Michael Smith
March 2025 - Yellowstone Hot Spring
About the Image(s)
I spent the first week of February in Yellowstone National Park on a photo workshop, photographing animals and scenery, and learning how to capture sharp photographs while it is snowing and with the proper exposure for the white background. It was very challenging but fun and rewarding. It is amazing how little color there is with the snow and trees that look black, particularly under overcast skies. This hot spring offered some color under one of the few moments that we saw blue skies. The temperature was below 20 degrees F or the entire week. ISO 250, 24mm, f11, 1/250s
This round’s discussion is now closed!
8 comments posted
Which one is this? Is it Grand Prismatic Spring or a smaller pool? I've heard that Yellowstone can be brutal in winter, but also photographically very rewarding. This is a good capture, with the rising steam, blue water of the spring, snow in the background, and the woods and sky. Posted: 03/18/2025 02:56:18
Sukumar, I don't remember, but it was near Steamboat Geyser that had erupted the night before we arrived. Posted: 03/26/2025 10:51:37
I love it--maybe because I have been there twice in the winter! It can be cold, but well worth it. The firts time, we went on our own (when you still could) and the 2nd time was on a photo tour. I was lucky to get some great shots and was helped by one of or leaders.
The steam and turquoise color identify the location so it works as a travel photo and also as a nature shot. Well done. Posted: 03/19/2025 15:26:34
The steam and turquoise color identify the location so it works as a travel photo and also as a nature shot. Well done. Posted: 03/19/2025 15:26:34
There are many photo workshops in Yellowstone in the winter now and for good reason! This is a wonderful image! I have one, very small suggestion: get rid of the line in sky almost in the middle of the picture. Everything else is great, especially the steam and beautiful turquoise of the hot spring.
20 below???? Whoa!!! Posted: 03/21/2025 20:04:14
20 below???? Whoa!!! Posted: 03/21/2025 20:04:14
I love this photo and the blue sky with the steam pouring out of the springs with the snow in the background. Your composition is excellent. I hadn't noticed that black line Esther mentioned till I read her review. Was something on your lens? If so, you could remove it. Otherwise, what is it?
Nice job. Posted: 03/24/2025 11:11:33
Nice job. Posted: 03/24/2025 11:11:33
It is a part of a tree sticking up, so I didn't remove it.
Posted: 03/26/2025 10:50:21
Posted: 03/26/2025 10:50:21
A classic Yellowstone image, the unique thermal pool and dramatic sky add so much impact, and the steam in the centre of the frame gives a very atmospheric feel. If that dark line is an extended branch then you cannot clone it out (PT rules), however if it is an object on your lens or sensor you could take Shirley`s advice and remove it! Posted: 03/25/2025 06:33:32
Nice image of the geyser with the steam and clear blue water. Posted: 03/28/2025 11:40:50