I found this little area while exploring in Arches NP a couple weeks ago. There are lots of artifacts in the area indicating it was once a cowboy camp perhaps 70 or more years ago. I've not been able to find much information on the area and plan to go back and explore some more. I think it's an area ripe with photo opportunities, particularly in a wetter season.
At any rate, here's a photo from the area. This is probably 30 minutes after sunrise so it isn't sweet light, but not bad either. I don't think it's a masterpiece but am trying to decide whether it's worth keeping. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on the photo.
I like this image quite a bit! I love the simple contrasting colors of blue and orange. The soft reflection puts it over the top. I think it's a winner!
Perhaps a candidate for re-processing for the lower, shadowed part and combining in PS? I like the shot a lot, I just want to see the shadows opened up a bit. Not too much to where it's unnatural-looking, just enough to make that reflection and mud hole pop.
Thanks for the feedback. I'll rework it tomorrow and see if I can't bring out a little more detail in the shadows.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on March 6, 2007 at 9:57 AM
Sounds like a neat area, Bret. I agree with the feedback so far. I think a vertical crop through the reflection to the central formation would be nice. I find the right side just a little distracting. Great colors! Makes me want to head down there again (that's not hard )
It's a pleasing image; but more importantly, you told a whole story around this picture. It deserves a place in your Arches portfolio as part a bigger story.
Thanks, Kalin and Dave. I'll revisit this area during monsoon season as it is a natural catch basin also fed by a small spring. I suspect there will be some interesting opportunities for reflections with a little more water here.
I like it. The light is pretty nice, imo. The rocks have a rich, warm feel that contrasts nicely with the sky. I agree with Todd about the shadows. I played around with it in PS a little, using the color dodge brush on the lower 1/2 and it livens up nicely. Definitely a keeper.
Discussion
8 repliesAt any rate, here's a photo from the area. This is probably 30 minutes after sunrise so it isn't sweet light, but not bad either. I don't think it's a masterpiece but am trying to decide whether it's worth keeping. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on the photo.
Thanks for having a look and leaving a comment.
1Ds MKII, 24-105mm lens
It's a pleasing image; but more importantly, you told a whole story around this picture. It deserves a place in your Arches portfolio as part a bigger story.