The last few weeks have offered up some of the most amazing and beautiful night skies. Tonight offered up probably one of the best views I've seen in awhile.

I think what amazed me the most is how fast the sky changed in the last hour of daylight. The clouds raced across the sky and morphed a kaleidoscope of colors. It was literally like watching a painting being created in the sky in front of me. It was truly an amazing view.

I took about 50 images, experimenting with different exposures. As light and color faded away it left me wanting for more. I guess I'll have to wait and see what the sky offers up tomorrow. Below are a few of my favorites.

 Click on the thumbnails for a larger view and EXIF info.

I noticed the most beautiful and vibrant sky as I drove home tonight. The setting sun lit up the horizon like fire.

I kept thinking to myself, "I have to find a place to pull off and capture this wonderful view". As I drove past the usual cluttered buildings and billboards, I was sure I wouldn't find a focal point before the moment had passed.

I've driven past The Church at Pinnacle Hills hundreds of times, but when I drove past it tonight I knew I had found the spot. The site was stunning and I hoped I could capture what I was seeing and do it justice.

I was really pleased how these shots turned out. I did very little post processing, the color is just as I captured it. I added a slight vignette and boosted the contrast.

Shot at 1/4 second at f/2.8, ISO 400

Just walking out the door today I knew fall had finally arrived. The windy chill was overwhelming, the sky vibrant and the air smelled fresh and clean.

Recently, I blogged about my disappointment in the lack of fall color here in Northwest Arkansas. Well I was too quick to be impatient, because today was a beautiful fall day and it was FULL of color! I spent my entire lunch walking around the Bentonville Square taking some 140 photos. I've showcased a few of my favorites below.

You can click on each individual photo to comment on it or view the EXIF data.

The Benton County Courthouse

The Benton County Courthouse

Fall on the Bentonville Square.

Fall on the Bentonville Square.
I was a little miffed that the City of Bentonville decided to go ahead and string Christmas lights in early Novemember. But I was still pretty happy with this shot.

Tucked away in Bella Vista Arkansas is a small set of cascades and a beautiful waterfall known as Ann Falls.

Today I decided I would get up before sunrise and head to Bella Vista to try to get some shots. I parked down stream (below the no trespassing signs) and hiked up the creek bed so I could get some photos of the falls from below.

The temperature was very nice and I was happy for that due to the fact that I managed to soak both feet and up to my knees trying to cross the creek.

A shot of the cascades.
Equipment: Canon 5D, 24-70 f/2.8L
Exposure: 2 seconds at f/11
ISO: 50
Filters: Circular Polarizer

A shot of the falls from the creek bed and under the rock canopy.
Equipment: Canon 5D, 24-70 f/2.8L
Exposure: 2.5 seconds at f/11
ISO: 400
Filters: Circular Polarizer

Equipment: Canon 5D, 24-70 f/2.8L
Exposure: 8 seconds at f/11
ISO: 400
Filters: Circular Polarizer

The early light allowed me to get some great long exposures. Above is one I took at 8 seconds. I also managed to get a 30 second exposure while the falls were moonlit but my focus was off... #$%@ which really sucks because I think it would have been my keeper. (note to self, next time prepare and bring a light...)

If you're ever in the area the falls are just off HWY 71 on Pinion Valley Drive.
You will want to park down stream. Access directly in front of the falls requires that you enter onto property owned by the Bella Vista POA. There are no trespassing signs posted, and they WILL run you off, trust me.