Wind Turbines and Storm Clouds
Umatilla County, Oregon
I drove up to the site of many wind turbines just south of Walla Walla. The day was sunny with bright blue skies. Some turbines were very close by to the east, while others were much further away to the west. As I was enjoying the site and the day, storm clouds began to appear on the western horizon and moved rapidly toward me. These were exceptional clouds; they looked like a very rough cobblestone street turned upside down and moving across the sky. Wind turbines are huge structures, but they seem puny compared to the forces of nature bearing down on them. A black-and-white rendition was perfectly suited, because this photograph is all about forms and textures. Bad weather makes for great opportunities for photography. Photo © copyright by Stephen Penland.