Firehole Lake

Firehole Lake is a vivid thermal pool set along the quiet one-way Firehole Lake Drive in Yellowstone, glowing with striking blue and green hues fed by active geothermal vents. The surrounding boardwalk lets you get close and work different angles, from wide shots that include the steaming water surface and open sky to tighter compositions focusing on the color gradients where the hot water meets cooler edges. Bison frequently wander through the area, giving you a chance to layer wildlife against the surreal thermal landscape. Overcast days actually work well here, reducing glare on the water and bringing out the saturated colors of the pool. Early morning adds mist rising off the surface for atmosphere. A wide angle lens handles the expansive scene well, while a short telephoto is useful if bison are present and you need to keep a safe distance. (Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States)