After an hour of very rugged and sandy jeep trails one comes upon a short hike to this remote region of Northern Arizona that looks like it may as well be the face of Mars. The white stands out, but primarily because it adds so much interest to the dominant reds. It's a world full of sandstone wonders and I can honestly say I've not found another area anywhere that plays as well with my own eye for wide-angle composition than here. It was a wonderful field day for me, or several days rather, that I spent back and forth around the area admiring the endless multitude of strong lines and patterns. This was one of three images I processed. I don't have a favorite between them. Maybe you do. The others are found in my recently released New Work Gallery
here and
here.
Also, and this is probably either obvious or too basic for some of the crowd here, I added a discussion on the state of the art of processing below my artist statement
here if you are interested. I'm asked about this all the time, and want to be as transparent as possible with my thoughts.
Comments
55 commentsCan you do me one favor though, and let me know when you are about to post?? Why do my images end up next to yours here all the time!!??
I read through your thoughts on processing and appreciate your take. I, like I'm sure nearly everyone on this forum, agree with you 100 percent. It's great to read your thoughts and Guy's recent blog post on the issue, providing myself with more thoughtful arguments when discussing these ideas with potential buyers.
i really like the composition & the contrast
the right corner at the bottom need a little more contrast (IMO) to match the left side
great job Marc
Hamed
Your artist statement is well put, too. Im emailing you a slight correction
Your new stuff is top notch, Marc!
Although it may be obvious to some, I'm glad you included the detailed statement regarding digital processing. It's probably apparent to most photographers here that many of your images involve significant post-processing work (and I don't mean manipulation), but you've always been transparent about your workflow. I will say that I find some of your work to push, and in some cases, exceed the boundaries of what might be considered a "realistic" or "natural" rendition of the scene at hand, but that is not to discourage you from continuing your approach. What I most appreciate in your statement is your emphasis on "expressing your feelings" about the locations you visit, and bringing the "experience" to the viewer. That approach not only leaves room for artistic interpretation, but demands it. Keep it up!
I read with great interest your artist statement, and I feel this particular evening will prove what you say to be true. I could give you my RAW files to process from exactly the same time, 100 yards away, and what you would come up with is a beautifully processed, but entirely pedestrian image. It would not register with a discerning crowd. It ALL has to be there... the comp, the light, and the subject BEFORE its processed or the image has no chance. I think this is a truly special photograph, and not just because I was there.
I think I want to buy a print of that write-up and put it up on my wall!!
Gary.
The sky is pretty sweet but it's really hard to beat the power of that sandstone. The two together compliment each other and very representative of your scouting prowess.
Thanks for sharing
edit* Are you using a polarizer since the nikon doesn't (to my knowledge) fit filters naturally?if not, is it tough getting the contrast needed for the sky in ps
Your statement is so accurate, concise, and well written. I recently showed someone a picture of yours and they asked if that's what the place would look like if they were standing there or was it "photoshopped?" I advised them that the image was closer to what their eyes would see and how the scene would impress them than any snapshot. I don't know if they believed me, but I know it to be true. Thank you!
Speaking of "Alien World", did you not see this recent post of mine from our trip there? I picked the same title!
Rick, absolutely. I take bad shots frequently. Since I'm in the field most of the year I have a good selection of photos I consider to be pretty strong, but honestly, if I keep one photo per week I am out there that was a solid week of shooting.
- Dan
I also like your statement, though, as you say, it's pretty much a given now that images are Photoshopped. In some regards, this isn't a hard thing to admit anymore. May photographers have discovered that the ability to digitally develop their images is new route for personal expression with photography.
My vote is for this one as the best of the three. I think it has the most fluid composition and the low lying cloud beside the butte really accentuates the depth of the scene and adds some mystery to it as well.
As far as your artist statement goes....you are fantastic writer, however, for me it is really hard to read small white font on a black background, especially something long. Maybe you coulld include a link under your artist statement that would take you to a pdf or webpage with more of a standard white background black/navy blue larger sized font. For me, it would really be helpful.
Michael
Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.
Wayne