It's one thing to capture mesmerizing clouds, it's another thing to capture them over a geological marvel such as Smith Rock.

A bit of luck, a whole lot of planning and even more driving paid off.

To watch the full video of the creation of this image, head over to the Fototripper Youtube channel.

Thanks for looking
Gavin Hardcastle

Tags:   michael shainblum smith rock oregon storm clouds sunset stormy desert summer epic hanks Robin

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Download our Milk Way Made Easy Photography course here www.fototripper.com/milky-way-made-easy-online-photograph...

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The view from Misery Ridge looks like Godzilla decided to take a nap face down.

On this night, Michael Shainblum and I decided to hike high up on Smith Rock to take in this spectacular vantage point.

With sheer drop offs everywhere, we had to tread very carefully because we planned on hiking back in the dark much later that night.

We both had a good feeling that we'd witness a special sunset and you can imagine our delight as the clouds began to glow with the light from that setting sun.

For about thirty minutes, the two of us were in nerdy raptures as the light just got more and more intense.

At that point we'd have been happy if that was the pinnacle of our adventure. Later that night, things got even more amazing as a lightning storm crept over the distant mountains.

But that's another story...

Thanks for looking
Gavin Hardcastle

Tags:   smith rock oregon misery ridge sunset

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Watch the entire video at youtu.be/_zFjcU5WSms

After teaching you how I shoot some EPIC waves, I struggle with feelings of inadequacy when I see the size of Michael Shaiunblums new vlogging rig and Hollywood crew. How can I possibly compete with just a broken Spazmo Rocket and a dyslexic Gopro?

To Make things worse, my stalker ramps up the creep factor to dangerous levels but at least Michaels $50k camera ends up in pieces. I finally get my way by confiscating his appropriate footwear.

Thanks for watching
Gavin Hardcastle

Tags:   Fototripper thors well shore acres oregon coast michael shainblum sean bagshaw

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Once again, I prove that I am not the brightest spark.

I had to be told several times to get away from the edge by friends and loved ones.

Covered in ocean spray with a manic grin, I've never felt so alive.

Or stupid.

Hopefully the day will never come when I don't get to tell you the tale or show you the images.

Tell then....... here's the image.

Thanks for looking
Gavin Hardcastle

Tags:   storm watching big waves crashing pacific ocean oregon coast

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It takes a pretty special event to lure me out of my hermithood and brave the crowds.

This day was one such event.

Shore Acres in Oregon is famous for the monster waves that pound this stretch of coast line. As soon as word got out that there would be some big waves there was also a wave of photographers descending on this very spot.

Fingers were clicking, shutters were melting and memory cards were bursting at the seams.

I reckon everyone walked away with some amazing images that day. For certain I'm not the only one to have captured this moment.

Almost everyone who studies this image wonders who that crazy person was to be so close to that dangerous explosion of power.

From where I was standing I could taste the ocean spray, feel the rumble under my feet and had to keep a strong hold on my tripod lest it sail off in the wind.

I wonder if what he could feel was a warm yellow trickle down his leg?

Gavin Hardcastle

Tags:   waves power pacific ocean wind storm crashing crash explosion thunder shore acres oregon coast Fototripper

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