A sun pillar is a vertical shaft of light extending upward or downward from the sun. Typically seen during sunrise or sunset, sun pillars form when sunlight reflects off the surfaces of falling ice crystals associated with thin, high-level clouds (like cirrostratus clouds).
http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/opt/ice/sp.rxml

Not to muddy the waters any more than necessary but as I see as an underlying issue with the shoot in JPG or Raw is ones ability to post process. I would be interested in seeing a photograph taken by a person that is very adept at using Photoshop or PSE in three forms. The JPG from the camera, the same JPG that they post processed and the port processed RAW file. I think that may be more telling and indicate how important the post processing ability is to high quality photographs. Does that sound reasonable and does anyone wish to take this on. Let me first say I try to use PSE10 but my skills do not allow me to do this justice.

Welcome to UHH. How about some shots of the Faser Canyon. Sure do miss that area.

I think that is a great shot. Just my very uninformed oppinion but I not think the base would have added anything to the shot. Your experimenting gives my lots to strive for. Thanks.

Thanks, good to know in case I can ever wrangle a trip to your desert. I'm sure it is a beutiful place.

Very nice shots. The buildings add a lot to the perspective. about how far where you from the launch point?

fishone0,

Nice shots.
Did you go back to the desert to see if any blooms came out after the rain. If so I would be interested in seeing some shots. We don't have any desert areound here.

Google Nikon Monarch.

Binoculars, sorry MT you'll have to wait a bit more.

Fran,
I used to scuba dive on the west coast (Victoria and Gulf Islands) as well as Hawaii, Panama and Gaum. I had a Sea and Sea camera and liked it but there was nothing like the Nikon AW100 available then, (would have that instead for sure). Anyway the point I would like to make is there are tons of photographic opportunities in the 10 foot depth range along the shore lines and the lighting is better than in deeper water. Sun light fades out quickly in water and along with it colour. I'm sure you will get lots of enjoyment out of the Nikon. Look for the little fishies and post some shot.

Thanks. Everytime I go visit it is with camera in hand. She is just getting mobile so there are lots more opportunities.

I changed the WB to tungsten just to see the effect.
Your shots are excellent. I made notes of your settings and will try to incorporate them into my next attempt. The feathery look sure is impressive. Thanks for posting.

I agree with that. I was shooying with my 50mm from a fixed position so framing was rather hit and miss. I'll try my 18-55mm next time and see if that improves the shot.
I didn't really know what to expect.

Thank you. I think so but I may be just a bit biased. :D

These are from last night's Canada Day fireworks that the local cottagers put on. C&C welcome. I have a thick skin and need to learn. :P

changed WB to tungsten

Thank you. It certainly was fun and messy. And she ate it all except for the obvious face decoration. :-D