I got up early last Saturday morning, hoping to capture some photographs of the Niobrara Valley Preserve in the light of the sunrise. Unfortunately, the skies were cloudy, and the sun stayed stubbornly behind them as it rose above the distant hills. The light reflecting from the prairie and adjacent woodlands was dull and muted – not good conditions for photographs.
The only contrast to be found was the reflection of the relatively bright sky off the river as I looked in the direction of the (supposed) sunrise. I put on a long lens and aimed it toward the river, hoping to find a way to frame it. As I played with compositions, a couple clouds brightened as the sun hit them obliquely. The river glowed as it reflected that new light…
The Nature Conservancy’s Niobrara Valley Preserve, Nebraska.
The Prairie Ecologist 
Beautiful photo — the lighting in the background and on the Niobrara reminds me of the early oil paintings
Great picture Chris! Ed
Beautiful Picture!
A la Albert Beirstadt…http://www.albertbierstadt.org/Figures-In-A-Hudson-River-Landscape.html
Gorgeous!
You just never know what the lighting will be until you get out there and stay awhile. It can change in an instant! Well worth the wait!
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Beautiful view….. love Nebraska’s pretty scenery!
Gosh Chris! This is stunning.
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