Refraction

Gallery: LandscapePosted February 5, 2011915 views56 comments

This is an image from Buckskin Gulch. It reminded me of those windows you look through that sort of distort what's behind the faceted glass.

For me, Buckskin is one of those enigmatic places that is a feast for the eyes, but difficult to photograph. It's so deep that June is the best month to Photograph here to get a decent amount of light into the canyon for reflected glow. Additionally, it also tends to be drier this time of year with less wading required to traverse the upper parts on a day hike.

This image was taken as I was turning around to head back in early afternoon. The camera was pointed upstream, which accounts for the slightly more jagged edges.

Your thoughts and recommendations on this image would, as always, be considered and appreciated.

Canon 5D, 28-200

Comments

56 comments

Comment posted by Paul Duval on February 5, 2011 at 12:06 AM

Stark, beautiful colors and light, your image brings life to the silent sentinels of sculptured rocks in this canyon.

Paul

Registered on June 30, 2009, 508 Posts, 1907 Comments

Comment posted by Koveh Tavakkol on February 5, 2011 at 12:11 AM

Tony, as usual your attention to details shines again! The layers of color in this shot are what do it for me. A simple scene most people would have just walked right by.

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

Comment posted by Daniel Rappaport on February 5, 2011 at 12:45 AM

Beautiful colors and composition. It's as if you brought together three separate sculpted objects

Registered on September 9, 2009, 294 Posts, 2006 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on February 5, 2011 at 12:58 AM

Wonderful light! I like the rough edges, and the horizontal ething on the walls. Nice patterns/lines too.

Chris

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

Comment posted by Richard Hartmann on February 5, 2011 at 1:23 AM

Oh my… another good one from the Kuyper. The vertical lines in the portrait comp are strong, the light reflecting from the colored layers is captivating, and as always your processing is pure magic. I just can’t imagine how to improve this.

Registered on January 15, 2009, 13 Posts, 772 Comments

Comment posted by Vance Gese on February 5, 2011 at 2:25 AM

This is phenomenal, Tony. Absolutely phenomenal. I really love how you have isolated the rock formations thus creating a layered, columnar design that is stunning. And of course your masterful use of light is always amazing. Exquisite art.

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

Comment posted by Justin Reznick on February 5, 2011 at 2:40 AM

Wonderfully play of light and shadow as always Tony. I completely agree with you on Buckskin Gulch!

Registered on November 24, 2009, 79 Posts, 515 Comments

Comment posted by Enrique Vizcarra on February 5, 2011 at 3:27 AM

As soon as I saw this picture I assumed it was a picture of tony Kuyper

Color, texture and composition are fantastic,

I've seen several of his photos and they're spectacular

Registered on September 10, 2009, 223 Posts, 393 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on February 5, 2011 at 4:34 AM

Tony,

This is phenomenal. The only thing I can say that is more impressive than your rock/sandstone work, is your mastery of the image itself and your processing. the colors are striking, yet subdued. The shadow detail revealing, yet provides wonderful contrast to the scene. This one blows me away!
I won't say anymore, but it's tempting...

Lon

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

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on February 5, 2011 at 7:58 AM

Absolutely beautiful Tony. I love this one. Great comp, wonderful light, color and texture. Just super!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by Andreas Resch on February 5, 2011 at 8:23 AM

Just excellent, Tony. What a great comp.

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

Comment posted by Neale Dyster on February 5, 2011 at 8:43 AM

stunningly beautiful image. Sorry, nothing more to add !

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

Comment posted by Stan Rose on February 5, 2011 at 8:45 AM

Some nice layers and light, good color balance--works for me, Tony!

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

Comment posted by Matthew Goldsmith on February 5, 2011 at 9:30 AM

This is phenomenal Tony. The tonal range and texture in the sandstone is among the best I can ever recall seeing.

Registered on June 29, 2010, 37 Posts, 286 Comments

Comment posted by Zack Clothier on February 5, 2011 at 9:38 AM

Wonderful composition and the textures in the sandstone are just stunning. The layered effect is great.

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

Comment posted by Robert Dayton on February 5, 2011 at 9:45 AM

I like this very much Tony and have no suggestions for improvement.
I've seen a lot of slot canyon images. This is unique. I like the lines,
tones, colors, and light.

Registered on November 11, 2008, 281 Posts, 3958 Comments

Comment posted by Kah Kit Yoong on February 5, 2011 at 9:47 AM

Beautiful separation in colour, shape and tonality TK.

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

Comment posted by dean hebert on February 5, 2011 at 9:59 AM

Love the lines, colours, texture and details. The only thing that would improve this would be to make it bigger!

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

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on February 5, 2011 at 10:34 AM

Terrific image! The colors and textures are fabulous, especially the glow of the one rock face.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by R.Bill Moser on February 5, 2011 at 10:39 AM

Tony, this is once again awesome. The light is fantastic and the processing is perfect in my opinion.

Registered on January 29, 2010, 285 Posts, 4281 Comments

Comment posted by Roman Kurywczak on February 5, 2011 at 10:52 AM

Hey Tony,
Form....light....and texture......all come together. Sweet!

Registered on November 20, 2009, 56 Posts, 748 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on February 5, 2011 at 11:12 AM

Just amazing. You are in a gallery somewhere aren't you? You do have an art rep, don't you? I admire tremendously your artistic vision, Tony. You are one of a kind.

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

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on February 5, 2011 at 11:28 AM

After seeing some of your before and after images in your tutorials I've come to appreciate your work even more, if that's possible. I always enjoy looking at these and imagining what processes you used to come up with the final image. That's when I realize I have so far to go in really learning your actions. On the other hand, when I'm in a hurry, I just sit back and absorb the beauty. Always fun, enjoyable, and a learning experience to view your work.

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

Comment posted by Dan Baumbach on February 5, 2011 at 11:57 AM

This is beautiful, Tony. I love the simple lines and colors.

- Dan

Registered on November 1, 2003, 473 Posts, 7980 Comments

Comment posted by Fabio Giarrizzo on February 5, 2011 at 12:17 PM

Awesome warm colors and perfect, balanced composition- great job, Fabio

Registered on December 3, 2010, 90 Posts, 1614 Comments

Comment posted by Jared Atencio on February 5, 2011 at 1:15 PM

This is terrific and I knew it at yours the moment I saw it. The comp is fun and whimsical to me. That light is exquisite as well-well done!

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

Comment posted by Balakumar Kaushik on February 5, 2011 at 2:11 PM

Lovely Tony !
Amazing tones & the gradation in them. Loved the colours, textures and the glow.
Top notch !

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

Comment posted by Rafael Rojas on February 5, 2011 at 2:24 PM

Tony, wonderful image. I like the visual rythm of these vertical lines and bands of colour...

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

Comment posted by Bruce King on February 5, 2011 at 3:12 PM

Great lines in this one Tony. Nice job all around.

Registered on January 14, 2010, 276 Posts, 2212 Comments

Comment posted by Michael J Greene, on February 5, 2011 at 3:13 PM

Awesome shot Tony! I like the fluid comp and colors. Did you blend exposures for depth of field?

Michael

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

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on February 5, 2011 at 3:15 PM

Yes, Michael. Four exposures were blended for DOF using Helicon Focus.

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

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on February 5, 2011 at 3:22 PM

As always!

Love the 3D and optical illusion aspect. Nice light too.

mark

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

Comment posted by Scott Smorra on February 5, 2011 at 7:29 PM

I really like this one Tony. The depth created by the lighting is amazing. Your composition is perfect here IMO.

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

Comment posted by Richard Bernabe on February 5, 2011 at 8:01 PM

Fantastic image, Tony. Looks like flames from the thumbnail....

Registered on November 24, 2004, 180 Posts, 1545 Comments

Comment posted by Yan Zhang on February 5, 2011 at 8:21 PM

Very fine details of texture and differentiation of colors, I love this image.

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

Comment posted by Lorna Taylor on February 5, 2011 at 10:05 PM

Just lovely, wonderful movement of lines and colour!

Registered on November 12, 2010, 254 Posts, 3083 Comments

Comment posted by Tom Haxby on February 5, 2011 at 10:16 PM

Cool. Nice colors, symmetry, texture, lines and lighting. Would look great in a gallery or on one of my walls.

Registered on July 6, 2006, 126 Posts, 647 Comments

Comment posted by Stuart Williams on February 5, 2011 at 11:02 PM

excellent - rich with detail, colour and textures. fascinating, sculpted forms. great eye here tony.

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

Comment posted by Abdullaziz Bin Ali on February 6, 2011 at 3:37 AM

Wow
almost real windows :)

Registered on May 31, 2009, 112 Posts, 1590 Comments

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on February 6, 2011 at 5:04 AM

Extremely well executed regarding composition and handling of light. The darker rock in the fg creates some good tension with the brighter rock faces on the right - which are also further away. This creates some good perceived depth. The light enhances this effect further. As usuall, skillful application of "tricks" to make an image work.

Registered on January 26, 2007, 360 Posts, 9876 Comments

Comment posted by David Chauvin on February 6, 2011 at 9:19 AM

I can just imagine these forms dancing in the light when no one is watching.

Registered on August 5, 2004, 1007 Posts, 5595 Comments

Comment posted by Miles Morgan on February 6, 2011 at 10:39 AM

Another Kuyper masterpiece. What a killer shot with incredible layers of light and texture

Registered on November 23, 2009, 6 Posts, 185 Comments

Comment posted by Anil Rao on February 6, 2011 at 12:35 PM

Despite the fact that sandstone is hard, there is a certain softness to the forms that makes this so delightful. I love the range of colors and tones, especially the delicate feel offered by the highlights. Absolutely gorgeous, Tony.

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

Comment posted by Helio Cristovao on February 6, 2011 at 1:28 PM

Tony, this is a stunning comp. of light, shape and color. Beautiful.

Registered on September 15, 2009, 83 Posts, 434 Comments

Comment posted by Anthony Vincent on February 6, 2011 at 3:17 PM

I just love your discipline of light and shape Tony. Something I really admire in your work. Fascinating study here and the subtle shades of the same slab is terrific.

Nicely done....

when am I coming down?

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

Comment posted by Gary McGhee on February 6, 2011 at 4:14 PM

This is great Tony and I can only echo all the comments already given. I just wish you'd post a bit more often.

Gary.

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

Comment posted by Hamed Musharbak on February 6, 2011 at 4:39 PM

the king of abstract indeed

your works just 3D

all the best man

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

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on February 6, 2011 at 6:51 PM

Gorgeous work Tony. It has your signature light and color all over it!

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

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on February 6, 2011 at 10:14 PM

WOW! I love this, Tony. The illusions are endless and I can easily see why you link this to those distorted windows. Awesome glow and color, too.

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

Comment posted by Jason Kim on February 7, 2011 at 3:30 PM

Somewhat sensual shapes here, which work well. I hesitate to say this, since you're one of the masters, but I would prefer a bit less saturation. The composition is very effective.

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

Comment posted by Scott Fricke on February 7, 2011 at 3:39 PM

Beautiful composition Tony. The added texture shooting in this direction really adds an extra element to this scene.

Registered on January 19, 2007, 133 Posts, 1448 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on February 9, 2011 at 3:29 PM

Congrats on the fine WP!
Sandy

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

Comment posted by Albert Darmo on February 9, 2011 at 10:47 PM

Hi Tony

This winning image is an inspiration to all photographers!!! Congrats on the EP

Albert Darmo. Canada

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

Comment posted by Bill Fach on February 9, 2011 at 11:25 PM

Tony: Masterful craftmanship from vision to capture to processing. This is really good photography. >=))>

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments

Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on February 10, 2011 at 1:26 AM

Comments? Holy cow! Suggestions? You're kidding, right?

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

Comment posted by Ben Horne on February 19, 2011 at 12:44 AM

Very nice take on Buckskin! It is also one of my favorite places to shoot. Unlike many of the other slot canyons in the SW, Buckskin sure makes you work for your shots. The simple composition, and warm/cool colors work very well here. No nits from me!

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