Early Summer on Horseshoe Lake

When the Clouds Rule the Day:

Sometimes I have a vision of a place and it takes years to get it.  Well, that was this image.  In the spring we get these beautiful big clouds overhead.  Once the grass starts to turn, obviously, we’re getting less rain and consequently, fewer clouds.  For this image I wanted gold grass, green trees, blue sky and various shades of black, white and off white in the clouds and water.  I knew this would be a challenge, but not impossible.  As rare as these days are, they do happen.  However, it seemed like never when I couldn’t get to the park.  The last element which cannot be taken for granted is the high level of the lake. Years go by where everything else can be perfect, but there simply isn’t very much water.  That’s a deal breaker.

We got a couple days with potential.  I had actually driven halfway to the park several times in the previous weeks and then gave up when it was clearly just clouding over.  Finally, an afternoon with the conditions right and me with time to go.  On days like this, clouds are changing all the time, so it’s a case of getting in position and waiting while nature puts on a show.  I like how parts of the scene are darker where the clouds are casting shadows.  It makes it easier to appreciate the vibrant golden grass that is getting direct sunlight.  I love to show an iconic Chico spot that so many people feel connected to, in a moment they may have never seen!