Monument Rocks Keyhole

Gallery: LandscapePosted June 20, 2011211 views9 comments

The "keyhole" is Monument Rocks (western Kansas) most recognizable feature. I purchased a Canon 10-22mm lens a few months ago, and this was my first time to take it out to the Rocks. I set up almost underneath the keyhole, and the nearly full moon was lighting up the backside of the Rocks. 7D, ISO 3200, f/4, 25 sec, 10mm, full frame. C&C always welcome and appreciated.

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Richard Hartmann on June 21, 2011 at 1:03 AM

Excellent framing with the wide angle and superb usage of the arch I like how the stars are not blurred from too long of shutter speed
Nice execution of your concept
I would like to see this shot done again with less moon light for a darker foreground and brighter stars. This might take some fancy processing but may look really nice.
This somehow reminds me of ancient eroding Greek architecture.

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

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on June 21, 2011 at 1:09 AM

Rob,

Wonderfully crafted and executed. I think you did a great job all the way around, including the balance of light between the strong moonlight and the shadow side of the arch. There's detail so it's not a silhouette; yet the bright side remains in control too. The stary night tops this off nicely. Well done!

Lon

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

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on June 21, 2011 at 10:26 AM

Rob, the thumb doesn't do justice to this shot. That's an amazing amount of light from the moon, nice job of balancing it. I also think that a reshoot with say a 1/2 to 3/4 moon might allow you to hold a little more detail in the shadows on the arc, but that's a different picture and this one is great.

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

Comment posted by Rob Graham on June 21, 2011 at 5:50 PM

Thanks for the comments. I took one at ISO 1600, and the rocks were murky. I haven't tried shooting under a minimal moon in quite a while, as I prefer the full moon, but I may have to give it a try.

Registered on August 22, 2006, 842 Posts, 2824 Comments

Comment posted by Angela Classen on June 21, 2011 at 9:23 PM

Rob, you're making good use of your new lens. This ROCKS

I like that you captured so much detail in the shadows. The pinpoint stars add a lot. I love the color as well. Very well done.

Registered on June 13, 2007, 434 Posts, 2742 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on June 21, 2011 at 11:58 PM

Feels like some ancient temple, Rob. Unusual and very interesting light.

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

Comment posted by Stan Rose on June 22, 2011 at 4:54 PM

Cool, Rob! They should rename one of those rocks after you... One suggestion--do something to get the stars to stand out more, maybe some luminosity mask work in curves. Now you need a shot with the rocks and lightning--i plan on being out that way in August--let me know if youre game

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

Comment posted by Randy Wilson on June 22, 2011 at 11:49 PM

The larger version against the gray background shows the shadow detail much better. The pure white background just shuts down the pupils and makes darker areas difficult to see.

It's amazing how many variations and angles you've been able to see and photograph here, and this is another great one. Shooting at night adds to the otherworldliness of this location. I'd be curious to see how it would look with a little more shadow detail and the lighter areas toned down a little, but it's fine the way it is, too. It also seems to be a good candidate for a B&W version.

Registered on June 25, 2009, 7 Posts, 85 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on June 25, 2011 at 3:02 PM

Love how surreal this is!

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