Golden Ribbons + BW conversions

Definitely worth rising before dawn to get this extraordinary shot.  The red rock cliffs beautifully frame the cottonwood trees as they meander along the creek bottom.  I don't think if you had included some sky that it would have added anything to the image.  Very nice!

A unique look into the canyon.  Like the abstract feel to it.  Essential 2 colors, the image really pops with the yellows.  Wonder what a BW would look like.  Lack of shadows gives  a bit of a flat appearance to the canyon areas for me.  Wondering if added contrast in the sandstone areas would improve it?  Selective burning in some shadows is another option but that could be tedious!  Excellent interpretation as is.

After seeing the BW, Color original version definitely rules.

An awesome scene and I really like your comp and processing. Wonderful DOF, draws your eyes in like magic. Bet it looks fantastic printed large and hanging on a wall. 

Doug

This is simply spectacular.  Put it big on a wall!!

This is really cool! Great winding color through the canyon. No suggestions.  I like this a lot. 

Thanks all for the kind words.  I did go back and brighten the LLC some to even to light fall-off.  Also tried a B&W per Harry's suggestion, but it did not strike me like the color does.

Killer comp and view in general, I like color so would not change that but the idea of adding a bit of shadow or contrast might look nice..
 

Great composition, Doug. Colors and shapes are simply magical. 

This is an outstanding view, Doug.  The result is nicely abstract, with the low contrast creating a fine sense of mystery in the cliffs and the colorful cottonwoods making a great leading line.

Very cool!  Overlook or drone?  Can see this making a bomb b/w with the right conversion.  Very cool

aF

Finally a different image from the location. Superb!

Aaron, I was standing on the edge, so no drone. I will try a B&W again.

B&W conversion using NIK Silver Efex

I had reduced the opacity of the B&W NIK layer to about 65%, leaving some color. This struck me more than the straight B&W, so figure I'd ask if y'all like it.

I still prefer the original. The b&w seems like it would work better but with the yellow gone everything seems to be trying to get your attention (cliffs, trees). In the original the point of focus is more clearly defined. The 2nd repost is just not my cup of tea. But the first image is marvelous, especially the large version. I don't know if some sky would help or not. Adding blue to this image may not be a good idea. I think it's great the way it is.

The colors and composition of the image is beautiful. Well photographed. I don't think the second and third conversions do the image justice. 

This is exceptional, Doug. I prefer the original as I find the colors very compelling. Processing looks good. if it were mine, I'd clone out that road in the center of the frame.

Outstanding Doug.  I love the original.  The scale of this place is just amazing.  I love how miniscule the cottonwoods are.  You caught the colors perfectly and, aside from the darker btm left, this will make an amazing print.  Beautiful work. 

Doug - A very clever and original take on this location. The meandering cottonwoods just pull you into the image. I prefer the original color image to either of the B&W conversions. But I think the "straight" B&W conversion shows me that the original color image would benefit from a little more contrast in the shadows of the canyons. This would add a little more texture to the canyon walls. The mid-tone contrast looks fine, I would just darken the shadows a little bit.

Doug, the original is really beautiful, and I don't think the B&W or toned images work nearly as well. I love seeing fall color in unexpected places, and you've done an excellent job in capturing this.

Simply gorgeous. Photographs of this nature make me forget about cameras, processing, contrast, color management, etc. It is simply about a powerful image that makes a "statement". One of the most unique and interesting photographs I have seen on NPN.

Doug,

OH MY.  I haven't even read any comments as to not influence my comments.  This is simple stunning.  I can't recall ever using this description before, but this landscape is alive!  That ribbon of trees could be imagined in so many ways  - migrating caribou, a stream of army ants, or yes even a moving stream bed over years of flash flooding - oh wait, that's where the trees are growing!  But really, this is truly an amazing capture and well, just unlike anything I've seen.  I have no suggestions. Gotta rank as one of the top Landscape images we've seen in quite a spell.

Not feeling it for the b&w.  Color is what set the ribbon of trees off against the landscape - with b&w we must rely on tonal range and there's just too many similar tones and so the impact is lost.  Backing off the opacity is better, but if I were you I'd quite messing with the best.



Lon