USA Mono Lake Tufas
This spot faces east so is not the obvious direction to catch the sunset sky. However, the high clouds spread the light and colour to give this soft sunset with pastel colouring.
Photography Tips
Sunrise and sunset are the best times. Sunrise especially tends to come with calm water and a long exposure (10 sec @ f11 and ISO 100 on 45mm lens setting) will give it great reflections. With the high contrast between the tufa rock shadows and the sky, I usually take 5 bracketed shots and merge some or all in HDR software to capture the details.
The sunrise shot was more "fiery". That morning looked like it would be a "bust" as the sky was covered in darker clouds - however, it all of a sudden opened up and the sunlight gave a dramatic colour to this scene. Not so long an exposure on this @ 1/6 sec. at f11 and ISO 100 on a 17mm wide angle.
The sunrise shot was more "fiery". That morning looked like it would be a "bust" as the sky was covered in darker clouds - however, it all of a sudden opened up and the sunlight gave a dramatic colour to this scene. Not so long an exposure on this @ 1/6 sec. at f11 and ISO 100 on a 17mm wide angle.
Travel Information
395 to Lee Vining and then follow the signs to Mono Lake South Tufa Area.
I've used Murphey's Motel which is basic but comfortable and open year-round. Another is Lake View Lodge.
I've used Murphey's Motel which is basic but comfortable and open year-round. Another is Lake View Lodge.
Spot Type
Outdoor
Crowd Factor
Just a few people
Best Timing
Sunset in spring
Sunrise & Sunset
07:07 - 16:42
| current local time: 00:26
Photo Themes
Long Exposure
Sunset
Locations
California
Mono Lake
Lee Vining
Eastern Sierras
Tufas
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