Photo of the Month 11/10

Gallery: LandscapePosted October 21, 20103,727 views59 comments

Paradise Found 3

This is the next image in a series of images from Paradise Valley, Montana. This one is #3 because I posted the second one on the RMNP forum, which I included below with suggestions from fellow forum members. Thanks guys.

Taken just down the road from my first image along the Yellowstone River with Emigrant Peak in the background. Colors were definitely late this year so I was surprised it was this good.

As always thanks for taking a look. Any critique, opinion or anything else you would like to add would be much appreciated. I'm here to learn.

Comments

59 comments

Comment posted by Dean Sauskojus on October 21, 2010 at 3:15 AM

Wide angle cropped to a pan. #2

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

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on October 21, 2010 at 3:17 AM

Stunning! The reflections are top notch and the light is wicked. You really did find your paradise, didn't you.

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

Comment posted by Giovanni Russello on October 21, 2010 at 4:58 AM

Hi Dean,
great light and colours. I prefer the tight crop to the panorama version.
In the latter, the river bank on the right is too dark.

gio

Registered on January 21, 2007, 95 Posts, 1617 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Gin on October 21, 2010 at 5:00 AM

Gorgeous image, love the vibrant autumn colours and those reflections!

Registered on October 13, 2008, 6 Posts, 43 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on October 21, 2010 at 6:30 AM

Wonderful light! I would prefer the pano image more if it were cropped tighter on the right to eliminate some or all of the dark bank.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Gary McGhee on October 21, 2010 at 6:53 AM

Striking light and beautiful autumnal colours. I like both of the shots you uploaded, but cant decide which I prefer.

Gary.

Registered on April 15, 2010, 142 Posts, 2416 Comments

Comment posted by Muhammad Zaid Wani on October 21, 2010 at 7:00 AM

This is stunning, Dean! The colors and the reflection is awesome. I prefer the panorama version.

Registered on August 18, 2005, 23 Posts, 1406 Comments

Comment posted by Jorne de Bruin on October 21, 2010 at 7:02 AM

Definitly a Paradise Dean, love the tranquil mood provided by the still reflection and awesome autmn glow. Great stuff!

Registered on June 26, 2008, 178 Posts, 2136 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on October 21, 2010 at 7:31 AM

Both are gorgeous, but I prefer the original because the beautiful reflection is more prominent. In fact, have you considered a square comp of the right 2/3s? Just a thought. Can't really go wrong with any comp though. Outstanding image.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on October 21, 2010 at 7:47 AM

Awesome! I prefer the tighter crop.

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

Comment posted by Mark Pelton on October 21, 2010 at 8:09 AM

Awesome conditions, Dean. I prefer the pano with a slight crop on the right side.

Registered on November 25, 2003, 380 Posts, 4647 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Anderson on October 21, 2010 at 8:34 AM

Stunning.
I like both.

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

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on October 21, 2010 at 8:48 AM

Wonderful, just beautiful light! I like both of these, Dean. Not really picking one over the other, but I really do like the first one here. Nice Work!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on October 21, 2010 at 9:17 AM

OMG!!!!! What stunning light. This is such a sweet series for you. I'm pretty sure these are my all time favorites from you. This first post(tighter comp) is the best for me. Wonderful!!!!

Chris

Registered on March 13, 2007, 500 Posts, 8365 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Kayne on October 21, 2010 at 9:37 AM

Registered on November 1, 2003, 573 Posts, 2619 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on October 21, 2010 at 10:13 AM

Gorgeous. Both images. Stunning light and fall color and the reflection puts it over the top.

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

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on October 21, 2010 at 10:44 AM

Beautiful reflection and wonderful light and tones. The light on the trees is magnificent. I prefer the first one with the tighter crop.

Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments

Comment posted by Anish Desai on October 21, 2010 at 10:49 AM

Stunning colors and lovely soft light. I prefer the original crop at the top here as I feel it takes in the strongest portions of the image.

Registered on May 23, 2009, 49 Posts, 410 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on October 21, 2010 at 11:44 AM

This is REALLY pretty. I really like the pano version. That reflection and the placement in the overall composition is perfect. Very Very nice.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by dean hebert on October 21, 2010 at 12:30 PM

I like both images. The first seems to have better detail in the tree-line(maybe a bit more contrast or a bit darker) but I prefer the comp of the pano. Both are great!

Registered on August 4, 2010, 70 Posts, 1132 Comments

Comment posted by Michael J Greene, on October 21, 2010 at 12:41 PM

Hi Dean,

I actually like the uncropped version of #2 as posted in the Rocky Mtn form the best of all of them. Of course, they are all incredible. I love the right hand bank as it forms a signficant leading line into the scene. I would agrre with Chris this is the best series of images I've ever seen from you and that's high praise! Congrats!

Michael

Registered on June 18, 2009, 86 Posts, 2317 Comments

Comment posted by Tyson Fisher on October 21, 2010 at 1:46 PM

Beautiful image! I can't find anything to critique here. I prefer the first one, though the pano is excellent as well.

Registered on September 17, 2008, 44 Posts, 623 Comments

Comment posted by Art Escobado on October 21, 2010 at 2:03 PM

I change my mind #1...but it's bigger so that creates a stronger imapact...

Registered on January 7, 2007, 0 Posts, 775 Comments

Comment posted by Daniel & Loana on October 21, 2010 at 4:24 PM

Wonderful shots. The reflection is superb.

D&L

Registered on October 7, 2008, 166 Posts, 3044 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on October 21, 2010 at 4:25 PM

Excellent colors and composition, I like both but seem to be drawn toward the pano just because it show more of that beautiful country, wonderful light and great job in getting this, well done.

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

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on October 21, 2010 at 4:37 PM

Holy Moly, this is drop dead gorgeous Dean. I definitely prefer the original as the color is more "in your face". Top notch image!

Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments

Comment posted by Ricardo La Piettra on October 21, 2010 at 4:55 PM

I preffer the croped version Dean, it has a lot more impact IMHO. Beautiful scene.

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

Comment posted by Anthony Vincent on October 21, 2010 at 5:35 PM

Sure are quite some paradises by you.

Stellar shot and reflection to say the least. All the right elements imho.

Kudos to you Dean

Registered on February 5, 2009, 199 Posts, 2775 Comments

Comment posted by Kory Lidstrom on October 21, 2010 at 5:55 PM

Holy crap, those trees are practically GLOWING. They really make the image.

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

Comment posted by Morris McClung on October 21, 2010 at 6:09 PM

It all works!

Another couple of strong shots with that amazing light and color. Outstanding work, Dean!

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

Comment posted by Yan Zhang on October 21, 2010 at 6:25 PM

Very nice color and composition. I like the above one better though the pan version also quite nice, but the right side distracted the reflcetion of the mountains.

Registered on April 10, 2010, 28 Posts, 292 Comments

Comment posted by Rohn B. McKee on October 21, 2010 at 8:29 PM

Really Beautiful
Great Techs and composition and color management. I like the slight pano shape of the second image.
Thanks for sharing

Registered on November 18, 2008, 109 Posts, 415 Comments

Comment posted by Anne K. Rusk on October 21, 2010 at 9:01 PM

Great light, great mood, excellent composition, I give it a 10!

Registered on October 10, 2010, 65 Posts, 904 Comments

Comment posted by Jason Kim on October 21, 2010 at 9:15 PM

Gorgeous landscape, I think I prefer the pano view. The light on the trees is wonderful.

Registered on July 1, 2006, 60 Posts, 1233 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Goldwasser on October 21, 2010 at 11:07 PM

Love 'em both, couldn't possibly choose. Some of the best fall foliage shots I've seen this year!

Registered on May 10, 2009, 127 Posts, 970 Comments

Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on October 21, 2010 at 11:43 PM

What magical light! The clouds are simple perfect. Spectacular image, Dean.

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

Comment posted by Kurt Budliger on October 22, 2010 at 12:31 AM

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

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on October 22, 2010 at 1:22 AM

Fantastic reflection. Beautiful colors. Excellent photography.

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

Comment posted by Adam Gibbs on October 22, 2010 at 1:34 AM

Beautiful image Dean.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 168 Posts, 870 Comments

Comment posted by Kevin Trinkner on October 22, 2010 at 7:52 AM

Beautiful Dean, I prefer the 1st post. Wonderful light and colors. Great work.

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

Comment posted by John Williams on October 22, 2010 at 9:28 AM

Amazing captures of this beautiful location! I'm enjoying them all.

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

Comment posted by Cory Freeman on October 22, 2010 at 12:08 PM

super sweet image!!

Registered on December 16, 2003, 107 Posts, 1341 Comments

Comment posted by Eric Good on October 22, 2010 at 11:28 PM

The depth and clarity captured here is stunning! That little patch of light on the fg grasses really ties this all together nicely. Wonderful work!

Registered on March 17, 2007, 116 Posts, 4764 Comments

Comment posted by Shaun Mazurek on October 23, 2010 at 2:00 PM

Dean,

This is great light with a strong composition. A winning combination.

Thank you for sharing.

Registered on June 12, 2010, 21 Posts, 162 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on October 23, 2010 at 6:50 PM

Dean,

I can't believe I slipped on my commenting on this one. What a spectacular image and view. The light is simply stunning and the clouds and their symmetrical reflection are making for one gorgeous image. The pano crop is equally stunning and both versions deserve very large printing. Wow, just glorious.

Lon

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on October 27, 2010 at 2:30 AM

Dea, the tight crop is exceptional and my favorite.
Congrats on a lovely EP!

Sandy r

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

Comment posted by Neil Rossmiller on October 27, 2010 at 11:40 AM

Great image, Dean.
Congratulations on your WP!
Well Done.
Neil

Registered on October 30, 2009, 156 Posts, 749 Comments

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on October 28, 2010 at 6:52 PM

Awesome scene Dean and congrats on the WP! Well deserved! BTW - I like the first post.

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

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on October 31, 2010 at 6:22 PM

BTW Dean......... Just noticed you also are on the cover of NPN for Nov. Double congratulations well deserved!

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

Comment posted by Anthony Vincent on October 31, 2010 at 8:06 PM

Congrats Dean. Gorgeous shot

Registered on February 5, 2009, 199 Posts, 2775 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on November 1, 2010 at 12:18 AM

Congratulations Dean on this image being selected as the newest monthly cover photo here at NPN. A truly wonderful scene captured very well.

Registered on February 25, 2006, 525 Posts, 8448 Comments

Comment posted by Danny Laureys on November 1, 2010 at 1:19 AM

WOW!! The color is just fine, any filters used in this?

Registered on January 5, 2008, 590 Posts, 1261 Comments

Comment posted by Alex Retzloff on November 1, 2010 at 6:41 AM

Congratulations, Dean

Registered on July 19, 2008, 22 Posts, 130 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Huff on November 1, 2010 at 1:58 PM

Stunning shot, Dean and Congratulations!

Ron Huff
Culdesac, Idaho

Registered on August 31, 2010, 69 Posts, 440 Comments

Comment posted by Barry R. Byrd on November 1, 2010 at 2:56 PM

Congrats on the EP and cover- what an image, well done!

Registered on December 20, 2005, 136 Posts, 970 Comments

Comment posted by Dean Sauskojus on November 1, 2010 at 3:40 PM

Thanks everyone for your comments! I'm humbled and honored to be on the cover for this month, and to belong to such a great group of photographers. I have found a lot of encouragement here in the face of many obstacles and look forward to contributing in the helping of others along the way. Thanks again.

Danny, I used a soft 2 stop GND for the sky. I had on a polarizer but took it off because of to much variance in the sky. You really have to watch that with wide angle lenses.

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

Comment posted by Doug Roane on November 2, 2010 at 10:00 AM

Outstanding, Dean - a well deserved COVER!!!!!

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

Comment posted by Scott Smorra on November 3, 2010 at 1:36 PM

Wow Dean, this is a beautiful photo. All the elements work together to create a perfect composition. Congrats on the EP and monthly cover.

Registered on November 2, 2009, 161 Posts, 2143 Comments

Comment posted by Winnie Ho on December 1, 2010 at 3:36 PM

Glorious Autumn colours and pristine lake reflection. This makes a beautiful cover image, Dean. Congratulations on your fine work.

Registered on January 6, 2008, 93 Posts, 1788 Comments