Turbulent sunset

Driving down the Interstate the other night, we were overwhelmed by this sunset. There was a giant thunderstorm cloud behind us that that had a massive outflow cloud. That outflow came almost to the horizon, leaving just a crack for the sunset to sneak through. But what a crack! It shown in the blackness like a bright lantern -- that is except for the swirling clouds and colors it revealed.

I love to photograph sunsets. I have been shooting them for several years. There are a lot of lessons to learn in this. Contrasts make for good shots. Almost any night has something interesting in its sunset, but you have to be patient -- as the sun's rays go lower and lower they reveal different areas of the clouds. What may start as a cloudless sky, all the sudden springs to life, as light beams sneak under thin wisps and illuminate them from below.

I don't know why we don't spend more time watching sunsets -- seems like the only time we gather to watch them is in special places. We were in the Grand Canyon one year watching the sunset sweep down the canyon and work its magic on the cliffs. But I thought to myself, I've seen just as good of sunsets in my backyard. I just have to sit and wait for the sun to find that sweet spot in the sky.

May all your sunsets be brilliant.


--steve buser