Sunset at Bonsai Rock

Gallery: LandscapePosted November 2, 2009284 views27 comments

First post in a few months. Been doing so much seat work that I haven't been out photographing. However I just returned from 11 days on the road with David Cobb. We had the best string of great photography conditions I have ever seen and I had some of the best outdoor experiences of my life. This first photo is from the bonsai rock on at Lake Tahoe. We had to detour here when my '95 Eurovan broke down in Reno. I guess if you have to break down you might as well do it in a place with VW mechanics and world class scenery.

4 exposure manual blend to contain the dynamic range. Canon 5D MKII, 24-105 IS L lens, no filters.

Comments

27 comments

Comment posted by Rafael Rojas on November 2, 2009 at 9:09 AM

Gorgeous image. I am happy your photo trip went well and I am eager to see more images from it! Cheers.

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

Comment posted by Mike Horn on November 2, 2009 at 9:55 AM

Very graphical image here Sean, and I love the colors against the dark rocks,and the placement of the moon is a perfect touch to this. Nice job

Registered on March 6, 2006, 82 Posts, 918 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Anderson on November 2, 2009 at 9:58 AM

Yep, great graphical randomness to this shot.
Beautiful glow with lovely silhouetting.
Well seen, and well captured.

Registered on September 6, 2007, 346 Posts, 2696 Comments

Comment posted by David Schwaegler on November 2, 2009 at 10:50 AM

Beautiful. The sliver of moon adds a lot.

Registered on December 4, 2003, 232 Posts, 1652 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on November 2, 2009 at 11:14 AM

Very striking silhouette and colors. I like the transition of colors going through the image towards the sunset, a pleasure to view.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Kent Mearig on November 2, 2009 at 11:39 AM

The blend turned out great, and the colors are phenomenal. And you know I love that sliver of moon.

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

Comment posted by Nathaniel (Nat) Al on November 2, 2009 at 11:52 AM

This is one of those images that pulls together many compositional elements into an organic whole. I particularly appreciate the use of silhouette, reflection and highly saturated color, all held together in a subtle harmony.

Registered on October 3, 2009, 9 Posts, 80 Comments

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on November 2, 2009 at 12:15 PM

Sean,

Great colors and a wonderful silhouette. The moon is just icing and is perfect.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 474 Posts, 5555 Comments

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on November 2, 2009 at 12:48 PM

Wonderful light and color Sean. I like the silhouettes and cresent moon too.

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

Comment posted by Matthew Jellings on November 2, 2009 at 1:39 PM

This is incredible Sean, the cool neon blue transition into gold and yellow are what makes it. As for the crescent moon, it takes the photo to a whole new level! Look foward to seeing more of your work.

Registered on November 1, 2009, 8 Posts, 97 Comments

Comment posted by Verena & Georg Pop on November 2, 2009 at 2:36 PM

isn't it amazing what a little moon can do for you...?

shot.
georg

Registered on July 5, 2006, 272 Posts, 2823 Comments

Comment posted by Stuart Williams on November 2, 2009 at 2:49 PM

the tonal transitions in every direction make this photo for me. the silhouettes and the moon just add. wonderful!

Registered on December 7, 2007, 247 Posts, 4792 Comments

Comment posted by Dorin Bofan on November 2, 2009 at 3:54 PM

This is just perfect, Sean! The sky has a gorgeous array of colors and a super cool moon and the land/rocks depicted in silhouettes create the right mood. Excellent and very inspiring work!

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

Comment posted by Andreas Resch on November 2, 2009 at 3:58 PM

Hard to believe that it still took you 4 exposures to get it done. Great job anyway and well worth the effort.

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

Comment posted by Benjamin Glatt on November 2, 2009 at 6:42 PM

Fantastic rendition of this often photographed location. One of the best I have seen.

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

Comment posted by Morris McClung on November 2, 2009 at 7:00 PM

The color is outstanding in this. I also like the graphic nature of it. The crescent moon is the perfect capper.

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

Comment posted by Kurt Budliger on November 2, 2009 at 8:59 PM

This totally rocks both figuratively and literally!

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

Comment posted by Hamed Musharbak on November 2, 2009 at 10:31 PM

AMAZING & WONDERFUL

ITS REALLY GREAT SHOT

I LIKE THE COLORS

ALL THE BEST

HAMED

Registered on June 1, 2009, 372 Posts, 2282 Comments

Comment posted by John Williams on November 3, 2009 at 12:15 AM

What is seat work?

Great winner out of the gate Sean. Super comp with the moon placed just right. I love the deep shadows in the rocks. I probably would have tried to lighten them, and after seeing this I think that would be a mistake. They really add to the overall effect. I can't wait to see the rest of the trip from you and David.

Registered on September 6, 2007, 221 Posts, 5985 Comments

Comment posted by Eric Vaughan on November 3, 2009 at 10:04 AM

Outstanding image Sean, wow. That crescent moon just makes the image.

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

Comment posted by Marc Adamus on November 3, 2009 at 10:33 AM

My eye moves perfectly around this beautiful scene.

Registered on September 17, 2005, 780 Posts, 8091 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Ryan on November 3, 2009 at 10:38 AM

Very nice image Sean. This is in Sand Harbor correct? I really like the color palette and your blend looks well executed.

Registered on June 29, 2008, 85 Posts, 636 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on November 3, 2009 at 10:48 AM

Man, this is sweeeet, Sean!! That crecent moon just puts it over the top. Good stuff. Sounds like i just missed you at Zion.

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

Comment posted by Vance Gese on November 3, 2009 at 1:13 PM

Fantastic Sean. Love the silhouettes and graphic appeal. This would be incredible without the moon. The moon, your comp, those colors all elevate this to a class all itself.

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

Comment posted by Dean Sauskojus on November 3, 2009 at 4:23 PM

Beautiful image and the moon just pust it over the top. Congrats.

Registered on September 29, 2009, 137 Posts, 2659 Comments

Comment posted by Mario Pappalardo on November 4, 2009 at 1:07 AM

Gorgeous image.Good composition, amazing color and the moon makes this shoot perfect.
Congrats!

Registered on October 14, 2009, 18 Posts, 61 Comments

Comment posted by Adrian Klein on November 4, 2009 at 9:05 AM

How did I miss this one, love it Sean. The color palette is most pleasing. Glad you guys had an excellent trip!

Registered on June 10, 2007, 112 Posts, 1506 Comments