Smoky sunset

[mattb]

There are several big fires currently burning in Colorado. Fortunately for me there aren't any right here but we are getting some smoke from the SW Co fires when the wind blows this way.
The smoke has it drawbacks, especially for those with breathing problems but one thing it does very well is give us very colorful and dramatic sunsets.
My parents are visiting right now and after we all had dinner out last night I could see the sky starting to light up. I took a diversion after dropping them off and shot a little by a nearby ranch where they were having a country music concert (Lorrie Morgan).
I got a few photos of the colors but was being attacked by mosquitoes so my compositions were made very quickly. I find sometimes my rushed compositions come out better than my more calculated ones.


IMGP6131-Edit by MattB.net, on Flickr


IMGP6142-Edit by MattB.net, on Flickr


IMGP6224-Edit by MattB.net, on Flickr

[llewpics]

I think they all have very nice light. Too sad it is the results of someones back yard burning down (potentially). The last one has very lovely colors. I would perhaps bring the horizon down just a bit, but still make sure and keep all the reflections.

[GB1]

Wow! At least the fires are producing some excellent sunsets and skies. I really like the bottom one, but yes the actual photographed area could be better as the marshy area is only so-so in shape and I am not sure I like the shape of the mountains and antennas in the background, but since there's a good opportunity here, get out there and get some more

G

[armando_m]

The light in #1 is fantastic, I like the diagonal of the fence going towards the building and the contrast of the warm on the sky vs the green makes it very attractive for me, wish the red on the clouds was a bit less saturated

#2 a bit to much water, I would crop it more square

#3 a bit complicated forms I do not find it as attractive as the first two, I think the wonderful light had already past

[mattb]

Thanks guys. You are correct Armondo that the last one was after the magic light, but the colors got more intense for that last burst.
If we keep getting these I'll try and keep shooting them and see what else I can come up with taking all this into account.

[Greg McCary]

Those are amazing. Did you get one with the shed closer? The one with the writing on the top?

[mattb]

Thanks Greg. Here's one that's a little tighter. The concert was under there.

IMGP6136-Edit by MattB.net, on Flickr

[ksbryan0]

Nice series, Matt. I like #1 best, as it seems to have more of a story and brings several compositional elements together.

[SkipT]

#1 The only thing I can see is that the smoke looks blown out, is the sun in the bright spot?

#2 Is a great shot but maybe less water showing, maybe try croping it little.

#3 Looks great not really much with my skill level that I could change on that one.

Good pics all around, really good on the bottom one.

[mattb]

Thanks!
The sun was behind me but for a little while that cloud was very bright reflecting that sunlight. It was very bright but didn't clip. I agree it kind of seems unbalanced being so bright compared to the rest of the scene.

[Luke Skywalker]

Lovely colors, reminds me of Tatooine