Natural Firefall

I've updated my Fall landscape photography workshop schedule:
Oct 29 - Nov 1 Yosemite Valley Workshop
Nov 7-8 Zion Fall Colors & Southern Utah Workshop
Nov 11-14 Arches/Canyonlands/Moab, Utah
Nov 28 Yosemite: Moon Over Half Dome (Ansel Adams tribute)
Feb 2010 Horsetail Falls at Sunset & Yosemite Valley in Winter
Contact me for additional details.
------------------------
Horsetail Falls in Yosemite Valley is selectively backlit by the setting sun.

This was an amazing spectacle to witness. Happening only two weeks out of the year, the setting sun falls behind the vertical face of El Capitan, selectively lighting this waterfall with its orange sunset light.

Gradually growing in intensity and color for the last 5 minutes or so, it was like seeing a narrow strip of lava flowing down the face of El Capitan.

The weather and the water flows often don't cooperate, I was shut out by a blizzard last year, so I was fortunate to see this on two consecutive evenings this year.

Contact me to join my field workshop here next February to capture this rare event!

This image was featured on Flickr's Explore (Highest position: 15 on Monday, March 3, 2008). You can find if your photos have been there via a search on Scout, such as these:
My Photos Selected for Explore (substitute your screen name)
Scout's More Comprehensive Detail View of a Photostream plus Explore Photos

For more photos from my explorations (with some site notes and technique tips) check out my blog.
For prints visit my gallery.
To see my latest photos in my Flickr photostream:
www.flickr.com/photos/jeffreysullivan
You may also follow me on Twitter or Facebook.

Copyright © 2008 Jeff Sullivan. All rights reserved.

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Comments

← prev 1 2 next →

(107 comments)

˙Cаvin 〄 says:

Magnificent shot!
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

Jeff Sullivan says:

Thanks Cavin!
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

EzraWright says:

I really love this angle. I've seen the "fire falls" in pictures only, and I have to say this is my favorite...
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

sundance22 says:

beautiful!
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

olli_web2003 says:

very beautiful
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

tschaus says:

fantastic. we appreciate your patience.
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

Marvin Beatty Photography says:

Well...now your just showing off.

THIS. IS. AWESOME.
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

Sprengstoff72 says:

Hah! that is quite an amazing phenomenon, good thing you where there to capture it and share it with us!
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

javame says:

Great capture!!
--
Seen in the interestingness archives. (?)
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

Dirk Delbaere says:

great picture
i saw this in explore, congrats
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

sevenbrane says:

Looks totally breathtaking!
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

pheester says:

Truly breathtaking.
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

حسام بشار الخضر Hussam Al Khoder says:

This Image Is Music To My Eyes!
Music To My Eyes (post 1 - give an award to 5)
Please Join Us!
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

ema_nofe says:

Fantastic photo
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

opel_sport_wagon says:

I am insanely jealous. Nice shot! Congrats on both explore and just being there to see it!!!

ps. thanks for the link to scout! I've been wondering about that.
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

satosphere says:

I agree - such a shot is rather unique. Great work.
Posted 21 months ago. ( permalink )

FriendofLight says:

Awesome shot! Pure magic.

a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/mywin ners" title="Photo
Sharing"> WINNER
Definitely a winner!!!
You deserve another one.
Found in www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

outdoorPDK says:

No words can adequately describe the beauty of this!!!
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

Luc Kordas says:

unbelievable!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

per_andersen says:

excellent :-)
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

rdaved says:

very impressive :)
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

chasestherainbow says:

wow!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

Brickheadbs (Playing Chess with TJK) says:

Wow.... the Stumblers are right!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

S-NOCTURNUS says:

Incredible!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

huesosnegros says:

how
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

•·.·•ë£ï§å•·.·• (away) says:

Beautiful!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

Dman9000 says:

Great shot!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

pcrif says:

very nice
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

Design Portfolio2009 says:

Oh wow.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

fluffyvolkswagen says:

Thats amazing!!!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

TheeCoyote says:

I don't think you take a bad photo. This one drew me in and the body of your work enthralls. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

tHE PypEr says:

Awesome!
Came from stombleupon infact!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

LifeSunDeath says:

OMG so beautiful!

Seen in your 30+ Favorites set. (?²ˣ)
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

Owled says:

Wonderful shot - yes found via Stumbleupon
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

1bluecanoe says:

adjust the # upwards...lol!
Awesome shot....fabulous!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

marlesghillie says:

fantastic shot!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

Jeff Sullivan says:

THANK YOU!

If you like this image, you can give it a "thumb's up" on StumbleUpon.com, and it'll get recommended to others looking for interesting photographs:

Thanks again!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

~ RicharD MagnuS ~ says:

Wow...Wonderful shot, I love it !
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

steveroake says:

More great stuff!!!!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

gravedad system says:

Incredible and beautiful shot!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

butch leitz says:

great shot.

You are my winner!
Please add this photo to
www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/
and award two others in the group.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

. Guz . says:

Man, I wish I could witness something extraordinary like that some day! Beautiful shot, congrats!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

Jeff Sullivan says:

Thanks Butch! Glad you like it (sorry for the inadverant snafu on the invitation).
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

TT_MAC says:

Amazing shot! Thanks for sharing!!

Definitely a winner!!!
You deserve another one.
Found in www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

Fort Photo says:

I thought I had seen this one before. ;-)))

It's certainly a lifetime image and I was shocked I didn't already have it in my faves. Great work Jeff.

--
Seen in my contacts' photos. (?)
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

Spirit Dancing says:

It's a beauty, Jeff. The recognition is well-deserved. Your work is wonderful.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

dixie_law says:

I can see why this has gotten so many hits. What an eye catching shot! Love that line of bright color - nicely processed.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

Michael Bandy- autumnleafphotography.com says:

Wow! Amazing shot. Well done indeed.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

greenwoman46 says:

Good on ya, Jeff - I am completely amazed at this spectacle, and what a great viewpoint (and execution, of course).
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

crotaphiticus says:

loevely mate,gratz
elvis1
www.youwatched.com
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

RyaninVa says:

cool shot!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

^ mAyAkA ^ says:

nature's always amazing. great capture.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

Luke Wilson Photography [.co.nr] says:

Hi great photo! Just thought I'd say i found this through Stumble too! :)
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

flickrgao says:

WOW!! I could not find better words.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

Gotfish AKA...Marc says:

Wow! A truly amazing spectacle. It's great you knew when to be there, to capture the Magic.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

brandonwergeles says:

Amazing!!
Amazing kids tees here => www.tinyvip.com
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

DanD. says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called *The Best of Landscape around the world*, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

Hauke Sandhaus says:

Great one. Stumbled this :D
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

f0rbe5 says:

That's just stunning Jeff. Seen in my contacts.
You are invited to display your image.

Better Than Good
Invitation Only

If you accept this Invitation,
please give awards to two (2) other images.
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

vayak says:

Great shot!
Posted 6 months ago. ( permalink )

odditty says:

*Jaw drops*

simply STUNNING!! this is outstanding =D
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

akhivesara says:

thats a firing shot!!
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

alemdag says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Alemdag "Quality Only" Club -Admin Invite+Member Post- P1C2, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

--
Seen in the group"*The Best of Landscape around the world*" (waiting to my stream)Your photo is great and really has quality.
So please click the "Add it" button

Alemdag "Quality Only" Club
Please tag your photo with AlemdagQualityOnlyClub
Comment & Fave 2

Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

Alan Yoo says:

Oh it's natural, so it must be good for you.
AMIRITE AMERICA?!

Great shot by the way.
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

horstmall says:

Wow, Jeff, the perfect moment. What a picture!
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

boomerang-reisen says:

Great shot!
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

harikbalasundaram says:

am speechless ... thank you for capturing the moment for us Jeff ..
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

EJP Photo says:

Just wow!
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

samiamnurnot says:

Absolutely breathtaking!
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

Donald Peterson - abqstyle [deleted] says:

stunning!
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

Burns! says:

Wow. Was directed here by @AmazingPics (Twitter.) I'll be back for more. Great stuff!
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

ArchedRoof says:

Just seen on Stumble
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

*Oregongirl says:

Breathtaking capture!
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

RobDurfee says:

This is beautiful. An amazing scene very well captured.

Stumbled upon.
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

Glenn Cartmill says:

Amazing
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

sawan.gupta says:

Magnificent !!!
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

just looking16 says:

Very nice shot
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

idashum says:

This is such a breath-taking shot! I first saw an image of horsetail falls at an art show in Saratoga. Brilliant! Thank you for sharing!
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

scott photos says:

awesome shot
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

Dave-a-roni says:

Wow... I don't know what to say, that is amazing...
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

Arild Heitmann (überfischer) says:

Now that is simply amazing...what a view it must have been! Captured perfectly...
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

outdoorPDK says:

Wow!....So magnificent!
Posted 5 months ago. ( permalink )

Sussi Johansson says:

That is just amazing! Must have been quite an experience to see aswell. I really wish I could attend one of your workshops but it´s too long to travel from sweden to the states for a workshop ;-)
Posted 4 months ago. ( permalink )

[SoLiD|PhotographY] says:

Damn this is amazing!!

--
Seen on the canon eos digital rebel xti camera finder. (?)
Posted 4 months ago. ( permalink )

Jeff Sullivan says:

Sussi - Believe it or not, we had attendees from Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia in out Eastern Sierra workshop in June! Then again, I could be talked into some European locations...
Posted 4 months ago. ( permalink )

zachd1_618 says:

Wow this is great!
Posted 4 months ago. ( permalink )

marc silber says:

Amazing! We just finished up doing a short video segment at SmugMug. They raved about this image. Look for it soon at Silberstudios.tv
Posted 4 months ago. ( permalink )

Christiano Pessôa_ says:

Wonderful image!
Posted 4 months ago. ( permalink )

tlchua99 says:

Beautiful image!
Posted 4 months ago. ( permalink )

Jeff Sullivan says:

Marc, Thanks for letting me know about the mention of my Horsetail Falls shot in your SmugMug segment. I can't wait to see it!

Ironically, I haven't had a single sale of this image over at Smugmug...
jeffsullivan.smugmug.com/
Posted 4 months ago. ( permalink )

Gentlemanimal says:

W.O.W.

Magic.

Seen In Landscape
Posted 4 months ago. ( permalink )

jawrr says:

That's a awesome capture, man!
Posted 4 months ago. ( permalink )

Falcon EyE says:

well my friend...this photo is very beautiful!!!
very nice falling stream color :-))))

Your images are among the best on Flickr
Seen in: Flickr's Best Landscape Photographers Group

Thank you for sharing this photograph
Posted 4 months ago. ( permalink )

Steffen und Christina says:

What an awesome shot. This is nature at its best.
Posted 4 months ago. ( permalink )

Príamo Melo says:

Beautiful :-) !
Posted 4 months ago. ( permalink )

lucagiustozzi.com says:

Galen Docet!!! Awesome!

m.
Posted 4 months ago. ( permalink )

gbrummett says:

Jeff,

Is it Stumble Upon or is this just a fantastic photo?

I think this is a fantastic photo!

Well done!

Grant
Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )

pasekaa says:

ooo!
Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )

Håkon▼Sheffield says:

woah thats sick dude
Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )

PanMajster says:

great great great
Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )

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Taken with a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi.
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Taken on February 28, 2008
Viewed 227,812 times

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