Posted by Marc Adamus on January 15, 2007 at 2:40 PM
What you are looking at here is about 12 inches wide. I found this intimate scene on the surface of the alvord desert playa.
What's going on? Well, a shallow layer of ice had formed over very wet mud in the night causing the crystaline shapes you see here. In the daylight sun the ice melted, leaving behind its patterns engraved in the muddy surface. As the surrounding areas continued to melt, a little muddy water seeped into the formations - the lighter areas you see here depict varying levels of moisture accumulating on the muddy surface, which is starting to re-freeze.
I found it to be a fascinating scene. Thanks for your comments.
5D, 17-40 at 40mm, F22, ISO 100.
Posted by Mark Windom on January 15, 2007 at 3:27 PM
Looks like a game of B&W pick-up-sticks. Fascinating is a good description of this.
Posted by Jacco Rens on January 15, 2007 at 4:00 PM
This really looks awesome black 'n white! I like the different toning here.
- jacco
Posted by Andy Drumer on January 15, 2007 at 4:05 PM
That is really neat! I can't say enough other than it reminds me of ansel's saying that a black and white should have every tone of grey in it, I think you might have them all here, minus the brightest blown out shade.
I've only been too the south-eastern oregon desert once, and it was a with a bunch of friends. We found that you could pull the car over in many placres in the pitch dark, and then run along the ground with your eyes closed.... for a really long time.
I'd love to go back sometime with a camera, but I have no idea where to go, any tips?
Posted by Marc Adamus on January 15, 2007 at 4:16 PM
Andy - I recommend going between April and October. October might be best for some fall color in the Steens. I like the Steens Mountains (the road to the summit and beautiful lakes opens the end of June), Alvord Desert, Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge, Abert Lake and Abert Rim areas, the Owyhee Canyons, Borax Hot Springs and Malheur Wildlife Refuge.
Posted by Eric Hahl on January 15, 2007 at 4:50 PM
Sweet one Marc, Love it!
Posted by Ned Fenimore on January 15, 2007 at 5:01 PM
Posted by David Schoen on January 15, 2007 at 6:39 PM
well seen
Posted by John Lehmkuhl on January 15, 2007 at 7:39 PM
Really great - it took a while of looking to realize the different textures that go together to make this what it is. Great find !!
Posted by Rick Lundh on January 15, 2007 at 10:29 PM
Absolutely stellarlyistically phenominal! This will do well for you, I would imagine.
Posted by eric lee on January 16, 2007 at 12:49 PM
What everyone else already said. I love the play of lights & darks through it.....
Posted by Kevin McNeal on January 16, 2007 at 1:17 PM
This is so sharp and detailed. I can't believe you did this with a 17-40 - Wow! I would have thought you did this with a macro but I am pretty sure you never use a macro. Great job again !
Posted by David Bostedo on January 16, 2007 at 7:25 PM
Don't normally post on here being an east coast guy, but when I saw this, I immediately thought of Jasper Johns because of paintings like these :
Discussion
13 repliesWhat's going on? Well, a shallow layer of ice had formed over very wet mud in the night causing the crystaline shapes you see here. In the daylight sun the ice melted, leaving behind its patterns engraved in the muddy surface. As the surrounding areas continued to melt, a little muddy water seeped into the formations - the lighter areas you see here depict varying levels of moisture accumulating on the muddy surface, which is starting to re-freeze.
I found it to be a fascinating scene. Thanks for your comments.
5D, 17-40 at 40mm, F22, ISO 100.
- jacco
I've only been too the south-eastern oregon desert once, and it was a with a bunch of friends. We found that you could pull the car over in many placres in the pitch dark, and then run along the ground with your eyes closed.... for a really long time.
I'd love to go back sometime with a camera, but I have no idea where to go, any tips?
http://starr-art.com/artists/jasper_johns/large/Johns_Scent.jpg
http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/AWI/AW1666-Johns~Drawings-1970-80-Posters.jpg
http://www.repubblica.it/2006/a/sezioni/arte/gallerie/basileagal/basileagal/esterne101911461001191218_big.jpg
http://www.justinkent.com/scent/dw.jpg
Just thought you might be interested if you've never seen this part of his work before...
Oh, and great photo, as usual.