Galen Rowell's Alpenglow

I guess if we're limiting alpenglow as setting or rising sun shining on top of a mountain, then I for one got it wrong, but if alpenglow can be applied to clouds reflecting sun that is not risien from behind the mountain down onto a river, then I guess we didnt get it wrong. I guess it's in the defining what exactly the warm or evening sun is supposed to be illuminating... Maybe we should be restricted to it as a back drop for??? Not like I'm going to win anyways.

maybe my interpretation is wrong, but I think its the use of the light rather than the object its bouncing off of. I picked my photo because I'm new/returning to photography and don't have much stock - choose the one without any direct sun in lighting a very broad geological feature known as the Columbia River Gorge. Anyways, looks like he took care of some of the concerns. Good luck, in the contest! many of these photos are quite remarkable - here's hoping yours does well. Frank

I was going to DQ Frank George III image, not because it was not Alpenglow, but because is quite soft. And that is strange, since the Canon 100mm Macro lens is a very good sharp lens. Maybe it was the shutter speed, and you didn't used a tripod. You tell me.
And is not Alpenglow either, because the definition is that the sun is already set and below the horizon, but the light bounces off the edge of the earth and gives a nice warm red light, but is soft, not the harsh yellow edges that are shown on the clouds, which are clearly direct sunlight from an unset sun.
One thing you should do next time, if you don't know the definition of a term, is simply to google it. Is everywhere. And if you do find some text from Galen Rowell, much better.

Keep them coming, you are doing great. And there are plenty challenges in my series coming up.

Martin - go ahead and DQ the image if you think doesn't qualify - I just saw the picture of the cloud high over head in yours and figured when you were using the term you meant use of what ever light remained after or before the sun rise or sun set, as well as some of the others with just sun light rays shining on peaks high above the horizon where the sun had set- as opposed to GR's purest form of alpenglow on the opposite horizon being displayed on or behind his subject.

Anyways my picture is not a sun set, the pics in the gallery are not in order, and if it doesn't qualify by all means take it out.

thanks for your comments and insights.

"The reddish color lightwaves are the longest in the visible spectrum of electromagnetic energy. Of all the visible lightwaves, they also move the slowest. Light that has to travel through more atmosphere has most of the blue absorbed, so the slower red waves of color are actually the only ones that make it through to our eyeballs. As the sun sets (or rises; reverse the process) you can see a gradation of color rise in the eastern sky, pinkish red onto of blueish purple. As I actually once explained to Galen – this transition of color is really our horizontal view of the Terminator Line, which is the line between day and night that the space shuttle astronauts would see when looking down (vertical) on the planet. (It was a big deal to be able to know that I taught him something, however small, albeit thanks to my interest in astronomy.) The pinkish red light is actually sunset light that continues to rise in the sky as the sun dips below the horizon.

How do you find horizon in the mountains? (again I am just confused :)

Martin, thank you for your very kind words. Galen Rowell was always one of my favorite photographers.
Frank, may I ask who is the quote from?
I will adjust my ratings according to this discussion. I agree that in the larger meaning, they all qualify now for the theme.
Great work, everyone!

Impose, thanks for the post. http://www.enlightphoto.com/views/2006/02/27/what-is-alpenglow.htm. Gary Crabbe is the only name I saw on the page.

MNET - if your referring to how can you see to know if the sun is below the horizon while your in the mountains, my response would be look at the reflection of the light off the peaks if you don't have a clear view of the actual bend of the earth. If there is still direct light on the peak, the sun has not set wait a few moments you'll see a shade move up the side of the mountain eventually rising up beyond the peak - then your subject will be below the terminator line.

Doesn't matter to me, they're all great shots it seems to
Me and those posted without the actual sun in them seem to be capturing the spirit of GR's alpenglow.

But the host was right on mine - the yellow brightness 25-30 miles off is a bit of a disqualifier for my image, despite the fact that the actual sun could not be seen - cause it had not risen yet - and most of the air and ridges were reflecting red or darker light. So, not wanting to diminish the spirit of the contest, I retired
Mine. Thanks

The general idea is, if you see bright white or yellow edges on the clouds, or rays projecting radially, the sun is still above the horizon. If you wait a bit (on a sunset), or arrive earlier (in a sunrise) you will notice that the overall scene is quite dark, but the red light have a paint effect in everything it touches. Just look at the sample I posted. I was there waiting for my ride to work, at 5:25AM, and everything was dark. Suddenly I felt a warmish tone on everything around me, and when I looked up to the sky, the clouds were painted like that. It was awesome. But only lasted like 30 seconds or so. You have to be prepared. Thankfully I carry my camera everywhere I go.

I understand that my challenge created a lot of confusion, and the thing is, that Alpenglow is actually not a scientific term, and many times can be understood wrongly. I promise that my further challenges will be much clearer, and I will post several links for more information, on the description and rules.

Martin, you're awsome! its a good challenge, and there are a lot of images that truely fit. I know I was pushing it with mine, thats why I withdrew... the confusion is no big deal, really not confusing - just alot of different opinions of the perfect moment and light. Thanks for hosting, don't change, just don't take any of my comments as intending to be disrespectful of yours or anyones works.
thanks again.

Thanks for the support, Frank. I feel pleased that you guys are liking the challenges. There are a ton to come, and the raw material is immense. So many masters to pay tribute to.
Even with Galen Rowell alone, there is still a Rock Climbing challenge, Nepal, Aerial photography, etc. Plenty to choose from.