, Fantastic . Keep up the good work.Thanks for sharing.
Holly
thank you, this reminds me of summers in Glacier where my dad was a ranger. Not too many mosquitoes, but some fierce deer flies.
Justin Reznick
Awesome image Michael! Well deserved!
Laura Milholland
Glorious in every respect! (Except maybe the mosquitos!) We’re so very glad you made the effort, and I’m sure you are too. Awesome shot!
Marie Dunphy Harding
We, the viewers rarely appreciate the determination of photographers.You captured a tremendous image despite the obstacles; My thanks and congratulations!
Rolfe Smith
Excellent shot, Thank you for braving the bugs to bring this to us.
Jacqueline Deely
Well worth the effort! I used to live in Seattle and miss seeing this magnificent mountain. Congratulations!
JimAtkin
I agree with Millholland and Harding! Thank You.
Michael J Leather
Well worth the sturggle and bites getting there! Amazing Shot!
Richard Dart
Beautiful!!! Thanks for the reminder. I grew up in Tacoma and saw Mount Rainier every day of my life (except when it was raining-lol). This scene changes with the seasons–the foreground can be lupins, dandelions, daffodils, scotchbroom.
Amy
Thank you so much for this beautiful shot. This is exactly what I needed for my mental health. It feels like it’s been Winter forever! I appreciate all your effort.
T
Awesome !!
Deborah Flowers
Startlingly beautiful!
Juanita
Wonderful shot-and event of things to come-”Spring & Summer”…
Morkel Erasmus
wonderful colours, light and mood here Michael!
urheart2000
very nice picture. What month was this picture taken???
Michael Greene
Thanks everyone for your comments. I really, really appreciate it. I was setting up for a show this past Thursday and I just found out today this image was selected for earth shots! The image was taken at the end of July. Thanks again everyone!