Puff Cloud and Cliffs, ZNP

Here is a black and white conversion from Zion. As usual the Watchman didn’t put a show on, and so with twenty photographers training their lens on the signature evening shot I noticed a beautiful blooming cloud behind us. Immediately I went 180 shooting the skies like a mad man. The guy next to me noticed my intent, looked to where I was shooting and said good idea and proceeded to do likewise. It lasted for a minute or so.

Two exposures blended together-

AE

is the bottom too dark?

Fantastic image! If anything, I might try adding just a little contrast. But this is really outstanding as is. Well done!

I like the image, cloud is great and the glow around the mountain is great. I would try for more pop in the skies and the mountain looks a little muddy. I would also push the edges straight to pure black on the top. The bottom isnt dark enough. I would push it to where i just had a enough detail to understand what is going on there.

Who said "good idea?" Was that the 'buddy' that 'saddled' up to you?

This happened before I met you and Rene and that...gollum at the bridge! (Art Escobado shivers)

Man there are some strange birds out there in the desert.Yeesh, this "buddy" was of Indian descent shooting with a 5D who shot the same scene with me.

I will take your suggestions and implement some dodging and burning, maybe I'll just you use the first exposure as it has the mountains darker with some detail. Super thanks for the critique Rich, these kinds of critiques are worth their weight in gold.

I think this is where the forums provide the greatest help for me.

Art, first off, this is a great image. That cloud is amazing. Nice work! I keep coming back and looking at this and I think this is one of those images that would look great rendered in a number of different ways. I think you should work it to how YOU like it.

Awesome sky, Art! The bottom could use a little work, not sure what, maybe a bit more contrast.

Thanks for all your comments- I think everyone is saying more contrast...so here goes. Let me know what you think.

Comments critiques appreciated

I liked the first one and then I got to the second one! Nice mood! A prime example of taking what nature gives you. adios

Your rework makes a really good shot an out-of-this-world shot! Just stunning!

I too was going to suggest the added contrast, but it looks like someone beat me to it. The second one is sweet!

Great rework! I just saw this. The second one is better and sets a great mood!
Very nice! This will make a beautiful print.

OHHHH YEAAAH!!! That second shot is kicking some major behind

Way to go Art. That trip really paid off for you this fall. Keep 'em coming.

There ya go!

Thanks for all the comments, they were great motivators. I did one more adustment with levels and brought out some more detail in the rocks below. I don't want to jam up forums here, I will just add it to my site later this week.

Thanks again

Man, that cloud is creepy! Very provacative! Nice work!

Ken

Great shot! The BW really brings out the clouds.

What kind of "testing" are they doing out there in Utah??!! Great shot and way to shoot against the flow!!

John