Pyrocumulus cloud

[mknittle]

This cloud is from a forest fire at about 40miles from where I live. It is closer now.(the fire, the cloud is gone) This was both scary and beautiful to watch.
The cloud is formed by the heat of the fire reacting with the atmosphere. the grey clouds around it's base are smoke clouds.

I am sure it needs better processing. suggestions welcome

[PaulRJennings]

That is one angry looking cloud. Nice shot!

[mknittle]

Thanks Paul, It was really something to watch. It changed so fast I wasn't sure what I was going to get when I pushed the shutter button.

[Shadowman]

Nicely captured.

[Kodiak]

I am sure it needs better processing. suggestions welcome

Hey Mark, Very dramatic take! …surely deserves an attempt, how about this suggestion —
WB and open the shadows a tad:

[wtlwdwgn]

The cumulus that build over a forest fire is truly awesome and this is a good shot of that.

I remember watching cumulus grow over the fires in Yellowstone in 1988. Awe inspiring.

[NorthernFocus]

Nice shot of this phenomenon. Most people aren't aware that water vapor is one of the primary products of combustion. This is a good demonstration of it.

[mknittle]

Much better thanks Kodiak,

[chauncey]

Those clouds of smoke will produce awesome sunsets east of you in several days.

[mknittle]

Thanks John,Steve and Dan. This is the biggest one I have seen.

[mknittle]

It has been raining ash from time to time.

[mknittle]

Those clouds of smoke will produce awesome sunsets east of you in several days.

Yes sir it sure will.

[bnnrcn]

Nice shot

[FootLoose]

Added a Multiply layer at 20% to Kodiak's edit to bring out some detail in the cloud, and some sharpening. Maybe a little too bright?

[FrankMi]

Added a Multiply layer at 20% to Kodiak's edit to bring out some detail in the cloud, and some sharpening. Maybe a little too bright?

Now that really grabs your attention! Great capture Mark. Nice edits Kodiak and Greg.

[mknittle]

Thanks Binnur.

[mknittle]

Added a Multiply layer at 20% to Kodiak's edit to bring out some detail in the cloud, and some sharpening. Maybe a little too bright?

That's what it looked like earlier in the day. I couldn't get away to get some shots of it until early evening.
Looks good.

[mknittle]

Now that really grabs your attention! Great capture Mark. Nice edits Kodiak and Greg.

Thanks frank, I was afraid I wouldn't get home soon enough and the cloud would be gone. I am glad it worked out as it is not something you see often.

[IzzieK]

Thanks frank, I was afraid I wouldn't get home soon enough and the cloud would be gone. I am glad it worked out as it is not something you see often.

And you are more worried about the cloud going than your safety? Fires travels fast and out there in CA it is scary. Anything that will make you run for your life is scary no matter what the circumstances.

Anyway, great capture.

[plugsnpixels]

Fantastic shot and post-processing! I live in SoCal and see this sort of thing from time to time, the last being when I was in my second-floor dentist's office looking out over the San Gabriel Mountains, watching a fire cloud form and change.

I've also seen the entire sky turn orange/brown from these fires, and small ashes rain down (cough-cough).