Dramatic Entrance

Gallery: LandscapePosted June 18, 20183,579 views13 comments

I just returned from a week long trip in Grand Teton National Park. On the first morning of my trip the morning light made a dramatic entrance with some beautiful light hitting the clouds, peaks and valley below. This particular spot became my favorite location and I returned to it time and again.

Although this composition is basically a 50/50 split, I think that it works because of the balance of light between the sky and the foreground willows. I'm curious to hear your thoughts though. As always all comments and critiques are welcome!

Capture Info:
40 mm
f/11 @ 1/20 sec, ISO 100

Processing Info:
RAW Processing in Lightroom, levels adjustment to set black and white point, TK's luminosity and saturation masks, color balance adjustment to add a bit more warmth.

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Kathy Snead on June 18, 2018 at 10:27 PM

Brian

One of my favorite spots too- hoping to return soon.

I think this works. Those willows are so lovely and an important part of the picture. The varying light on them is marvelous.

Great Image!

Registered on April 6, 2017, 104 Posts, 397 Comments

Comment posted by Jay Levin on June 18, 2018 at 10:34 PM

I think this is a beauty, Brian, and the title is very appropriate. I like the layers in the image and the depth created by the mountains. The light really is breathtaking. Having never been to th Tetons, I now an to go!

Registered on April 24, 2009, 21 Posts, 184 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on June 19, 2018 at 9:38 AM

Brian, This is a beautiful image, and yes, the composition works great for me. This just shows what can happen when you return to a certain location several times. This time you seem to have captured the perfect conditions showing off this scene beautifully. The light is wonderful and I love the color tones in this. It looks so natural and very inviting. The mist in the background has softened the mountains just a little and that adds even more beauty to this. The bit warmer color balance has added a very nice feel to this as well. The larger version is a must look on this one for sure as it just comes alive then.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

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

Comment posted by Craig Moreau on June 19, 2018 at 11:53 AM

Brian, this is very nice, and I would say a less-common view of the Tetons. The light is beautiful, and I like the slope of the willows echoing the slope of the light clouds above the mountains.

The only thing I would recommend is a crop off the left to remove the snowy area on the edge. This would also remove the lighter shrubs in the very LLC.

Registered on April 21, 2015, 64 Posts, 584 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on June 19, 2018 at 1:19 PM

The light is indeed, lovely, Brian. The willows look great in the larger view, making it easy to see why you included them. Looks like a great morning to be there.

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

Comment posted by Daniel Rappaport on June 19, 2018 at 8:41 PM

Beautiful image. Each layer has it's own take on the wonderful light.

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

Comment posted by Doug Koepsel on June 19, 2018 at 10:10 PM

Hello Brian,
The light on the willows and the clouds is quite nice. The blue right above the peaks adds a lot to the color pallette, imo. The small triangle of snowy ridge on the left edge catches my eye, so some cloning from just to the right or a 4x5 crop may be feasible.

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

Comment posted by Peter Richter on June 20, 2018 at 10:32 AM

Brian, the exceptional lighting condition really brings this composition to life for me. The rather strong saturation is consistent with the overall atmosphere im my opinion.

My only suggestion would be to crop the brighter snow-covered area at the left, as it draws my attention maybe a bit too much. This is only a minor matter to me, I appreciate the image a lot.

Peter

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

Comment posted by Skip Layman on June 20, 2018 at 12:33 PM

I don't see this as a 50-50 split. It looks more to me like a classic use of the rule of thirds. Beautiful light and excellent photo.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 558 Posts, 1704 Comments

Comment posted by Anil Rao on June 20, 2018 at 6:41 PM

A beautiful take on this fabulous location. The composition provides a great sense of depth that adds to the drama. At the same time I also notice how you have shown the differences between the various layers. The light definitely accentuates this.

A really strong image Brian.

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

Comment posted by Tony Prower on June 21, 2018 at 1:07 PM

Nice light and good sense of depth through the image. Beautiful scene with great colours.

Registered on February 5, 2012, 24 Posts, 167 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on June 23, 2018 at 5:02 PM

Beautiful light and scene! I would agree with the comments about the triangle on the left edge. A crop would take care of it nicely. Real sweet.

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

Comment posted by Harry Lichtman on June 23, 2018 at 8:47 PM

Great lighting indeed. The diffused sun is perfect on the trees and clouds and the blue storm clouds contrast nicely. I might have gone with more sky and less of the trees if possible, but this works very well.

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