Candy Rock

Gallery: LandscapePosted May 22, 2016255 views23 comments

This landform feature is probably my favorite at this location atop the Paria Plateau. The colors look like swirls in hard candy or a lollipop. As the clouds moved past, I liked how they seemed to radiate from the top at this particular moment. Minutes before or after, the clouds were not as dynamically aligned. I have gone through several revisions to increase contrast, saturation and the rocks brightness trying to tweak the best from this. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have.
Nikon D810, 14-24mm @ 15mm, f/8, ISO 64, focus stack of 3 images

Comments

23 comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on May 22, 2016 at 10:41 AM

Excellent!!! The sky is a perfect compliment to the very cool formation and for some reason, the bush seems to add a lot to the comp. I like this a lot.

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

Comment posted by Katie Jones on May 22, 2016 at 11:21 AM

WOW! The light and the leading lines of this composition are really outstanding! Great catch!

Registered on November 17, 2015, 17 Posts, 91 Comments

Comment posted by Reno DiTullio on May 22, 2016 at 11:34 AM

A beauty. I really like the colors in the rocks, most I've seen from here the colors are glaringly overdone. I think the somewhat subdued colors really show how beautiful the colors can be...the sky ain't bad either. Well done.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 130 Posts, 1644 Comments

Comment posted by Igor Doncov on May 22, 2016 at 1:21 PM

Incredible image. The whirls and swirls in both the sky and land are so full of energy, so exciting. And I agree that the tree adds a lot to this image. The large version is a must see. There is a fair amount of magenta in this image, even in the sky. I'm wondering if that's optimal or should the land be more on the cinnamon side. Either way, this is a wonderful image. Thank you for sharing.

Registered on November 22, 2014, 189 Posts, 2733 Comments

Comment posted by D.A. Edwards on May 22, 2016 at 2:04 PM

Over-the-top delicious work, Doug. No suggestions from me. devil

Registered on October 8, 2014, 226 Posts, 1187 Comments

Comment posted by Roel Wijtmans on May 22, 2016 at 2:21 PM

I like how you decided to incorporate that little bush, that is a great move. So much dynamics in this photo.... Bothe the swirls in the land, and the energetic looking clouds. Great job!

Registered on September 30, 2012, 116 Posts, 2257 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on May 22, 2016 at 2:52 PM

Doug, the swirls in the stone are complemented wonderfully by the flowing clouds in the sky. The alignment between the clouds and ground is a fine addition. I'd say your tweaking is perfect. An outstanding SW image.

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

Comment posted by Ed Lowe on May 22, 2016 at 3:18 PM

Wow, that is some amazing shapes and color all topped off with that drama laden sky. I also like the combo of warm and cool colors. Beautifully done, Doug.

Ed

Registered on February 7, 2004, 414 Posts, 7115 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Stanton on May 22, 2016 at 3:41 PM

Outstanding image, lots of energy and flow from both the sky and rock formations..colors are tweaked just right for my taste.

Registered on March 1, 2015, 54 Posts, 453 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Schrayer on May 22, 2016 at 4:58 PM

All of the elements come together for this one, Doug. Great lines in the foreground sandstone and the radiating clouds really add a lot to the composition. I like the contrasting warm and cool tones. The processing looks good to my eye. You have an outstanding portfolio of images, but this would have to be one of my favorites from you! Fantastic work! devil

Registered on May 28, 2004, 114 Posts, 2890 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Kearl on May 22, 2016 at 6:08 PM

Stunning work.....

Registered on September 2, 2013, 209 Posts, 1514 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Leggett on May 22, 2016 at 7:57 PM

WOW - when you look up landscape photography in the encyclopedia, this is what they should see. The comp and processing are near perfection.

Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments

Comment posted by Andrew Waddington on May 23, 2016 at 12:18 AM

I have no suggestions here Doug, although this is a popular composition at WP it's a killer shot and all the more so because I know you won't have 'created' that sky.

Registered on February 11, 2014, 44 Posts, 183 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Koepsel on May 23, 2016 at 10:08 AM

Thank you all on the kind comments. Harley- I think perhaps the bush provides a counterpoint to the peak in the otherwise barren corner. Igor- thanks as always for your detailed critique. I thought the slight amount of magenta in the sky was needed in the gray areas. The base rock there is rather pink in reality. I will go back and play with the magenta levels. Andy- as you know, I try to stay close to reality on my processing like you do. Hope you have more continued success in Patagonia.

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

Comment posted by Harry Lichtman on May 23, 2016 at 10:52 AM

In addition to providing a counter point to the prominent rock formation, I find it amazing that any live bush can survive surrounded by the sandstone outcropping. So, your version provides additional interest that many of the fiery renditions of this place don't have. I wonder if some of the sandstone tones help radiate that color to the clouds? I know this happens in the opposite direction to color cast land forms during sunrise and sunset. Cool shot. devil

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

Comment posted by Richard Teller on May 23, 2016 at 11:19 AM

The sky is what makes this image for me. Without the dramatic sky this would be another picture of a neat rock formation with a blue sky. The sky is very dramatic and adds real drama to the image.

Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments

Comment posted by gary phillips on May 23, 2016 at 1:59 PM

Quite an explosion of drama, Doug. Awesome sky and a surreal comp. Your patience paid off in spades to allow the clouds to line up. Excellent.

Registered on October 24, 2013, 185 Posts, 4136 Comments

Comment posted by Dave Dillemuth on May 23, 2016 at 9:52 PM

This is brilliant. A very dynamic and powerful image. The bush provides a fantastic visual element to contrast with the otherwise barren landscape. Great work!

Registered on December 10, 2015, 104 Posts, 1112 Comments

Comment posted by Sairam Sundaresan on May 24, 2016 at 1:16 AM

This is brilliant, Doug. No nits for me. A spectacular capture, and equally excellent processing!

Registered on March 14, 2013, 100 Posts, 643 Comments

Comment posted by Basil Greber on May 24, 2016 at 1:28 AM

The little bush captures the eye, and the powerful swirl throws it right into the center of the frame and onto the rock tower. Very effective composing here, and the excellent sky and processing do the rest. This is awesome!

Registered on November 8, 2005, 219 Posts, 1340 Comments

Comment posted by Lucy VanSwearingen on May 24, 2016 at 3:16 AM

As an artist, this is fantastic...as a geologist, this is eye candy! The lighting is wonderful in showing the color gradients and erosional contours of the rocks...highlighting the swirls and curves. And the sky is the icing on the cake. Wouldn't change a thing! devil

Registered on May 23, 2009, 800 Posts, 2042 Comments

Comment posted by John Williams on May 27, 2016 at 8:24 AM

Beautiful Doug. Great composition, superb sky, and lovely mix of colors.

Registered on September 6, 2007, 221 Posts, 5985 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Henke on May 29, 2016 at 10:44 AM

Another outstanding image from you, Doug. No doubt the clouds really enhanced the foreground interest quite well. For my eye, the coloration in the clouds also complimented the rock colors tying the whole image together. Superb!

Registered on February 20, 2012, 117 Posts, 285 Comments