Smithsonian.com

This absolutely looks surreal, it is so amazingly beautiful. I would love to have a copy hanging in my house to gaze at every day whenever I need to get away.

What a picturesque photo! Just beautiful!!!

Thank you all for the wonderful comments. It was an honor to have my photos in this year's contest make it to the finalists.

And to clarify Nahed's comment, the reflections are real. The 'smudge' is a lighter colored rock underwater that is interrupting the reflection. :)

This is one of the best sunset pictures that I have ever seen, with the rocks and lake-reflections adding to the view of the sky and clouds. The composition is phenomenally well-balanced, both horizontally and vertically! I'd put it in the class of the best nature photographers, like Ansel Adams' photos of Yosemite and other California mountain areas. We all need to thank Jim Patterson for sharing this with us!

This is quite simply one of the most amazing photographs that I have ever seen. It seems to command people to get out of their houses and explore the natural wonders of this world. I can't put into words the feelings that I get from gazing upon this remarkable image. In my opinion, it is indeed a masterpiece. My compliments to the artist!

Awe-inspiring. I wish I were a poet. My #1.

Hate to be the party pooper, but I think something is going on with the reflection of one of the two trees. There is a smudge around it, so I am not sure if it really is a reflection or not. But that does not diminish from the overall beauty and serenity of the shot.

Very appealing. Out of the pics I have seen today this one is once in a lifetime shot and means the most to me.

Awed by the composition, the color and the tranquility - reminded me of the 2 summers spent at Lake Tahoe 55 years ago. Such peace!!

When I first saw this photo as a small snapshot an the composite display, I thought I was seeing creatures swimming or skimming the water toward some large object in a sea of color.I have enlarged it and although I know that the subject is sunset on silent rocks and still waters, my fantasy is increasingly stimulated each time I look at this exquisite photo. Without causing a single wave, the boulders seem to be rushing toward the huge rock with compelling focus and determination.I find it one of the most active and stirring pictures, full of boundless energy and passion that leave me breathless with wonder.

Thank you Jim Patterson and the Smithsonian.

Beautiful concept. Santa Cruz (UCSC Mom) and Lake Tahoe, my family feels so fortunate to live in CA and enjoy our state's wonders, state parks and national parks.
Thank you Jim Patterson and Smithsonian!

Excellent composition: horizon line and sky occupy upper 1/3 of comp. lower 2/3 also features movements and reflections from upper 1/3. Focal point has immense amount of interest in that there are all the multiple elements: of the foreground varying rock shapes leading up to the largest, major rock, the trees and the hot sunset behind the major rock. Eye movement leads you into the composition toward the focal point and back out again as if there is a lot more that should be seen. Contrasting, basic colors of the color wheel almost always work.

stunning colors and a perspective that completely draws the eye

I browsed and studied a few of the most magnificent photos and finally realized this is where I would have liked to have been when the photo was take. I would have loved the navy blues immersion with the reds, and I'm glad the gold peeks in the distance. there is a velvet like softness in the reflection of the water and sterling solid strength in the boulders posing individually yet grouped for support. The serenity brings a smile of comfort to mind.

My five year old says "I like the water God made" The colors are gorgeous and totally something only a Heavenly Crator could paint. THANK YOU!~

What an absolutely STUNNING photograph. The colors are so peaceful and serene. Well done!! :)

This is an absolutely perfect picture of tranquility executed by a rare combination of delicate colors and balance which to the eye of the beholder is soothing and relaxing beyond description. One could never tire of looking at this photo. My congratulations to the photographer who captured this timeless jewel of a photograph and I am sure it will endure through the ages to be appreciated by all generations to come. Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us who thirst for true beauty but rarely find it anymore.

Very nice composition! I like the colors and how the foreground rocks lead you into the scene. Great peaceful-isolated-mellow-vibe!

Well done. Perfectly executed photograph.

lake tahoe is one of the most beautiful places on earth. this picture captures its rare beauty. bravo!

Gorgeous photograph, amazing colors, love it!

Love the clarity, the colors, the reflections. Beautiful composition. Amazing photo.

First let me say it is a nice picture, good lighting, colors, and quite unique scenic shot of Lake Tahoe. BUT, the natural world does not look like this in reality. And contrary to what the previous poster said, these are not God's natural colors, but rather God's nature enhanced by the skillful use of the photographer's skillful use of man-made photoshop colors.

Kudos from another Santa Cruzan - the photo is gorgeous and glad to know you're one of the vast group of talent and artistic people in our lovely county!

A wonderful blend of colors.. Congratulations !!

The perspective in this image is incredible. It took a breath from me upon first encounter. A beautiful moment done justice with this incredible photograph.

stunning, this gets my vote.

More like a painting than a photograph. Perfect!

Beyond beautiful! Santa Cruz is a great destination if you live far away or close by. I love this photograph. Thanks for submitting it so we can enjoy it.

Really stunning photo! Well timed and seen.

This is outstanding: the colors, the angles, and perspective, the rocks and lone vegetation.
Glorious isolation and beauty.

Wow,the colors are exquisite and your perspective is amazing! I checked out your flicker stream...thanking for including the info about the filter that you used on your camera.

Absoultely stunning. I could sit at this location forever. A serene and beautiful shot.

So many great photos. It is so hard to choose. I chose this wonderful shot from Lake Tahoe, one of my favorite places.

What a beautiful scene.

What a FANTASTIC group of photos!! Its terribly hard to choose the BEST because they're so innovative, artistic and diverse. However, the one I have chosen is so exquisite in composition, color and depth plus one gets such a sense of serenity when viewing "God's natural colors". Given the insanity of the world we live in, a photo exemplyfying this level of tranquility is balm to the tortured soul. May the good Lord bless the talented photographer who took this gorgeous photograph.

God's natural colors.