Sculpted View

Gallery: LandscapePosted March 26, 2013523 views10 comments

I always try to seek out spots that have never been photographed. It took many days of hiking and exploring this area to find such a spot and then I had to wait another year to get the right light and atmosphere. It really needed a rainy day to get the shot I was looking for. The funny thing is that the spot is very easy to access, but is hidden well and the climb down to it looks dangerous from the top.

The most challenging aspect of this location is the limited room for a camera and tripod to fit. The camera is literally backed up inches away from a rock wall and you have to sit on your hands and knees in order to sit next to it. Because the LCD is blocked, it takes a lot of trial and error to get the composition correct. Now that I own a Canon 6D, it would be easier to compose using my iPhone. It was also a challenge to keep my umbrella over the camera, but out of the shot. The final difficulty was getting a shot where the tree in the foreground wasn't moving in the strong breeze that is always present in this canyon.

This is a 2 shot focus stacked blend done by hand in PS CS6.

Canon 5D2
Canon 16-35II @16mm f8
Lee 4x4 Linear polarizing filter
Knee pads

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on March 26, 2013 at 9:40 PM

A lot of hard work that all seems worth it. I really like how the water disappears beneath your "feet" and the simple wind of the creek along with the natural colors

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Jimmy Baker on March 27, 2013 at 12:24 AM

Beautiful shot, I can feel the moisture in the air just looking at this. I'm curious what using the polarizer did for the picture?

Registered on May 3, 2012, 23 Posts, 64 Comments

Comment posted by Ben Horne on March 27, 2013 at 1:14 AM

I can almost smell the evergreens and hear the rain while viewing this photo. I think you've done a great job simplifying this forest scene by using the mossy rock sin the foreground, and the wonderful young tree to the left. My only suggestion would be to darken the mid tones and possibly the shadows just a bit. I think that would further enhance the overall sense of mystery.

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

Comment posted by Johan Eickmeyer on March 27, 2013 at 1:25 AM

Thanks for looking, guys!

The polarizing filter was used to allow some of the river bed to be visible along with cutting some of the glare on the rocks and trees to allow more color to shine through.

The lighting levels are already pretty dark for what I like when printing, as I usually prefer a brighter image. Thanks for the suggestions and feedback.

Registered on March 25, 2013, 36 Posts, 164 Comments

Comment posted by Kory Lidstrom on March 27, 2013 at 2:03 AM

This is indeed a sweet spot and a pleasing image. I do wish those pine branches didn't stick into the water, though. I might consider cloning them off, at least that one in the middle. Overall, still a nice image.

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

Comment posted by Peter Richter on March 27, 2013 at 11:36 AM

Johan, your image certainly is worth all the effort to capture it. I appreciate the sense of flow and the curved course of the creek that leads me into the depth of your composition. Furthermore, the inclusion of the surroundings makes for a nice framing and conveys the atmosphere impressively to me.

Peter

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

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on March 27, 2013 at 1:22 PM

Welcome to NPN Johan. This is very nice. Even though the stream is the focal point i like how it's not overpowering within the scene. Lots of other elements to view and enjoy.

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

Comment posted by Daniel Rappaport on March 27, 2013 at 5:44 PM

Beautful spot, nice composition. Well worth the effort!

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

Comment posted by John&Patty Benway on March 28, 2013 at 8:54 AM

Beautiful scene Johan, love the lush greens along with your composition. Definitely worth the effort.
John

Registered on May 12, 2006, 626 Posts, 8700 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on April 6, 2013 at 6:18 PM

Really nice composition.

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