Photo of the Month 8/09

Gallery: LandscapePosted July 21, 20093,153 views60 comments

Cave's Mist

The dramatic difference in air temperature has kept this cave shrouded in a constant mist the two times I've been there. Though this photo contains no objects receiving direct sunlight, the beautiful day outside provides a lot of brightness right at the mouth. But this cave angles steeply down, and get really dark really fast. When it simultaneously get quite shallow, there are precious few positions to photograph the way I usually do.

This photo goes against my norm in several ways. First, I don't usually photograph so close to the opening, and I also usually use a polarizing filter. I'm trying to reduce reflections in most of my cave photography, but conditions in this cave forced me to embrace them. Additionally, this is the first time I've tried stitching multiple frames with a wide angle lens inside a cave. The distortion in each image was as severe as I expected, but the software really did a wonderful job on the finished product.

If a place like this is hard for you to wrap your head around, I posted a short video on my blog that relates the experience of finding such a subject. You can watch it here.

two images stitched
both of them 17mm for 4 sec at f18

Comments

60 comments

Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on July 21, 2009 at 4:45 AM

Just awesome Kent, this is the stuff of yours that I really, really love. The light is just divine, excellent processing too. Nothing to nit in my eyes. Man.. I'd love to see a place like this myself on of these days!

Registered on December 19, 2008, 306 Posts, 4840 Comments

Comment posted by Andreas Resch on July 21, 2009 at 6:09 AM

That's nothing short of amazing. Looking at the thumbnail I thought this was an underwater scene. Such rare places must be awesome to see in real life. Thanks for also providing that nice video to show us more about the area around that spot.

Registered on November 14, 2007, 322 Posts, 6101 Comments

Comment posted by Paolo De Faveri on July 21, 2009 at 6:50 AM

Wow Kent, this is just fantastic! I love everything about that, but particularly how the ice above looks like transparent glass. I'm also glad you took this so near to the entrance, as this gives a higher sense of place. Thanks for the link to the video too, it's really interesting.

Cheers,
Paolo

Registered on August 29, 2007, 318 Posts, 1651 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Inglis on July 21, 2009 at 7:03 AM

Hi Kent,

Beautiful image! Stunning light! The vid was interesting to watch!

Registered on October 23, 2007, 26 Posts, 2832 Comments

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on July 21, 2009 at 7:43 AM

Fantastic light an color of an amazing subject Kent. Also enjoyed the video

Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Wegemann on July 21, 2009 at 8:06 AM

What an incredible image! For a moment I thought it was a composite. I love the square format too. Thanks for the video.

Registered on December 14, 2006, 58 Posts, 1888 Comments

Comment posted by Kah Kit Yoong on July 21, 2009 at 8:22 AM

Out of this world in so many ways. I like the yin-yang basis to the composition and colour palette.

Registered on September 27, 2006, 636 Posts, 10682 Comments

Comment posted by Kevin Trinkner on July 21, 2009 at 8:31 AM

This is wild, the transition from front to back is incredible. Very cool image Kent.

Registered on June 30, 2008, 203 Posts, 2641 Comments

Comment posted by Ramunas K on July 21, 2009 at 8:41 AM

Wow this is absolutely exceptional! The light that enters makes this a magic experience.

Registered on July 27, 2007, 33 Posts, 600 Comments

Comment posted by Guy Tal on July 21, 2009 at 8:44 AM

Your images from these caves are always fascinating, Kent. I also enjoyed the video. The slight red tint in the mist works very well here to offset the cool blues. Beautiful and surreal.

Guy

Registered on November 1, 2003, 566 Posts, 15507 Comments

Comment posted by Adrian Metzelaar on July 21, 2009 at 9:13 AM

A truly, beautiful image and something I'd like to see one day.

Registered on August 23, 2008, 32 Posts, 84 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Budliger on July 21, 2009 at 9:43 AM

Really nice image, I love the color and texture in the cave ceiling. The video is awesome too. I especially like the footage from the cave where you shot this image. Well done.

Registered on June 11, 2006, 113 Posts, 2116 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Sieren on July 21, 2009 at 10:17 AM

The video is really cool Kent. The beam and glare disecting the middle of the scene keeps it very natural looking in my eye, which is always something to strive for in digi darkroom. Fantastic scene and highly worth the efforts.

Registered on January 2, 2008, 360 Posts, 5321 Comments

Comment posted by Eric Vaughan on July 21, 2009 at 10:19 AM

Beautiful, what a great shot. The blue in ice is great and I love the light coming in, well done.

Registered on April 29, 2009, 57 Posts, 670 Comments

Comment posted by Dorin Bofan on July 21, 2009 at 10:33 AM

This shot depicts this amazing place in the most beautiful manner. Gorgeous in every way, Kent!

Registered on April 30, 2007, 122 Posts, 3086 Comments

Comment posted by Mitch Erwin on July 21, 2009 at 10:45 AM

Beautiful. From the thumbnail I thought it was an underwater shot!

Registered on April 24, 2006, 98 Posts, 656 Comments

Comment posted by Jason Woerly on July 21, 2009 at 11:37 AM

I never tire of seeing these ice cave shots of yours. This is another beauty. Nice work with the stitching of two very wide shots and a close subject, I probably wouldn't have thought to try.

Registered on May 4, 2006, 8 Posts, 101 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Richins on July 21, 2009 at 12:12 PM

This is just fascinating. The top part looks like something underwater. Very interesting shot.

Registered on March 6, 2008, 113 Posts, 1009 Comments

Comment posted by Arnab Banerjee on July 21, 2009 at 12:25 PM

2 worlds coming together - definitely unique and fascinating at the same time.

Registered on January 3, 2007, 313 Posts, 2270 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Windom on July 21, 2009 at 2:19 PM

One of the more unique images I've seen on NPN....great work!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 176 Posts, 2302 Comments

Comment posted by Winsterhand on July 21, 2009 at 2:21 PM

Wow. I'll echo all the other comments. I first thought it was a composite or underwater shot. The video was very good. This is beautiful.

Registered on July 8, 2009, 3 Posts, 11 Comments

Comment posted by Kent Mearig on July 21, 2009 at 2:24 PM

Thanks for all the kind words everyone. I really wasn't very satisfied with any of the images I made during this visit, but I guess it pays to give in to different circumstances sometimes. It's funny to get multiple comments about this seeming to be under water because...it is. That's water.

Registered on September 4, 2006, 237 Posts, 4748 Comments

Comment posted by Benjamin Glatt on July 21, 2009 at 3:05 PM

Holy s***! This is awesome Kent. Beautiful work. EP here.

Registered on July 15, 2007, 171 Posts, 3566 Comments

Comment posted by Laurent Baig on July 21, 2009 at 3:05 PM

This is ethereal, Kent. Beautiful exquisite image.

Registered on January 12, 2005, 206 Posts, 6784 Comments

Comment posted by Kent Mearig on July 21, 2009 at 3:32 PM

I should have asked this from the beginning, but I was already so long winded in the opening comment. The bright mist on the right edge has been pretty substantially highlight recovered. From a technical standpoint, as photographers, do you notice that, and does it bother you?

Registered on September 4, 2006, 237 Posts, 4748 Comments

Comment posted by Aaron Ellingsen on July 21, 2009 at 4:06 PM

This is spectacular stuff, Kent. The unique location on its own is enough to grab your attention, but you've also done an excellent job of composing and processing this as well. You've got quite the playground up there at your disposal. I'm envious.

I got to thinking after some of the recent talk of Galen Rowell and the impact that adding a figure has on a scene, that this would be a great candidate for a "man in nature" style shot. I can imagine a foggy silhouette of a person holding an ice axe and a helmet near the entrance would work very well here.

Registered on January 16, 2008, 56 Posts, 953 Comments

Comment posted by Vance Gese on July 21, 2009 at 5:23 PM

Phenomenal image Kent. Always have enjoyed all of your ice cave images but this one is flat astounding. The light and glowing mist are amazing. Incredible work.

Registered on November 13, 2008, 298 Posts, 6629 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Marcellini on July 21, 2009 at 5:49 PM

Wow, this is great Kent. I really like staring at this. The color and light are just perfect. I also like the square format.

Registered on November 27, 2007, 250 Posts, 2468 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on July 21, 2009 at 6:30 PM

Very interesting shot!

mark

Registered on June 19, 2009, 276 Posts, 6240 Comments

Comment posted by Wade Hardy on July 21, 2009 at 8:52 PM

The transitions of color, light, and textures are amazing. Definitely one of your best IMO.

Registered on May 2, 2006, 121 Posts, 1824 Comments

Comment posted by Jose Suro on July 21, 2009 at 8:58 PM

Surreal and excellent! Super work.

Best,

Jose

Registered on June 24, 2006, 267 Posts, 2273 Comments

Comment posted by Rajeev Thomas on July 21, 2009 at 8:59 PM

Kent...awesome shot!!! Heavenly light...very difficult light to capture effectively...you have done a great job here.... great video as well....

Registered on February 20, 2008, 0 Posts, 291 Comments

Comment posted by Daniel Ewert on July 21, 2009 at 9:54 PM

Unique and beautiful. Wonderful work here.

Registered on June 2, 2009, 103 Posts, 1500 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Greenwood on July 21, 2009 at 10:07 PM

Piling on now ... Beautiful!!!!!

Registered on November 9, 2003, 229 Posts, 1523 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on July 21, 2009 at 10:16 PM

This is totally abstract for me. Would be tough to figure it out without your narrative. I like everything about it. The light is just perfect.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments

Comment posted by Pete Bengeyfield on July 21, 2009 at 11:44 PM

I couldn't figure this out from the thumbnail. Boy, is it neat! I kind of wish there wasn't do much mist so you could see better, but that does give in a nice effect. Greaty idea and execution.

Registered on December 2, 2003, 1247 Posts, 3439 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Roane on July 22, 2009 at 1:31 AM

I am completely AWESTRUCK by this image - great work, Kent!

Registered on December 12, 2008, 213 Posts, 2226 Comments

Comment posted by Les Barstow on July 22, 2009 at 2:00 AM

I don't know that I can add anything that hasn't been said here already, but I'd like to pile on the complements... This is an absolutely stunning image; the unusual juxtaposition of the ice overhanging this runoff stream with the addition of the light entering in from the side really gets the imagination flowing. Great eye, and excellent processing work.

Registered on May 15, 2004, 54 Posts, 135 Comments

Comment posted by Gabi Lach on July 22, 2009 at 10:38 AM

Very unique and beautiful. Nice light and I love the misty feel in this image. It looks almost like under water.
Great video too, Kent. What a place!

Registered on May 1, 2007, 101 Posts, 3187 Comments

Comment posted by Anil Rao on July 22, 2009 at 11:42 AM

A terrific job, Kent. This photograph not only shows us a unique scene but does so in a unique manner. I have learned a little somethng about both the place and the person behind its making. Couldn't ask for any more.

Registered on November 15, 2003, 234 Posts, 4923 Comments

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on July 22, 2009 at 3:17 PM

Fantastic! At first glance, the thumbnail suggested this was an underwater scene. I saw dolphins swimming above a sea floor. What a great illusion, at least to my eyes. Love this whole image, illusion and then reality.

Registered on July 26, 2007, 244 Posts, 2807 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Budde on July 22, 2009 at 4:45 PM

This is just incredible. I'd love to see a print of this!

Registered on May 19, 2008, 39 Posts, 246 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Dark on July 22, 2009 at 9:58 PM

Stunning, just stunning! What a great job capturing this scene under such difficult conditions. Love it!

Registered on May 27, 2005, 148 Posts, 1121 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on July 22, 2009 at 10:23 PM

One of the most amazing shots I have seen in quite awhile!

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments

Comment posted by John Lehmkuhl on July 23, 2009 at 4:10 AM

AWESOME man - totally agree with all of the other gushing. The detail in the final shot is really great and the video is cool to show a big about where you were at to find a location like this..... I dream of owning a 5D Mark II and this is going to only make me dream more !!

Thank you

Registered on May 22, 2005, 165 Posts, 2008 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on July 23, 2009 at 5:43 AM

Wild!! A killer shot, Kent

Registered on September 15, 2005, 836 Posts, 17099 Comments

Comment posted by Darren White on July 23, 2009 at 11:13 AM

I would love to shoot something like this.....love it!!!!

Registered on May 29, 2006, 193 Posts, 855 Comments

Comment posted by Zack Schnepf on July 23, 2009 at 3:40 PM

Wow, this is probably my favorite image of yours! Incredible image!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 403 Posts, 2528 Comments

Comment posted by Ricardo La Piettra on July 24, 2009 at 9:15 AM

The light achieved here is just perfect Kent. One of the best images i´ve seen lately for sure.
Beautiful.

Registered on July 22, 2009, 62 Posts, 730 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on July 28, 2009 at 1:59 PM

Unreal....

Congrats Kent!

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on July 29, 2009 at 12:45 AM

Amazing shot! Not a place I'd venture into, so I love seeing what you bring back. It's excellent. Kudos on the EP.

Registered on August 16, 2006, 603 Posts, 9192 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on July 29, 2009 at 12:46 AM

Very very cool!
Congrats on the EP !
Sandy r

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Rosemarie Arbur on July 30, 2009 at 3:06 AM

Beautiful, haunting photo, Kent. It's hard sometimes to believe that there are real places like this. Your video makes an excellent companion piece. Congrats on the EP!

Registered on March 19, 2008, 189 Posts, 1644 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on August 2, 2009 at 5:13 PM

Great choice for the AUG cover! Congrats, Kent!

Registered on September 15, 2005, 836 Posts, 17099 Comments

Comment posted by Rafael Rojas on August 3, 2009 at 2:58 AM

Really amazing. Jesus. Rafael.

Registered on March 1, 2009, 56 Posts, 623 Comments

Comment posted by Pete D on August 3, 2009 at 10:58 PM

The square format suits the yin-yang-iness of this.

Pete D.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 590 Posts, 1794 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Anderson on August 4, 2009 at 6:45 PM

Kent,

Wildly beautiful image! Congrats on the August cover!!!

Registered on January 31, 2006, 228 Posts, 3072 Comments

Comment posted by Kory Lidstrom on August 6, 2009 at 10:50 PM

A beautiful photograph in many ways. The originalty and innovation are through the ROOF!

Registered on November 19, 2008, 49 Posts, 1035 Comments

Comment posted by David Cobb on August 11, 2009 at 1:25 AM

I thought these were sharks and dolpins underwater looking at the thumbnail, wow was I surprised to find an ice cave! Great shot and congrats on the cover Kent.

David M. Cobb

Registered on December 14, 2007, 312 Posts, 3243 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Harris on August 31, 2009 at 10:53 AM

an amazing shot here, I wasnt sure what it was that I was looking at till I watched the video, the image is very surreal almost, its looks like a very dangerous place to get to though, if you were to fall youd be in serious trouble !! Im sure you had safety lines and such huh? amazing work here and from the looks of that video there was alot of amazing things there. Where was that photographed ? Looks like Alaska ,, I see from your avalar you are from Alaska so I assume thats where that was taken.

Registered on August 31, 2009, 74 Posts, 368 Comments