Friday, May 01, 2009

The World's Ultimate Theatre

Tarry A While After The Lights Are Turned Down

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


Sometimes a photographer is rewarded for patience. Actually, let me amend that advice. More often than not, there is great reward for patience. Long after the main event has come and gone, there will always be an unusual image worth capturing.

A few months ago I was in Dawson City at the invitation of Yukon Tourism and I was lucky enough to be atop The Dome during a memorable sunset. The images of that evening, as the sun sank slowly and unhurriedly over the surrounding hills, can be seen at Sunset Over The Klondike.

But long after the golden orb had finally slipped into the embrace of the horizon far below me, I remained at The Dome, completely entranced by the 360-degree view.

After the liquid gold tones had vanished from the sky, they were replaced by a new range of pastel colours. Combined with the blue-azure of the hills in the west, they made an irresistible sight. In other words, never hurry away from a sunset. Chances are the aftermath will be just a memorable.


For other participants in Dot’s concept, go to Sky Watch HQ.

64 comments:

Tess Kincaid said...

Well, patience certainly paid off for you here, David. Magnificent!

Mara said...

I can't believe you had the patience to wait for these shots. They are so simple, yet so stunning! Isn't Mother Nature fantastic?

ellen abbott said...

It's not patience when you are reveling in the beauty. I am a total amateur at photography with my little Canon point and shoot but one of my favorite subjects is the fabulous sunsets at the country house.

Beautiful photos David.

Sylvia K said...

Fantastic shots as always, David!! The colors are magnificent!

Sniffles and Smiles said...

These are artistic masterpieces... I'm rendered speechless by their beauty!

in another lifetime said...

Spectacular!!!

Ananda girl said...

Very nice. I would have sat there too until the color left and maybe even after if the stars were bright.

Rosaria Williams said...

So far, here is what I have learned from you. 1. Watch the light. 2. Look and observe because little things/objects on the periphery can be great photographs. 3. Have patience.

I probably have absorbed a lot more; still in subconscious state, though. Now, what I need to do, is bring the camera everywhere.

James said...

A little patience on your part and we are all rewarded with these beautiful shots.

What About The Girl? said...

Ah dusk or dawn - best time to capture natural lights for photography, I heard.
Perfect example. Captivating!

Saz said...

Simple and stunning!!! Boy do you treat us!

Leslie: said...

Absolutely brilliant shots, David! And so glad I got to meet you between flights. :D

Unknown said...

Gorgeous shots for this theme! Very nice work!

Eddie Bluelights said...

You'll make a photographer out of me yet . . . . eventually! My you do get some stunning results, David

Woman in a Window said...

That is one heckuva reward! Beautiful, David.

Daryl said...

I have never seen such an amazingly lovely sky .. those colors make my mouth water!

imac said...

Now thats what I call a beauty.

Grace Albaugh said...

Just beautiful! Nuf said.

Charles Gramlich said...

Love that slice of lemon sky.

Patience isn't my strong suite however.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I'm speechless. It's stunningly beautiful...

Sheila

Oscar said...

Its either patience or your gut feel knowing there is something comig or out there. Very nice shots. I wish i could photograph sunsets as well as yours.

Nice work and description!

Tom said...

Hello there David
What beauty you have captured in these... as others have said you patience sure paid off here.

As Sky Watch goes these are perfect examples to all...

Tom

Unknown said...

Those are really awesome shots, David!
Well captured and exposed.

Cheffie-Mom said...

These deserve a frame! Wonderful!

presious said...

I am a person who loves scenery. These are a few of the most beautiful photos I have ever seen. I must say, they literally brought tears to my eyes.

Wow...surprised at myself...:) sniff*

Maggie May said...

Wonderful shots, as always. Brilliant colours & patience involved!

marcia@joyismygoal said...

twight or Dusk is such a magical time where life is fuzzy and anticipatory

Uma por Dia said...

Wow patience did a great job, alost surreal!

Merisi said...

Oh my goodness,
that was worth the wait indeed!

Good morning, Australia! :-)

bowledover said...

Thank you for sharing that tip with us David.Patience is a virtue.
Stunning captures. Have a great weekend.

B SQUARED said...

The colors you have captured are wonderful.

naturglede/Randi Lind said...

Realy lovely photoes:)

Anonymous said...

Fantastic pics, David! I'll be posting to my gallery, whence I return, of the shots taken on my cross-country trip. I can only pray they look half as good as yours!

VALKYRIEN said...

Gorgeous shots! Almost unreal what colors you have captured! Nature is so full of surprises!

Mojo said...

Definitely worth the wait! I rarely if ever see that color in a sunset. Orange, red, gold, but rarely so true a yellow. And the blue of the hills is the perfect foil.

Beautiful!

Nessa said...

The bottom photo is glorious.

Muadita said...

Well thanks for looking around. I really enjoy your blog, i find it very interesting. ^^

Dave Coulter said...

Good advice, lovely shots. Happy SWF!

gogouci said...

Beautiful work with the reflection off the water and the valley shadows. Majestic colors.

Eve said...

Wow - that yellow against the blue is so pretty!!!

Inday said...

Patience is a virtue and you were truly rewarded as shown by these amazing photographs you captured. What a treasure to behold! I am just glad I am not alone in this sky gazing rave interest. Marvellous wonder our Immortal Artist can do for us to appreciate.

Gennasus said...

Definitely worth watching a sunset until well after the sun has disappeared, I've seen some amazing colours develop long after you'd expect them.

Love the colours in this sky but also the shades of the hills. They could so easily be paintings.

Anonymous said...

This isn't a typical color scheme with the blue and yellow - really like the effect, and your composition is perfect!

Ruth W. said...

David, I feel honored that you visited my meager little blog, I must confess that I have been enjoying yours for a long time now but felt inept to leave a comment. Love your photo's and writings.

Unknown said...

We thank you wholeheartedly for your patience and for your talent.

Thumbelina said...

Amazing. That first one looks like it has been painted! Beautiful.

Annie said...

Ah, yes, I do agree. Love those photos. I love watching the sky change after the sun has gone down...and was lucky enough to do a similar thing on NY harbor this week as we went to Staten Island past the Statue of Liberty!

Corey~living and loving said...

I love love love that second shot. so fabulous.

thanks for the mention on the posts of the day.

Strawberry Girl said...

Very beautiful... worth the wait. Thank you for the reminder that beauty lingers on the horizon, even after the spectacular show is over. (Like youth and old age) ;D

Cath said...

Beautiful colours. Just amazing that this is AFTER the sundown.

Unknown said...

Stunning pictures David and great advise, now off to checkout the link thanks.

Devin said...

Simply magnificent David! I have added your book to my ever growing list of books I want to buy if any money comes my way-really lovely photos-all the best!!

Janie said...

You certainly captured a fantastic aftermath. That second shot has such beautiful color and the peace of the still water below.

Carol Murdock said...

David....All I can say is WOW !
I'm just speechless!
Carol

The Oceanside Animals said...

That's a beautiful shot.

Mrs. O said...

Gorgeous! I love how the light reflects off the water.

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

Lovely! The second shot is just outstanding! I see the after the sun has sunk beauty, but can not for the life of me remember just which direction I go to capture them. is it a higher number or a lower number... my poor brain can not retain the pertinent info!

Kathleen said...

Be still, my heart...the Yukon...dusk...
Add an Alaskan Husky and you've got paradise...

Shadow said...

the sky in both, seem to shimmer. the best!

Enigma said...

The world's ultimate theatre is RIGHT! No truer words were spoken. Thanks for sharing these great images, David.

Enigma said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bradley Hsi said...

I always amazed with your photo and words. Well, I always find myself almost at last to post comment, time difference. Thanks for sharing your very nice blog.

Sarah Laurence said...

Amazing colors!

Erin said...

beautiful golden sky and that yellow sky wow...enjoyed your lovely captures.,