From the heights of Me no Kami Tenboudai along the Venus Line in Chino, Nagano Prefecture, this photograph captures the enchanting evening light washing over the verdant Yatsugatake mountain range. The setting sun’s orange hues lend a soft glow to the fresh spring greens, presenting a unique spectacle distinct from the morning’s light.
Photo Description – Sunset Colors Without the Sunset
While the setting sun itself was hidden from view at Me no Kami Tenboudai, the impact of its warm, orange light on the Yatsugatake mountains was still profoundly visible. This photograph captures the serene beauty of the mountains as they bask in the evening glow, highlighting the rich greens of late spring. The scene is framed by the natural contours of the landscape, offering a panoramic view that emphasizes the expansive scale and the quiet majesty of this lesser-known gem in Nagano.
Story Behind the Photo – A Serendipitous Evening Drive
With some time to spare, I drove from my hotel to Me no Kami Tenboudai, hoping to capture the sunset. Although the direct view of the sun was obscured, the evening light revealed a different character of the Yatsugatake range, draped in shades of orange and green that seemed to ignite the forest in a gentle fire. This unexpected lighting brought out a fresh perspective, making the familiar mountains look almost otherworldly.
From an Amateur Photographer’s Perspective – Capturing the Changing Light
Photographing the Yatsugatake range under the different lighting conditions of sunset was a rewarding challenge. The colors transformed by the evening sun required adjustments to capture the scene’s vibrancy accurately. Using the FUJIFILM X-T4, with its dynamic range and color fidelity, I was able to preserve the subtle gradations of light and color, highlighting the serene beauty of the mountains in a way that midday light could never reveal.
Equipment and EXIF Information
- Camera: FUJIFILM X-T4
- Lens: XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR
- Shutter Speed: 1/950 s
- Aperture: ƒ/7.1
- ISO: 400
Location