Fish Lake, Steens Mountain, Oregon

Canon 30D, 17-40 f/4L, ISO: 100, aperture: f/11, shutter: 1/13 second, tripod: yes, filter: 2 stop soft edge graduated ND

Steens Mountain in Oregon’s remote outback is an awe inspiring desert landscape.  The summit, at just under 10,000 feet, is the highest place in Oregon you can drive your car.  The scenery is spectacular.  Early fall is a great time to visit.  There are fewer people, the weather is good, fishing can’t be beat and the aspen trees are turning that wonderful gold color, all good for the landscape shooter.

This photo was taken after a day of fly fishing from my float tube.  I fish with a barbless hook so I can release most of the fish I catch unharmed.  The light of the setting sun on the distant ridge and clouds reflecting in the quiet water of Fish Lake make this one of my favorite images from this trip.