Photographing the Tufa Formations at Dusk

Landscape Photography Magazine, Issue 130, Assignment: Lakes

It was the middle of October and the leaves had started to turn yellow. Winter was in the air, yet a calm atmosphere and a fresh breeze hovered over the lake. A few patches of snow adorned the tops of Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. In the evening I could hear the howling of the coyotes somewhere in the distance warning everyone this was their territory.

Mono Lake, California - Susanna Patras Art
Camera settings: Nikon D810, Nikkor 20mm f/16, 1sec, ISO 31
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I arrived at Mono Lake early afternoon to do some extra scouting. There were so many things to photograph. Tufa are geological formations that resemble stalagmites. One tufa formation looked like a palace, another like a medieval tower, some resembled elves, dragon spines, mushrooms, columns, or mythological creatures. Walking around the southern part of the lake was enchanting and felt like a true discovery trip.

The Challenge of the Full Moon Crowd

I was hoping for less people to be around but that evening was a special full moon, an event that attracted a lot of photographers and non-photographers. All of a sudden it became very hard to find a good spot for the tripod on the south shore of the lake. I had to negotiate with two other fellows the spot that I had found long before the crowds started to arrive.

December 2021

Some smoke from the fires near Yosemite started to roll in. The wind picked up and brought in a few clouds.

Susanna Patras

Some smoke from the fires near Yosemite started to roll in. The wind picked up and brought in a few clouds. At first the sunset did not seem very promising. But as the sun neared the horizon, a soft golden light lit up the tufa. Everyone seemed to be waiting for the moonrise. I took this picture right before the sun set behind the mountains. Then I moved on as the light gradually turned pink-purple over the mountains on the other side.

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Interior Decor – Mono Lake Sunset

Bring the Magic of Mono Lake Into Your Space

“Mono Lake Sunset” captures a fleeting moment of golden light over the ancient tufa formations. This image is available as a fine art print in several sizes, framed or unframed, bringing the serene and dramatic beauty of California’s Eastern Sierra into your home.

Explore my collection of fine art prints to find more landscapes that tell a story.

FAQs

What is Mono Lake known for?
Mono Lake is famous for its unusual tufa formations – limestone towers that rise from the water, created by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water.
Where is Mono Lake located?
Mono Lake is in California, near the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, close to the town of Lee Vining and not far from Yosemite National Park.
hen is the best time to photograph Mono Lake?
Sunset and sunrise offer the most dramatic light, especially when the sky is clear or has interesting clouds. The fall season, as described in this post, provides cooler temperatures and beautiful light. The full moon also attracts many photographers for its reflection on the lake
What are the tufa formations?
Tufa are towers of calcium carbonate that form underwater when freshwater springs mix with the saline lake water. They are a unique and iconic feature of Mono Lake.
Can I buy a fine art print of this photograph?
Yes, the "Mono Lake Sunset" photograph is available as a limited edition fine art print. Please visit my shop page for more details on sizes and editions.
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