Cuernos: Take Two

Gallery: LandscapePosted March 25, 20111,285 views53 comments

Rather than bore you with a similar composition to <url=http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/ic.cgi?a=vp&pr=169479&CGISESSID=81d663965cad9d3150b227ea8334f726&u=11765>Ian's great image</url>, I thought I'd rather show something just a little different. This is moments later when we all ran up a nearby hill and tried to include the first bit of warm directional light on the foreground hills. The light and color had changed slightly, but the amazing conditions lasted for what seemed an eternity.

I had some discussions with a few of our students about the sliver of light in the bottom left corner. Some thought it should be left out of the image while I thought it was essential. What's your thoughts?

Canon EOS 5D Mk2
Canon 24-105
1/5 second @ f14 ISO 160

Comments

53 comments

Comment posted by Phil Pogledich on March 25, 2011 at 6:14 PM

I personally don't mind the sliver of light in the bottom left corner at all . . . I gave it no thought prior to reading your comments, and certainly don't find it objectionable. The shot is certainly remarkable . . . good competition for Ian's memorable shot! Wonderful light and an excellent composition. If you guys can order a similar show for your next workshop down there, I'll have to find a way to go.

Registered on August 24, 2009, 123 Posts, 3099 Comments

Comment posted by Sarah Marino on March 25, 2011 at 6:15 PM

This is such a beautiful image, Richard. The lighting is spectacular and I really like the composition. I think the sliver of light adds a lot of depth and interest - keep it in for sure!

Registered on November 10, 2008, 23 Posts, 393 Comments

Comment posted by Jake Case on March 25, 2011 at 6:17 PM

I feel like this is a very complete and balanced composition as is, and I would think cropping off the bottom to take out the sliver of light would result in a composition that I would feel to be unbalanced. That said, this is a truly incredible image!

Registered on December 13, 2010, 38 Posts, 167 Comments

Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on March 25, 2011 at 6:18 PM

What incredible light, Richard!

I think the sliver of light adds an additional layer of depth. If you crop it out, the comp still works, but it appears more flat, and less like being there. Essentially it is your foreground interest. The image feels more dynamic because of it's inclusion.

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

Comment posted by Kent Mearig on March 25, 2011 at 6:26 PM

Even before reading your notes, my first impulse was to commend you on catching the first streak of light across the near hill. "Essential" is absolutely the right work, I think. The colors in the sky are sublime, but I find myself longing for a touch of cool in the shadows, something to anchor against the amazing warmth.

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

Comment posted by Ian Plant on March 25, 2011 at 6:36 PM

Now I am ridiculously jealous that I lost my CF card containing the images from the "light on the hills" shoot. This is exceptional. Please if anyone finds a CF card in Torres del Paine mail it to me, it's mine! Beautiful stuff mate.

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

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on March 25, 2011 at 6:42 PM

Essential

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

Comment posted by Kartik Venkatarama on March 25, 2011 at 6:49 PM

Spectacular light, and I love the sliver of light in the bottom

Registered on July 27, 2007, 197 Posts, 830 Comments

Comment posted by Jason Kim on March 25, 2011 at 7:04 PM

Gosh, you guys had some beautiful light that day. This image is fantastic. I love everything about this, including the sliver of light across the FG. I would agree with your thoughts, I think it helps to break up the otherwise monotone foreground and adds to the drama and balance of the image. Beautiful!!

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

Comment posted by Rick Lundh on March 25, 2011 at 7:28 PM

WOWWIE! Perfect... no changes... dont see what they were saying....top to bottom, side to side...immaculate!

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

Comment posted by Aaron Feinberg on March 25, 2011 at 7:50 PM

Light in. Killer.

aF

Registered on October 26, 2009, 399 Posts, 2789 Comments

Comment posted by Jeremy Kessler on March 25, 2011 at 7:55 PM

Goregous, Must have been an amazing experience to be there that morning.

Registered on September 13, 2007, 36 Posts, 1283 Comments

Comment posted by Harry Lichtman on March 25, 2011 at 7:56 PM

Keep the sliver - it definately adds to the depth of the left corner. Oh My!

Just wondering- why did you choose ISO 160 rather than 100? If I were using a tripod, I probably wouldn't have given the ISO a second thought, especially since there wasn't any rushing water to bring into the equation. I doubt the dmall change would have effected the cloud motion?

Maybe a grey border would make the dark lower corners stand out more and not blend into the boarder.

Registered on September 17, 2010, 304 Posts, 3507 Comments

Comment posted by Ian Haskell on March 25, 2011 at 7:56 PM

Superb Richard! I like with the sliver of light in the bottom left. Sweet shot.

Ian

Registered on October 30, 2008, 24 Posts, 673 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on March 25, 2011 at 8:19 PM

Wow, a beautiful shot Richard. This has such a "Lost World" feel to it. The clouds add a lot to the mood too. I'm with you on the sliver of light - cropping it out would damage the image IMO.

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

Comment posted by Kory Lidstrom on March 25, 2011 at 8:24 PM

Awesome image here. That light is sublime. Personally, that sliver of light in the corner is a non-issue. I don't think it matters very much either way as it's not a focal point of the image.

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

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on March 25, 2011 at 9:11 PM

Just Beautiful! I like the sliver of light alot, and think it adds even more to an already beautiful scene. Amazing light!, and so well captured.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by Michael Hardeman on March 25, 2011 at 10:46 PM

Outstanding, Richard.

Registered on November 26, 2005, 150 Posts, 233 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Anderson on March 25, 2011 at 10:59 PM

Fantastic image Richard! I think the sliver of light gives the image depth and balance and is essential to the composition. What a wonderful experience to see Patagonia in it's most beautiful light. Wonderful work!

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

Comment posted by David Edwards on March 26, 2011 at 12:13 AM

A beautiful scenic shot, Richard. I love the low side lighting, and agree the lower left band of light balances the comp very well and adds to the depth. With the light band there my eye wanders nicely from side to side as I move into the image, ending up at the top right cloud. There's a nice implied diagonal between those two points as well. A stunning image!

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

Comment posted by Art Escobado on March 26, 2011 at 12:22 AM

Fantastic image!! However I still would like a tad more of the left side...On the sliver of light- it's necessary for making a good comp even stronger.

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

Comment posted by Bruce King on March 26, 2011 at 12:28 AM

Awesome. The sliver of ligfht balances that area of the scene with the shadows and midtones and I agree without it the image is diminished significantly. Incredible light, I'd love to see a large version of this one.

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

Comment posted by Scott Fricke on March 26, 2011 at 12:29 AM

I like the inclusion of the sliver of light. My eye can connect the light on the hills over to the right and then up towards the peaks.

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

Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on March 26, 2011 at 2:02 AM

The sliver is essential, I agree, Richard. It is the perfect underline for the mountains. Sensational image. Extraordinary light getting caught in the clouds and on the mountains.

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

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on March 26, 2011 at 8:05 AM

The light here is nothing short of exquisite Richard!
The colours are out of this world, and the lines, textures and detail in the composition seem to make the most of the light.

I like the sliver of light at the bottom as it brings interest there in the absence of an immediate anchor.

Registered on March 22, 2011, 385 Posts, 2068 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on March 26, 2011 at 9:49 AM

Such marvelous light. The light in the bottom left adds balance imo. Without it, the comp might be right heavy. This, of course, will have to be printed HUGE!

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

Comment posted by Abdullaziz Bin Ali on March 26, 2011 at 11:35 AM

This is lovely
Awesome
i love the light a lot

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

Comment posted by Wick Smith on March 26, 2011 at 1:34 PM

That's a world-class photo! I'd love to have been there with you.

Registered on June 12, 2009, 91 Posts, 379 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on March 26, 2011 at 3:40 PM

Spectacular light. This scene never gets old! I think the light in the lower left is essential and adds another dynamic to that area that is a good inclusion. I don't think I'd want this in any different aspect ratio. Even if you were to do a series of verticals to stitch, I'd want that area included. Impressive!

Chris

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

Comment posted by Doug Roane on March 26, 2011 at 3:48 PM

The sliver is essential, I agree. Stunning image and light!

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

Comment posted by John Mumaw on March 26, 2011 at 5:22 PM

Very complementary piece to Ian's image. Pretty exquisite light, Richard!

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

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on March 26, 2011 at 6:54 PM

Incredible drama. I'll bet you had a lot of satisfied customers on this trip.

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

Comment posted by Joseph Rossbach on March 26, 2011 at 7:59 PM

Sick!!!!

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

Comment posted by Eric Good on March 26, 2011 at 9:35 PM

It's absolutely essential. Without that little detail the eye would have little reason to venture down there with all the impact elsewhere. Now if you just had a little puffy cloud in the ULC I think this would be absolutely perfect.

Stunning work!

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

Comment posted by Richard Olsen on March 27, 2011 at 1:35 PM

Beautiful image Richard
I definately like the sliver of light. It adds depth to the image and also leads into the circular light on the RH foreground which routes you to the beautiful light on the mountains.
Very nice capture as presented!!

Registered on October 19, 2006, 306 Posts, 1571 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Kruse on March 27, 2011 at 2:00 PM

It's a beautiful image and the stream of light really should be there to add a balance and especially in a corner that is relatively dark. Overall a wonderful image and one you can be proud of. Worth all the effort :)

Registered on March 24, 2011, 17 Posts, 44 Comments

Comment posted by Ben Horne on March 27, 2011 at 8:58 PM

The sliver of light in the lower left corner gives the image a nice sense of depth. I really like the side light on these mountains. I'm so use to the mountain ranges in the US that run north to south, and do not see this sort of light. Overall, I'd like to see a bit more depth to the shadows.

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

Comment posted by Dennis Harding on March 28, 2011 at 12:13 AM

What a wonderful place, Beautiful light, fabulous image and yes to the sliver.

Registered on January 19, 2011, 33 Posts, 408 Comments

Comment posted by Mohammad Al-Mumen on March 28, 2011 at 8:09 AM

This is a great image. I really liked it. I think it will be even better if there is a foreground subject.

Thank you for sharing....

Registered on December 8, 2010, 12 Posts, 56 Comments

Comment posted by Gary McGhee on March 28, 2011 at 10:01 AM

Beautiful shot Richard, you caught some super light. There's certainly plenty of drama captured in this landscape.

Gary.

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

Comment posted by Jack Brauer on March 28, 2011 at 11:13 AM

Fantastic light! I love the subtle sweep of foreground light as well.

Registered on September 12, 2005, 40 Posts, 627 Comments

Comment posted by Stuart Williams on March 28, 2011 at 2:20 PM

superb conditions and i think that the sliver is essential. the shadows may be a touch dark?

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

Comment posted by Rodrigo Sandoval on March 29, 2011 at 9:29 AM

Always great to see the Paine. I think you got some seriously pretty light there and the overall composition is great. I like sliver of light you mention. And the color look awesome.

Registered on April 4, 2009, 13 Posts, 254 Comments

Comment posted by Andreas Resch on March 29, 2011 at 10:43 AM

Striking shot, Richard - nothing else to say.

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

Comment posted by Sebastian Kraus on March 29, 2011 at 11:26 AM

Just stunning photo!

Registered on March 17, 2011, 30 Posts, 132 Comments

Comment posted by Jared Ropelato on March 29, 2011 at 5:01 PM

First the Sliver of light... essential. Otherwise its a large clump of dead (non interesting) space. I beleive it is crucial to force viewers to move through the image. Now, for the image as a whole, ooo ma gawd it's good. Great directional light, amazing that there's a light/shadow curve in the bottom right to help us up the the top, although it's not needed with all that great subject, light, and sky up top. It's just a spellbinding image really. Excellent work.

Registered on March 1, 2011, 25 Posts, 204 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on March 29, 2011 at 8:27 PM

Awesome shot, Richard!

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

Comment posted by Cliff Dodge on March 30, 2011 at 7:07 PM

If i cover the sliver of light, it keeps my eye up.

Registered on March 25, 2006, 125 Posts, 507 Comments

Comment posted by Zack Schnepf on March 31, 2011 at 7:29 PM

Wow! Fantastic! The light and atmosphere are incredible.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 403 Posts, 2528 Comments

Comment posted by Scott Smorra on March 31, 2011 at 9:24 PM

Amazing light Richard. I've looked at this one several times over the past few days and just can't get enough!

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

Comment posted by Stefan Gimpl on April 13, 2011 at 6:40 AM

fantastic shot, Richard! I too think that the sliver of light is essential.

Registered on May 12, 2007, 26 Posts, 184 Comments

Comment posted by Amy Lindsey on April 13, 2011 at 1:04 PM

I like the LLC light. It draws me into the image and helps to see the depth of the image. Awesome light!

Registered on August 25, 2005, 14 Posts, 54 Comments

Comment posted by Patricia Brundage on April 13, 2011 at 1:20 PM

Breathtaking scene! The light is awesome, including the sliver on the bottom. I feel it adds dimension and should be kept in.

Registered on March 23, 2006, 1111 Posts, 6531 Comments