Carl Prothman Photography
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carlprothman.bsky.social
Carl Prothman Photography
@carlprothman.bsky.social
3.2K followers 5.7K following 280 posts
Professional Landscape Photographer capturing authentic moments of the natural world and teaching others the art of visual expression.
#photography #pnw Seattle, Washington, USA
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carlprothman.bsky.social
This was one of my favorite winter views from last season, captured on a bluebird day. I love how the snow blankets the mountain peak and creates a sharp contrast against the deep blue sky.

Location: Snoqualmie Pass, Washington – 2024
#WinterPeaks #CascadeMountains #SnoqualmiePass
A tall, rugged mountain peak at Snoqualmie Pass rises sharply into a cloudless blue sky. The entire face of the mountain is coated in winter snow, highlighting its steep rock textures, deep creases, and avalanche-shaped runouts. Dense evergreen forest fills the lower foreground, each tree covered in thick white snow, creating a bright, high-contrast pattern against the darker stone. Sunlight from the right side illuminates the ridge and upper slopes, giving the scene a crisp, cold, high-visibility winter look. The overall feeling is clean, bold, and intensely alpine.
December 6, 2025 at 5:52 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
I took this photo this summer in the Cascades here in the PNW. The forest feels almost unreal with all the ferns, moss, and that soft stream cutting through the green. #pnw
A lush Pacific Northwest forest scene taken in the Cascades during summer. The foreground shows a small rocky creek winding through bright green ferns and low vegetation. Moss-covered fallen logs lie across the scene, one stretching diagonally above the creek. Tall evergreen trees rise vertically throughout the frame, their trunks pale against the deep green canopy overhead. Light filters softly through the branches, creating patches of brightness on the forest floor and hillside. Dense undergrowth fills nearly every space, giving the scene a vibrant, layered look. The overall feeling is peaceful, immersive, and deeply connected to nature.
December 5, 2025 at 2:43 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
A narrow wooden boardwalk winds through the mossy forest at Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, where fallen logs, ferns, and old-growth textures create that classic Pacific Northwest mood.

#cougarmountain #mossywoods #pnw
A narrow wooden boardwalk passes through a dense, moss-covered forest at Cougar Mountain. Tangled fallen branches coated in bright green moss fill the left side of the frame, while a large boulder on the right is topped with thick moss and hanging ferns. The path curves around the boulder and continues into the deep forest. Ferns blanket the ground and soft, overcast light enhances the vivid greens. The scene feels quiet, wet, and deeply immersive, like stepping into a hidden pocket of wilderness.
December 4, 2025 at 2:08 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
Little Tahoma Peak glowing golden red from sunrise light.

Mount Rainier National Park
#CascadeMountains #AlpenglowMagic #LandscapePhotographer #PNW
A close view of Little Tahoma Peak, the sharp jagged volcanic remnant rising from the eastern slopes of Mount Rainier. The scene is captured at sunrise, with warm golden-pink alpenglow lighting up the rugged cliffs and ridgelines. Below the peak, glaciers sprawl in icy ribbons, their cracked surfaces spilling down the mountain. The contrast of glowing rock, shadowed valleys, and gleaming ice creates a dramatic and textured alpine landscape against a pale morning sky.
December 1, 2025 at 3:09 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
Loved how the sunlight lit up this wild stem in my backyard

Have you caught any little pockets of good light lately? Post a pic

#photography #pnw #nature
A single tall plant with thin, delicate stems catches direct backlighting from the sun, causing every small bud to glow in bright yellow and orange tones against a shaded wooden fence. Surrounding the stem are deep green leaves and clusters of blue hydrangeas, with additional vine growth climbing the fence behind. The contrast between the luminous plant and the darker background creates a strong separation in tone and texture. The overall feeling of the photo is that quick spark of wonder when light hits just right.
November 29, 2025 at 4:58 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
Got a peanut?
November 28, 2025 at 9:06 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
Such a good day for a walk in the park here in the PNW.
A winding gravel path moves through a bright green Pacific Northwest forest under clear summer light. Ferns line the right edge of the trail beside a short wooden fence, and tall trees rise above the scene with a mixture of evergreens and broadleaf leaves glowing in the sun. A moss-covered branch arches over dense shrubs in the mid-ground, and the overhead canopy filters the light into soft patches across the path. The image shows a tranquil woodland scene with layered greens and gentle shadows. The feeling of the photo is peaceful and refreshing.
November 28, 2025 at 6:34 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
Wishing you and your loved ones a truly happy and heartfelt Thanksgiving! May your day overflow with gratitude, delicious food, and the precious people who make every moment richer.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 🦃❤️
#Thanksgiving
November 27, 2025 at 5:33 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
Took this from the top of Crystal Mountain on one of those perfect January days. Mount Rainier was in full form, 14,411 feet of glaciers catching the bright winter sun. I’ve seen this mountain hundreds of times growing up here in the PNW yet views like this still stop me in my tracks.
November 27, 2025 at 1:37 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
Thinking back to an August trip out to Lake Wenatchee, and how unreal the water clarity was that day. I stood there for a long time just watching the stones glow under the glass-clear surface, feeling pretty lucky to be in a place like this.

Where’s the clearest water you’ve seen this year?
A shallow section of Lake Wenatchee in summer sunlight shows perfectly clear water revealing smooth, multicolored stones and scattered driftwood on the lakebed. Green reeds sway just offshore, and a sun-bleached fallen log rests along the back edge near dense shrubs. Ripples shimmer across the surface, allowing every detail beneath to stay visible. The feeling of the photo is calm, warm, and quietly joyful, like a slow August afternoon by the lake.
November 26, 2025 at 3:41 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
Autumn color in full display along the Cedar River Trail in Seattle. 🍁

#photography #pnw #autumncolors
A paved walking and biking path curves gently through a park-like setting, flanked on both sides by rows of trees in peak autumn foliage. The trees display vibrant red and orange leaves, some of which have already fallen and scattered across the path and surrounding grass. On the left side of the image, water is visible beyond the trees, possibly part of a lake or river. The sky is overcast with a soft blue-gray hue, diffusing the light and bringing out the saturated colors of the foliage. The image conveys a peaceful, reflective feeling of seasonal transition and quiet beauty.
November 25, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Reposted by Carl Prothman Photography
carlprothman.bsky.social
I just watched this throwback 2012 documentary, "50 Years of Crystal Mountain." It covers Crystal’s journey from a 1962 T-bar and rope tows to the full resort it became by 2012. If you’ve skied Crystal, or dream of it, it’s a great 10-minute hit of history and vibe.

vimeo.com/56827819
Crystal Mountain 50 Year History
The first visitors to what is now Crystal Mountain came seeking their fortunes, not fresh snow or wild flowers. Traces of gold were found in them there hills (of…
vimeo.com
November 23, 2025 at 2:46 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
If I had to prove the world is beautiful with just one frame, it would be this moment from deep inside Waimea Canyon on Kauai. Standing on the edge of those red cliffs looking down into that glowing green valley felt like the planet was showing its true colors.
A layered view of Waimea Canyon with rust-colored cliffs, bright green vegetation, and a winding valley below. Morning light catches the erosion lines and soft haze, giving the distant peaks a gentle blue fade and a huge sense of depth. Wispy clouds float above the ridges, and the warm earth tones mixed with cool greens create a vivid, peaceful scene that feels timeless and full of quiet wonder.
November 23, 2025 at 6:04 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
I just watched this throwback 2012 documentary, "50 Years of Crystal Mountain." It covers Crystal’s journey from a 1962 T-bar and rope tows to the full resort it became by 2012. If you’ve skied Crystal, or dream of it, it’s a great 10-minute hit of history and vibe.

vimeo.com/56827819
Crystal Mountain 50 Year History
The first visitors to what is now Crystal Mountain came seeking their fortunes, not fresh snow or wild flowers. Traces of gold were found in them there hills (of…
vimeo.com
November 23, 2025 at 2:46 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
A quiet evening settles over Lake Wenatchee as a lone boat drifts across the glowing water beneath a fading orange sky.

#photography #pnw #lakewenatchee
A peaceful sunset scene at Lake Wenatchee, Washington. The mountain rises in deep blue silhouette against a warm orange and pink sky, its reflection soft across the calm lake surface. In the distance, a single small boat floats quietly in the center of the lake, surrounded by the glow of dusk. Driftwood and trees frame the foreground. The photo feels calm and reflective, like the world is slowing down at the end of a good day.
November 21, 2025 at 4:06 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
Rugged Na Pali Coast cliffs towering above vibrant turquoise ocean.
#Photography #Kaui #NaPaliCoast
This photo shows a steep volcanic coastline rising sharply from bright turquoise ocean water along the Na Pali Coast on the island of Kauai. The cliffs are tall and deeply sculpted with vertical ridges and narrow valleys that fall straight to the shoreline. The lower rock layers show darker and weathered tones while the upper ridges catch bright natural light revealing patches of green vegetation in narrow bands across the slopes. Puffy white clouds drift above the jagged peaks against a blue sky. The overall mood feels powerful, dramatic, and awe inspiring.
November 18, 2025 at 5:49 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
White gulls resting on driftwood
#photography #pnw
A wide view of a calm shoreline scene on Lake Washington with dozens of white gulls resting on exposed driftwood and sandbars in shallow water, with floating logs and broken tree trunks scattered across the foreground. In the background are lakeside homes, docks, and boats surrounded by colorful fall foliage in shades of orange, yellow, and green beneath a cloudy blue sky. The image shows a peaceful lakeside environment with birds quietly gathering on natural debris, and it feels calm and unhurried.
November 17, 2025 at 2:39 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
Tip, on every photo I post you can click the ALT icon to see extra details about what’s in the shot.
November 16, 2025 at 3:32 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
"You don't take a photograph, you make it." – Ansel Adams
This photo shows a classic film camera resting at a slight angle on a tripod, catching soft light through its lens. Instead of just snapping anything, the photographer thinks through how to shape the light using proper exposure, subject placement, and intentional composition, then frames the shot so everything lines up with real photography principles. The final image looks like it’s sliding out of the back of the camera, showing that a true photograph is built with emotion, purpose, light, and meaning, turning an everyday moment into something people can actually feel.
November 16, 2025 at 10:39 AM
carlprothman.bsky.social
Morning mist at Wailua Falls in Lihue, Kauai where twin cascades catch double rainbows. 💦🌈

#Photography #Waterfalls #Rainbow
This photo shows Wailua Falls, a double-tiered waterfall located on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, near the city of Lihue. Two parallel streams of water plunge over a tall volcanic cliff, with exposed basalt and warm orange rock layers visible behind the flow. Dense green vegetation surrounds the top and sides of the falls, creating a contrast with the white water. At the base, mist rises from the plunge pool and refracts the sunlight into a full rainbow arc across the lower part of the image. Dried grasses and fresh leaves appear in the foreground, adding depth and scale. The scene is brightly lit and clearly detailed, and the combination of mist and color gives the photo a feeling of calm wonder.
November 15, 2025 at 1:56 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
Who needs a map when the forest calls? 🌿🛤️
#NatureReset #PNWvibes
A woodland trail curves gently through a dense green forest filled with ferns, moss, and tall evergreen trees. The path is a compacted dirt walkway bordered by thick vegetation with small plants, low shrubs, and sword ferns lining the edges. Overhead, a wide canopy of leaves filters soft daylight, creating a diffused glow across the scene. A moss-covered tree leans at an angle near the center, adding a natural focal point against the deeper background of tree trunks and layered branches. The entire image is rich in shades of green, from the bright canopy overhead to the darker tones deeper in the forest. The overall feeling of the photo is quiet, cool, and deeply peaceful.
November 14, 2025 at 3:48 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
Morning light along the Cedar River in Renton, WA,
where the calm water makes everything feel a little easier.
What’s your go-to river spot? Got a pic to share?
#photography #pnw #landscape
A bright summer scene along the Cedar River near Renton, Washington. Tall grasses with thin seed heads rise in the foreground, mixed with small yellow flowers at the river’s edge. The water is clear, shallow near the front, and perfectly calm, reflecting the green shrubs and trees on the far bank. A weathered log sits half in the water on the left side. Beyond the river, a forested ridge rises with scattered houses partly visible through the trees. The sky is a clean, cloudless blue. The overall feeling of the photo is quiet and peaceful.
November 13, 2025 at 7:46 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
Just a reminder, no matter how hard you push the envelope, it will always be stationery.
- Dad Jokes
November 12, 2025 at 5:12 PM
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Morning light spills through the Waimea Canyon ridges, painting the canyon in soft reds and vivid greens.
#photography #Kauai
A deep, multi-layered photograph of Waimea Canyon in Kauai showing steep, rust-colored cliffs interwoven with bands of vibrant green vegetation descending into a winding valley. Sunlight filters through the morning haze, revealing intricate erosion lines and subtle color shifts across the canyon walls. The ridges in the midground are sharply defined, while the distant peaks fade gently into a soft blue mist, giving a powerful sense of scale and depth. Wisps of clouds hang above the horizon, blending seamlessly with the pale sky. The contrast between warm earth tones and cool greens creates a vivid tapestry of natural beauty and geological time. The photo feels vast, timeless, and deeply peaceful, evoking a sense of quiet wonder and connection to the land.
November 12, 2025 at 2:36 PM
carlprothman.bsky.social
A quiet stretch of Washington coast where twisted trees meet the driftwood shore under a bright summer sky.
#photography #pnw #coast
A coastal scene shows weathered driftwood scattered along a gravel beach beneath leaning evergreen and madrone trees. The largest tree juts dramatically toward the sky, its upper branches stripped bare while others remain green. Puffy white clouds float in a bright blue sky, contrasting with the dense green foliage on the slope. The image conveys a peaceful, windswept feeling of nature’s endurance by the sea.
November 11, 2025 at 1:56 PM