“Guardian (2)”

Location: Steptoe Butte, Colfax, Washington (2021)

Overhead clouds spotlight the landscape during a blustery late-May afternoon on Steptoe Butte.

The wind was fierce. It pushed the clouds overhead and rocked my car as I circumnavigated on a road that wrapped around the butte. Despite being able to access 360-degree views, the wind dictated that I photograph from less expansive views.

Narrowing my options to where the wind was more subdued, I found a composition that allowed me to focus on a tree surrounded by green hills and a s-shaped road. The clouds were in constant motion overhead. I photographed for a couple hours, keeping my camera and tripod in the same position. All that changed was the pattern of light and shadow.