ESS - 2nd HM

Gallery: EPA 2010Posted November 13, 20104,034 views68 comments

Earth, Sea & Sky Gallery - 2nd Honorable Mention
Desert Cathedral

The only cottonwood tree for miles around is nurtured and protected from a harsh environment by the cool, moist soil found in this unique, teardrop shaped sandstone alcove on the Utah/Arizona border.
The hours I spent in here waiting for the light were one of the finer moments of my life.

Canon 5DII w/Sigma 15mm lens.
Two different exposures blended to compensate for wide dynamic range and to more closely resemble what I saw.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

Comments

68 comments

Comment posted by Daniel Cartamil on November 13, 2010 at 12:43 AM

Thats great - the angle of light is perfect, and the comp is interestingly symmetrical, and I like the exposure blend - Nicely done!

Registered on November 15, 2007, 50 Posts, 601 Comments

Comment posted by Andrew Finlayson on November 13, 2010 at 12:48 AM

What can be said...??? This is just beautiful. Perfect exposure, colour contrast is great and the symmetry I really love. Nice work.

Registered on July 29, 2010, 26 Posts, 404 Comments

Comment posted by Anthony Vincent on November 13, 2010 at 12:48 AM

The cradling of the sandstone is very nice framing. The cottonwood has a nice glow as contrast. Great subject and nice execution John,

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

Comment posted by Nicolaus Wegner on November 13, 2010 at 1:00 AM

Totally awesome John! Such a great comp and what a great moment of light you have captured here.

Registered on February 21, 2010, 133 Posts, 1509 Comments

Comment posted by Neale Dyster on November 13, 2010 at 2:07 AM

Wow ! what a unique scene , beautifully captured John.

Registered on February 19, 2008, 94 Posts, 738 Comments

Comment posted by Bret Edge on November 13, 2010 at 2:21 AM

Only suggestion I have is to show me where you found this, John.

Seriously though, I love it. Gorgeous image. The yellow leaves pop so nicely against the blue sky and all framed by that lovely arch. Killer photo, dude!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 711 Posts, 6363 Comments

Comment posted by David Edwards on November 13, 2010 at 2:28 AM

A stunning image John. You've obviously waited for the optimum moment to capture the light on the leaves of the cottonwood, which are stunning against the blue sky. The surrounding walls provide the perfect frame and colouring to the shot. Excellent!

Registered on December 6, 2008, 142 Posts, 2623 Comments

Comment posted by Dean Sauskojus on November 13, 2010 at 2:31 AM

Great image John. Amazing how the tree seems to have its own light source. Also love the shape of the opening. Well planned and thought out. Nice work!

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

Comment posted by Art Escobado on November 13, 2010 at 4:45 AM

This is a great image but there's one suggestion you can do for this image to make it better- print it big!!

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

Comment posted by Kurt Budliger on November 13, 2010 at 8:06 AM

Very cool, I love the framing of the teardrop and the light on the tree is great, really makes it pop.

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

Comment posted by Guy Tal on November 13, 2010 at 9:09 AM

This is absolutely amazing, John. Perfect composition and perspective.

Guy

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

Comment posted by Ian Plant on November 13, 2010 at 9:24 AM

brilliant mate - excellently seen, perfectly executed

Registered on July 7, 2008, 271 Posts, 1657 Comments

Comment posted by Zack Clothier on November 13, 2010 at 9:27 AM

What a great composition you have here, makes for a stunning image John. The blend looks good, very natural, I can almost picture standing right there taking this photograph myself

Registered on January 28, 2010, 343 Posts, 2257 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Pullen on November 13, 2010 at 9:53 AM

Wonderful image, John. I like everything about this. Ron

Registered on December 18, 2005, 74 Posts, 1413 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Zemmin on November 13, 2010 at 10:03 AM

Wonderful shot. Besides a great subject, you have captured the beauty of the sandstone formation wonderfully. Thanks for the large image, it really shows off the beauty of your photo.

Registered on November 4, 2010, 8 Posts, 170 Comments

Comment posted by Hamed Musharbak on November 13, 2010 at 10:03 AM

amazing light

love the framing here

well seen

Hamed

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

Comment posted by Joseph Rossbach on November 13, 2010 at 10:22 AM

Stunning light and composition John!

Registered on November 25, 2005, 484 Posts, 1377 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on November 13, 2010 at 10:44 AM

Great job blending the two shots, John! Looks very natural with the brightness just as you would expect from that sunlit cottonwood, and yet all the detail that can be picked up in the alcove. Also, an excellent comp with the framing of the tree with the teardrop. Expertly conceived and captured!

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

Comment posted by Joseph Kayne on November 13, 2010 at 11:00 AM

Very Unique, which alone, makes it an exceptional image. Then add the light and color and

. This is what happens when once moves from making the same images that everyone else makes. Good photography!!!

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

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on November 13, 2010 at 11:21 AM

Wow, fantastic and unique image. Love it!

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

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on November 13, 2010 at 11:29 AM

Really sweet, John. The exposure and processing is perfect, but the comp and unique perspective take the cake.

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

Comment posted by Scott Smorra on November 13, 2010 at 11:30 AM

Looks like you nailed it John. The sunlight illuminating the tree really makes this one great. Well done.

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

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on November 13, 2010 at 12:36 PM

John, the larger view is a stunning and of course a very unique capture too. A truly excellent treasure found on this scene.

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

Comment posted by Vance Gese on November 13, 2010 at 12:45 PM

Incredible image, John. That tree looks like it is literally glowing and illuminating the surrounding sandstone. Stunning, exquisite art.

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

Comment posted by Stan Rose on November 13, 2010 at 12:55 PM

Wow--too cool, John!

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

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on November 13, 2010 at 1:49 PM

Magnificent image John!

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

Comment posted by Geoffrey Baker on November 13, 2010 at 2:57 PM

This is lovely

The quality light was well worth waiting for.

Geoff.

Registered on August 20, 2010, 192 Posts, 980 Comments

Comment posted by Jeff Hackett on November 13, 2010 at 3:09 PM

John, this is amazing! That's all I can say.

Registered on March 13, 2006, 65 Posts, 1119 Comments

Comment posted by dean hebert on November 13, 2010 at 3:22 PM

I'm booking my flight, now all I need is detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to reach this unique and gorgeous location! Fantastic photo!

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

Comment posted by Aaron Cowan on November 13, 2010 at 4:35 PM

Wow...nature provided a pretty sweet frame for that scene. Well seen and captured.

Registered on September 22, 2010, 8 Posts, 165 Comments

Comment posted by Michael J Greene, on November 13, 2010 at 4:37 PM

wonderful work John. I really love it. Congratulations on a stellar find!

Michael

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

Comment posted by Jim Lou on November 13, 2010 at 5:01 PM

Nice framing and color composition.

Registered on August 3, 2010, 86 Posts, 273 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on November 13, 2010 at 5:12 PM

That's a very fine image, John. I takes me a bit to wrap my mind around the comp. The 15mm does a neat job on creating fascinating perspective. Must be hard to keep yourself out of the image.

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

Comment posted by Erik Stensland on November 13, 2010 at 5:14 PM

We have a winner!!!!!

Great concept, capture, blend, etc... I love it John!!!

Registered on September 27, 2004, 121 Posts, 718 Comments

Comment posted by Jody Grigg on November 13, 2010 at 5:19 PM

Great job John, it works for me.

Registered on February 7, 2004, 165 Posts, 1227 Comments

Comment posted by Laurent Baig on November 13, 2010 at 5:42 PM

Awesome, John!

Was thinking about you as I was coming back south from climbing at Indian Creek a couple weeks ago.

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

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on November 14, 2010 at 12:12 AM

John,

A wonderful composition. Your timing for the light shinning on the tree was perfect. Really well done.

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

Comment posted by Balakumar Kaushik on November 14, 2010 at 3:43 AM

Simply amazing ! Beautifully composed frame.

Registered on January 4, 2008, 98 Posts, 1403 Comments

Comment posted by Koveh Tavakkol on November 14, 2010 at 1:06 PM

Absolutely stunning and perfect comp here John. Well done my friend.

Registered on September 1, 2009, 41 Posts, 608 Comments

Comment posted by Stuart Williams on November 14, 2010 at 1:38 PM

superb vision here. the glow in the leaves really puts it over the top. well done.

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

Comment posted by Bryan Spahr on November 14, 2010 at 2:55 PM

Incredibly well seen and captured. What a unique perspective. Excellent work!

Registered on July 24, 2007, 4 Posts, 35 Comments

Comment posted by Albert Darmo on November 14, 2010 at 6:33 PM

Hi John

Love the perspective of this amazing composition! Beautiful light, captured at the right moment

Albert Darmo. Canada

Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Holyfield on November 14, 2010 at 8:11 PM

Very nice. Your final edit looks natural and not overdone. I like the detail in the upper arch.

Registered on October 13, 2009, 1 Posts, 5 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Pelton on November 14, 2010 at 8:34 PM

Beautiful and creative, John. Great exposure, although I could even go with a slightly darker sky.

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

Comment posted by Wayne Rhodus on November 14, 2010 at 9:07 PM

What a great place for life to spring forth from the earth. Not a bad spot for a beautiful image either. A very distinctive image John.

Registered on November 16, 2003, 157 Posts, 3326 Comments

Comment posted by Barry Ashenhurst on November 14, 2010 at 10:29 PM

The wait was worth it.

Registered on August 4, 2009, 253 Posts, 455 Comments

Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on November 14, 2010 at 11:24 PM

Spectacular, John! Now that's a special spot, and you caught at just the right time of year and day! Really nicely done -- one that I would be proud to have in my portfolio.

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

Comment posted by Jim Goldstein on November 14, 2010 at 11:25 PM

Stunning. Sounds like a wonderful experience waiting for the light in this one spot. Love the outcome of your wait. Beautiful framing and light

Registered on March 18, 2006, 119 Posts, 878 Comments

Comment posted by Krunal Janani on November 14, 2010 at 11:46 PM

Stunning find & perfect execution John

Registered on September 16, 2010, 60 Posts, 1370 Comments

Comment posted by Jared Atencio on November 15, 2010 at 12:01 AM

John, this came out great! What can I say that hasn't been said already? That 15mm really allows enough of the alcove to frame this scene nicely, and the light is dead on. I can't get over the reflected light illuminating the varnish on this thing. Well found, seen, timed, and captured on this!

Registered on June 23, 2009, 21 Posts, 422 Comments

Comment posted by Eric Good on November 15, 2010 at 3:46 PM

The impact of this image really comes across in the larger image. Fantastic work!

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

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on November 15, 2010 at 7:24 PM

wow

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

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on November 16, 2010 at 5:12 PM

Congrats on a fine EP!
Sandy

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

Comment posted by John Mumaw on November 16, 2010 at 7:17 PM

What an honor...thanks so much for all of the kind words, folks!
And a special 'Thanks!' to Sandy for the early tip.

Registered on September 9, 2005, 62 Posts, 2289 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Lundh on November 16, 2010 at 10:02 PM

"The hours I spent in here waiting for the light were one of the finer moments of my life"

Seriously? Great image, but sounds like you've led a bit of a sheltered life!

Registered on April 28, 2004, 774 Posts, 4351 Comments

Comment posted by Dorin Bofan on November 17, 2010 at 6:46 AM

Congrats on a well deserved EP, John! The image is amazing!

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

Comment posted by Philip Schwarz on November 17, 2010 at 5:13 PM

Incredible shot. You planned well.

Registered on November 29, 2006, 236 Posts, 1210 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Koepsel on November 17, 2010 at 9:40 PM

I get caught up in the amazing striated varnish at the top of the alcove, and your exposure of it in the image. Wunderbar! Congrats on the weekly pick too.

Registered on April 1, 2010, 196 Posts, 1592 Comments

Comment posted by Harold Ankney on November 17, 2010 at 11:14 PM

Congrats John! A very unique photo and very deserving of EP.

Registered on April 22, 2004, 5 Posts, 28 Comments

Comment posted by Todd Caudle on November 18, 2010 at 12:10 AM

Well, since you've now won the ESS this week, I guess you don't need to win the RMNP fall colors contest.

Excellent shot, JM!

Registered on November 9, 2003, 472 Posts, 3705 Comments

Comment posted by Soubhik Patranabis on November 18, 2010 at 12:05 PM

Excellent shot ! Congratulations.

Registered on January 25, 2010, 54 Posts, 610 Comments

Comment posted by Ben Horne on November 21, 2010 at 4:58 PM

Simply Beautiful. I love how the angle of the branches on the tree closely mimics the angle of the alcove. This will certainly make for a stunning print. Congrats on the ESS weekly pick!

Registered on August 27, 2009, 51 Posts, 959 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on November 24, 2010 at 10:57 PM

Wonderful image. Congrats on the EP

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Anderson on November 29, 2010 at 4:26 PM

WOW! Absolutely amazing photo John! Well deserved EP!

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

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on January 3, 2011 at 1:14 AM

John, Congrats on the 2010 ESS 2nd HM award!
Beautiful image!
Sandy

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

Comment posted by Paul DeCesare on January 3, 2011 at 4:24 AM

ESS - 2nd HM!!!

Registered on August 31, 2007, 29 Posts, 202 Comments

Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on January 3, 2011 at 5:22 PM

Talk about making an image happen! Congratulations, John, on receiving an EPA annual award for this.

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

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on March 27, 2012 at 7:18 PM

I love this shot John!!! This would sell very well!!! Inspired by you and Marc A's alcove shots, I'm looking for such SW scenes.

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