September 8, 2020 — Berkeley, California
But it did, at 8:38 a.m. The fires burn on.
(Nikon D500, Tamron 100–400mm f/4.5–6.3 Di VC USD. RAW processing in DxO PhotoLab 3.3; Editing in Adobe Photoshop.)
The Sun Shouldn’t Look like This
AMAGA Photography Blog
Words about pictures by Michael Scandling
AMAGA Photography Blog 
Sad that such a tragic occurrence can offer up something so beautiful. I often see an orange sun through clouds and fog. Smoke isn’t such a good cause.
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Thank you very much, Steve. This morning it is worse. We are enveloped in deep orange fog.
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When life hands you smoke, make a photograph.
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Yes you do. This morning is apocalyptic. The same sun shining through thick fog makes everything deep orange. Two reasons to wear a mask.
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Amazing shot!!!
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Thank you!
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The ‘fire effect’ may be a beautiful one but it’s by no means beautiful… In other words, this is an amazingly beautiful shot which …shouldn’t be there to take in the first place. But us artists see beauty everywhere, don’t we… 😉
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Interesting comment. This morning we are enveloped in thick fog in this orange sun is illuminating it turning the outside into a dark orange glow. I wanna emphasize dark orange glow. There is nothing beautiful about it at all. But it had to be documented.
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I hope and pray it will go out soon, my friend.
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Thank you. We too.
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🙏
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I’m thinking you finally had to do/say something. And it’s a great statement, a beautiful photo that shouldn’t be, but is. As you’ve probably heard, Washington has it bad too, right now – nothing like CA but not good. The smoke was bad yesterday, even here. The sunlight is eerie.
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You’re right. I did. I just posted something on characteristically documentary on Instagram. Yes it is bad down here but I just looked at Central Washington where the AQI is 300 or more in places.
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It’s bad over there! Our local monitor seems to be on the blitz but it looks well under 100 right now and the next nearest two meters are well under 100. We actually got out for a walk this morning! We saw 9 vultures in two trees, just hanging out – I’ve never seen them gather in trees in numbers like that. Then, 7 otters swimming together and coming in to shore. We were sniffling and pome panting on the hills but a slight breeze made the walk doable and I’m so glad I got out. I hope the winds quiet down for you.
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It is quite bad down here. The entire San Francisco Bay area and Northern California but especially the bay area right now. I have an app on my iPhone called AirVisual. I highly recommend it. It would’ve been wonderful to see those otters. Check out the blog tomorrow. I most always post at midnight. Also, if you’re on Instagram check out what I posted this morning. @amagaphoto
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I saw the Insta posts…scary. Will try Airvisual but wish they used the monitor that’s much closer to where we live. That one seems to be still offline so they substituted the other one. Thanks, Michael! Shallow breathing! 😉
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They have monitors very close to us. Of course, you could always buy one of theirs and add to their data.
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What can I say…disaster on top of Covid and Trump…Life ain’t simple just now.
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No it ain’t simple. We have to get rid of Trump in November.
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I talked this evening to friends outside of Medford, Oregon. They’re entirely too close to the Ameda fire, and both Talent and Phoenix, which they frequent, have substantial damage. They were without power because of the winds (tree limbs on power lines and so on) but grateful that their cell phone was working. They’ve been advised to stay put unless an evac is ordered for their area. Their description of the sky and smoke would suit your photo.
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*Almeda fire*
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I’m sure it would. We have along season yet to go.
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Beautiful picture, Michael. But I’m worried, as I have a very old friend in Santa Cruz.
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Is your friend in the city of Santa Cruz near Santa Cruz? The city itself is fine.
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Thank you! Yes, I think he’s in the city, not too far from the sea I think. He’s emailed this morning to say they’re both safe and fine. He’s an old school friend, and one of the two that got me into birding in 1967. 🙂
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Good that you heard from him. Yes, the city of Santa Cruz is safe.
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It’s a haunting yet beautiful capture Michael … hoping you’re all safe … we have smoke up here in etown 😳 sending all good things hedy 💫
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Thank you, Hedy. That is one thing that’s very strange about it. If you completely detach yourself from what is happening and what is causing it, it can be quite beautiful.
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Yes I’m imagining a big exhale….
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Sad, but beautiful! Hoping that you are well and safe Michael ..
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Thank you very much. See the next post as well. We are doing fine. Thank you. We can look across the bay and see San Francisco for the first time in a week today.
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