White Cliffs of Calhan

Gallery: LandscapePosted May 14, 201374 views6 comments

Paint Mines Interpretive Park near Calhan, Colorado. I haven't seen many images of this part of the park, as the more colorful rock gets the most attention. But I've been wanting to see familiar places in new ways and today's storm created some great light for my first opportunity to get out in awhile, even if it's only for a short trip. The colorful rock images might show up in succeeding posts, as I have several of those too. The larger image is better for detail, of course. This is one image, processed in Lightroom 4.

Nikon D600, 24-70 f2.8, ISO 100 1/60 at f8

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by John Clulow on May 15, 2013 at 7:38 AM

The eroded layers are very interesting, especially in the larger version, and the dark sky, foreground, and immediate background are very effective in making the subject visually prominent, as you said. I also like the composition in terms of the flow from left to right and the opposing lines of the immediate background hills.

Looks like a place rich in photo opportunities. I'm hoping to see some of the more colorful formations in subsequent posts.

Registered on November 1, 2012, 155 Posts, 1079 Comments

Comment posted by Walt Sterneman on May 15, 2013 at 9:44 AM

I do like the layering here Russel and the darker hills in the background make a nice contrast for the White Cliffs. I don't know about the sky though, it would have been nice to have a little more turbulence in the clouds, but I know you take what God gives you.

Registered on March 24, 2010, 73 Posts, 1268 Comments

Comment posted by Russell Colletta on May 15, 2013 at 1:01 PM

Thanks John and Walt. I find this to be a place that is both enticing and challenging. I look around and find fascinating details that need some context and then wind up with an unsatisfying compromise. The light yesterday was pretty much as you see it here. The reason for this crop ratio was to eliminate some of the dark but generally featureless tone in the sky.

Registered on October 31, 2009, 114 Posts, 1008 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on May 15, 2013 at 1:08 PM

I really like the rock formations, the two angled hillsides behind them and the stormy sky. I'm not so sure about the brush in the foreground. I find myself wishing for a closer look at those neat rock formations.

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

Comment posted by Morris McClung on May 15, 2013 at 4:44 PM

They are an odd, yet fascinating set of formations to be sure, Russ. Nice shot here with the dark clouds behind.

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

Comment posted by Peter Richter on May 16, 2013 at 6:25 AM

Really interesting composition for me, Russell, and the foreboding sky adds a lot of atmosphere.

Peter

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