Winter sunset across a small lake

Some of the most dramatic colors at sunset are during the winter months. Sadly, I was out of place to capture a magnificent display red sunset the other night …

This winter sunset across a small lake in my neighborhood was softened by a light, translucent cloud layer that acted as a neutral density filter allowing a view of the full circle of the sun without blown out highlights. The colors were muted somewhat but still retain the dramatic range of red and orange to contrast with the greens and browns.

Winter sunset across a small lake
A slight cloud layer acted as a filter to dull the golden sun enough to prevent a blown out subject. Larry Shapiro photo

A little adjustment of the shadows kept the homes visible among the trees to prevent an otherwise silhouetted appearance.