Rocky Mountain Miracle

Gallery: LandscapePosted September 21, 2011458 views32 comments

This was taken about 100 yards away from where Kane E took his shot (posted a couple hours ago), he was on the other side of the ridge that you can see on the right side of this shot. We hiked a couple hours in the rain hoping for a slim shot at some sunrise light, and the gamble paid off when we bushwacked up this ridge just in time for a few minutes of miraculous warm light at sunrise! Rain, sleet and snow were coming in sheets right at me as i took this shot from an overlook on the north side of the ridge; of the 12 or so exposures i took, this was the cleanest (rain/sleet streaks are visible in some of the others, and some water drops--i wiped the lens just before this shot) Fortunately, i only needed one exposure, double processed in RAW for maximum range.
Rocky Mountain Ntl Park, above Lake Helene, Sat morning.
5Dmkii; 24mm TSE; 1/2s at f/16
C&C Welcome!

Comments

32 comments

Comment posted by Doug Roane on September 21, 2011 at 9:34 AM

that's some lovely warm light and what a view! I do find the central placement of the sapling a distraction, though - my eye keeps going back to it rather than taking me to the amazing scene further out.

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

Comment posted by Morris McClung on September 21, 2011 at 9:55 AM

Definitely my favorite from the series on your website. An unorthodox comp, yet I find my eye going to the brighter part of the sunrise first, then to the light on the peaks on the left, down to the tree in the center, and repeating the process between these triangle of elements. The other lines in the rocks and trees at right and trees on the left ridge all drive my eye to this center triangle. Amazing color and light!

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

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on September 21, 2011 at 9:56 AM

I can't say this one is really working for me. I would agree with Doug about the sapling drawing too much attention. Nice light but overall it is not grabbing me.

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

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on September 21, 2011 at 10:33 AM

What an awesome scene Stan. Sounds like you guys really had to work for the shots you got! The light and color here is just wonderful. I'm a little undecided about the placement of the tree, at least on my first looks. I guess overall I wish it wasn't there but still ok with it. Hmmmm, does that make any sense. Well, its beautiful anyways!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by Gino Cortez on September 21, 2011 at 10:53 AM

Very nice color, light, and comp. Looks like a great morning!

Registered on November 23, 2010, 57 Posts, 396 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on September 21, 2011 at 10:55 AM

Man, you nailed this one! Gorgeous Stan. I wish the sapling wasn't dead center, but with light like this, that's not a huge issue for me.

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

Comment posted by Doug Koepsel on September 21, 2011 at 11:05 AM

I wonder if the sapling would not be such an eye-grabber if its trunk and branches were not so red.

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

Comment posted by Joseph Campisi on September 21, 2011 at 11:40 AM

Beautiful light Stan, and I love that band of light hitting the peaks on the left.

I agree with the others about the center placement of that sapling, it does pull my eye there. I also like Doug's suggestion of reducing the reds in that sapling, that would help.

I also think cropping about halfway to the sapling from the right and a little off the top would make this more balanced and remove the sapling from the center of the frame. Beautiful light though, your efforts definitely paid off!

Registered on November 24, 2008, 304 Posts, 3211 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on September 21, 2011 at 12:30 PM

Thanks for the honest comments, folks! Funny, i was certainly aware that placing the tree dead center would not be 'traditional', but it was a total non issue for me. I looked at it as a pivot point, striking an uneasy balance. It was definitely uneasy cause i was standing on the edge of a cliff on wet rocks with high winds, and i was seriously worried my tripod/camera might blow over it! Course, I was thinking from my perspective, not yours! i Think the problem here is that you cant really tell from the shot how nasty the weather was. I probably should have used one of the crappy rain shrouded exposures, but that would not be as clear as this one--so a bit of a Catch 22. Interesting comments, keep em coming!

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

Comment posted by Anil Rao on September 21, 2011 at 12:34 PM

Fascinating scenery and beautiful conditions. I am really enjoying this one, Stan.

I like the placement of the tree, which makes it a part of the scene yet not in the traditional spot often favored by landscape photographers.

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

Comment posted by Peter Richter on September 21, 2011 at 1:46 PM

A fascinating view for me, Stan, and I admire the unique colors and lighting.

Reading all the comments, I want to say that the tree in the foreground is not disturbing for me, instead in my opinion it makes for a kind of anchore within the composition with strong diagonals. Maybe darkening this element a bit and pulling down its saturation might help me to focus on the delightful background, where the delicately lit rocks are the main area of interest for me in your image. Thanks for sharing.

Peter

Registered on November 10, 2010, 218 Posts, 2723 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on September 21, 2011 at 2:22 PM

I think the drama is great, and the chance you got to shoot some nice light given the conditions equally as great! The sappling doesn't bother me. It's only a distraction, if you allow it to be, imo. My only suggestion would be to maybe darken it a little, especially in the foreground.

Chris

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

Comment posted by Taylor Reed on September 21, 2011 at 2:34 PM

I always really like shooting in this kind of light, where everything is bathed in a warm glow.. well done!

Registered on February 18, 2010, 26 Posts, 556 Comments

Comment posted by Pam Colander on September 21, 2011 at 4:14 PM

I have to love this...you'd never find my camera in a place like this under conditions like those! Wonderful light and comp that was definitely worth your efforts.

Registered on December 7, 2006, 210 Posts, 1062 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Marcellini on September 21, 2011 at 4:23 PM

Tree doesn't bug me at all. It's hard to tell it is raining so the landscape does seem a bit flat. Especially the shadows of the distant peak. The clouds also seem like they would have a bit more "weight" to them. Such a contrast at least to me from Kane's. Love the view and distance viewed though!

Registered on November 27, 2007, 250 Posts, 2468 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Dayton on September 21, 2011 at 6:58 PM

A lovely grand scenic, Stan! The colors are so wonderfully warm that
had you not explained the weather conditions, I would have had no idea
what they were like. The slight haze in the BG is a plus for me. Obviously,
you composed with a strong fg element. I should think that this might
make a beautiful large print.

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

Comment posted by Art Escobado on September 21, 2011 at 7:06 PM

Stan that's some sweet light man - glad you hiked around and shared this magnificent view for us!!

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

Comment posted by Anthony Vincent on September 21, 2011 at 7:08 PM

Ohhh let me get the gloves on

First this is a beautiful view and I think I would just watch and forget to shoot, lol.
While the light is spectacular I do believe the even light isn't pulling one in. Darkening would improve dramatics but I too am not sold on the centered tree. Im mostly looking at the lake and above so it isn't a huge issue. When I do look near the bottom in does anchor the eye a bit though. Interesting takes and fun to view yours and Kanes. I do believe yours hold more natural weight and think his heavy blending isn't my flavor. Im sure in years to come blending will be old news. Hey thats life.
Thanks for sharing
After all its about you being there enjoying the moment that matters most

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

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on September 21, 2011 at 8:26 PM

I think this is great Stan. Not perfect in terms of where the sapling is and its red intensity. But the scene is beautiful, a wonderland with great light and nice comp.

I'd be tempted to carefully burn down highlights in the bottom right triangular corner rock area, so that the eye is not pulled there as much.

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

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on September 21, 2011 at 9:27 PM

Nice, Stan. Your perseverance is as good as the picture. Wonderful light.

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

Comment posted by Kane Engelbert on September 21, 2011 at 11:56 PM

Stan, this shot is fantastic. I have no nit picks whatsoever. Here's something to think about with that 24tse. While you're shooting that killer 24mm comp, it doesn't take but maybe 10 seconds to shift down and shoot more foreground. An easy stitch later can really open up your options for a zero distortion wider perspective. I go into every 24mm tse photo thinking potential stitch. I'm digging the last 10% foreground granite boiler slab a bit more than the last 10% sky. A bit more granite would be my selected comp for this shot. Just a thought.

Registered on June 14, 2009, 63 Posts, 291 Comments

Comment posted by Vance Gese on September 22, 2011 at 12:07 AM

Outstanding image Stan. Your image gives the feeling of being enveloped in a soft subtle light that is superb, perhaps due to all that rain and sleet you experienced.

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

Comment posted by James Fougère on September 22, 2011 at 1:00 AM

Beautiful valley view

wonderful light Stan! I agree that the tree is a bit of a distraction, and the overall processing seems a bit heavy on the red side. Otherwise a very nice capture !

Registered on October 25, 2010, 41 Posts, 831 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on September 22, 2011 at 2:12 AM

Stan,

A glorious scene and I think you did very well in capturing the moment. I like the reddish hue and the little tree doesn't bother. It blends and merges a bit with the scene so it's not really a distraction for me. No nits, although I like Kane's idea of more granite foreground. Can you go back and re-shoot?

Lon

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

Comment posted by Stan Rose on September 22, 2011 at 3:01 AM

yeah sure, Lon--next Fall!

Thanks guys!
Kane--you're right, i was terrified of missing the light if i messed with shift here, ive gotta get more comfortable with that...
I may try darkening the fg a bit--i used the double RAW mainly to brighten the fg, but that may have been a mistake!

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

Comment posted by Rick Goldwasser on September 22, 2011 at 10:23 AM

That's quite a scene, the warm, soft glow is really nice. I'm wondering if you can even out the light on the trees on the right, the tops seem to get more black than green (grad?) - or maybe tha's just me?

Registered on May 10, 2009, 127 Posts, 970 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on September 22, 2011 at 2:18 PM

it actually is just you, Rick

look at the trees just left of the sapling--theyre darker too...it looks that way in the unprocessed RAW. I think its just a combo of the light and patchy fog.

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

Comment posted by Gary Minish on September 23, 2011 at 1:35 AM

A completely different view from Kane's but just as impressive! It was a great opportunity and you definitely made the best of it. A gorgeous scene with spectacular light and a well balance composition. The little evergreen is nice bonus also. Great shot, Stan!

Registered on February 4, 2006, 625 Posts, 3583 Comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on September 23, 2011 at 6:52 AM

Light to die for Stan, and a very pleasing composition to make the light come alive...

I'm 50/50 on whether I would have liked the small FG bush to be a bit more to the RHS

Still - wish this was mine

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

Comment posted by Dean Sauskojus on September 23, 2011 at 3:05 PM

I would love to have this shot to. The kind of light we dream for as photographers. I like that streak of light on the distant mountain and the little focal point of the lake below. I think your placement of the foreground tree was the best. Would I like more of the foreground rock, sure, but in these conditions you get what you can get. Great job Stan.

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

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on September 23, 2011 at 5:26 PM

Fantastic!

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

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on September 27, 2011 at 10:59 AM

Nice!

Registered on January 24, 2011, 576 Posts, 6942 Comments