Twice a year I take a photo trip with two friends. Most times we find ourselves photographing the grand landscape which is extremely challenging. Nearly everyone owns a camera and nearly everyone photographs landscapes and nearly all of it is forgettable. There are a few talented landscape photographers who stand above the masses. Their work is unique and inspiring and will never end up on the walls of a Motel 6. 

Not only are landscapes difficult for me, so is the place where this image is from, Alabama Hills. Its magic and grandeur escaped me. I see it, I'm moved by it, and yet I have a hard time capturing it. The color and lighting with the fading mountains captured my eye. There is both warmth and coldness in this image. I like its mood.