Mono Lake on a Quiet Morning

Written By Keith Cuddeback

Mono Lake

Mono Lake was not the number one target for my youngest son, David, and me on that unforgettable road trip in 2015. You see, he is an aspiring astrophotographer, so our main focus was actually the stunning dark skies at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest nestled in the majestic White Mountains of Eastern California. We ventured there specifically to shoot the Milky Way, and it was an experience I will always cherish. The photo I captured during that magical night, titled "Spans of Time," was one of the eight prints I offered in a limited release not too long ago, and I’m so grateful to have shared that moment with ya’ll.

On our way home to the Bay Area after photographing the gnarled bristlecones against the core of the milky way, I suggested we camp at the always captivating Mono Lake for another night of astrophotography among the unique tufa formations. The photos we took that night were just as other worldly as those we had captured the night before, showcasing the Milky Way in another unique environment.

David is not a landscape photographer, so I honor him for waking up with me in the dark the following morning to get over to Mono Lake from our nearby campsite and be there while I got set up for my morning shoot while he was still blurry eyed. That’s when I shot the above image.

The sky was developing beautiful rich hues as the sun was promising to rise over the horizon. At the same time, the sky above all that beautiful color was still dark enough to feature the delicate crescent moon. It felt so peaceful in that moment standing on the beach. To convey the serenity I was feeling in a photograph, I chose to capture this fleeting scene with a 30 second exposure to flatten the water into a satin sheen. But, I had to take one more step to make the photograph I envisioned..

The Moon moves really fast and in a 30 second exposure it would just be a blur. So, it was easy enough to take a second exposure at a much higher shutter speed to capture the moon the way it actually looked. It was a simple time-blend in Photoshop to make this image which has been a favorite of mine and my followers for 10 years now!

Keith Cuddeback

Keith Cuddeback is a passionate photographer who has dedicated his life to capturing the breathtaking beauty of the American West. From his Sprinter camper van, since 2019, he travels to remote locations, where he finds serenity in nature and transforms it into stunning visual art.

His journey in photography began in the 1970s when he immersed himself in the works of Edward Weston, Gaylon Rowell and Ansel Adams. These early influences shaped his understanding of the craft, guiding him toward a style that emphasizes both the grandeur and subtlety of the landscape. He further honed his skills under the mentorship of renowned photographers William Neill, Lewis Kemper, Gary Crebbe and the late Jeff Nixon, each contributing to his evolving perspective.

Keith offers rotating limited release prints, allowing collectors to own a piece of his artistry. He also offers personal shoots and portfolio reviews, welcoming photographers of all levels to explore their potential and refine their craft. His approachable demeanor and genuine love for photography create a welcoming atmosphere for those looking to learn and grow. Through his lens, Keith invites viewers to reconnect with the natural world, cherishing its beauty one photograph at a time.

https://keithcuddeback.com
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