Tongue Mountain. This little mountain (relatively speaking) is a hidden gem in the South Cascades or what is otherwise known as The Dark Divide. Thankfully, it was one of the shorter hikes, which was definitely needed since I have been out of it since my wife gave birth to our son. From the trailhead to the top, it was only about 1.7 miles. It was just enough to motivate me to start planning my next hiking trip. Pictures and discussions are below.
View of Mt. Adams from Tongue Mountain.
While the view from the top of the mountain may have what some call breathtaking views, I was a bit disappointed with it. Don't get me wrong, it was a great view. But this project was very challenging for composition. So much so that I almost didn't post anything for this week, but then I remembered that I am doing this to educate myself and maybe someone else along the way. I shot the above image at ISO 100, F/8.0, 1/400 sec, focal length 28mm. Exposure wasn't necessarily a challenge, but focus was. In order to get what seemed to put everything into focus was using the smaller hilltop (frame lower right) as a focus point. I feel like this was the hyperfocal point, but I say that with no scientific basis, just experience.
View of Mt. Adams from Tongue Mountain.
Here is the image that I came away with that day. Will it make it into my portfolio that I show to clients? Probably not. I am not too impressed with it. Overall, I would say I didn't perform well with this weekly challenge. Composition kicked my butt - maybe I'll have to try it again. Next time I would definitely use a human element and add someone overlooking the cliff at the mountain. If went back a little farther away from the ledge, there was potential to definetly get a shot that maybe a company like Northface or REI would use. I just needed a model. Either way, I learned something here, like I do everytime doing these projects.
Until next time
-CE
