Cloudscapes Assignment Winner Ross Stone

“I grew up in the Eastern Sierra and still live a few miles north of the Alabama Hills,” explains Stone. “I never get tired of waking up to see winter storm clouds clearing and seeing fresh snow covering Tumanguya (Mount Whitney).

“The Alabama hills during late fall and winter is magical. The summer crowds are gone. The oppressive heat has faded significantly. The hustle and bustle of tourists on vacation have left and the only thing remaining is the beauty and peacefulness of the Alabama hills.

“So, when you come to visit my ancestral home, respect the land and please wear a mask when you go into the small towns.”

Canon 80D, EF-S55-250mm lens at 55mm. Exposure: 1/1600 sec., f/9, ISO 320.