Shenandoah National Park: Big Meadows Sunset

My dash to Dark Hollow Falls was an attempt to kill some time before setting up to shoot the sunset, and it turned out to be an excellent decision.  Sunset itself I planned to take in from Big Meadows on the advice of a park ranger.

I turned my car around on the way, stopped, and got out so shoot some Orange Day-Lilies on the side of the road.  They're a wildflower I wasn't familiar with, and reminded me of Columbines.

Big Meadows is aptly named.  I was the only one there when I arrived, and really got to take in the space.

The cloud formations were just fantastic.  I hoped they would remain that way, unlike Morton Overlook a couple of evenings earlier.

I savored the sun's descent, loving how it lit up the grassy meadow.

A number of White-Tailed Deer grazed idly, seemingly unperturbed by our presence but also not getting especially close.

The clouds were, indeed, holding up as the sun went down.  Some faint colors were starting to appear in them, as well.

I wasn't alone any longer by this point.  Many other photographers had come out, most stationed respectfully around a sort of unspoken perimeter.  Some others just walked right out in the middle of the meadow and thought that would help them get better shots of the deer (doubtful).  At first I found this guy annoying, then decided to make lemonade with him.

Closer and closer to sunset, and the colors were growing ever richer.

I loved the soft pinks and pale oranges in the clouds at this point, especially paired with the deep blue of the sky to the south.

The moment came, and the brilliant ball of fire that gives us life gave me a blast of beauty before disappearing for the night.

Blue hour yielded one last, lingering look at the clouds.  Then it was time to pack up.

Easily one of my most enjoyable sunset shoots.  The changes in the light throughout the evening made it both a challenge and a delight to go through all my pictures choosing selects.  Conditions were pleasant, and even with plenty of company the setting was peaceful.

All in all, a picture perfect night.