GOG/Rampart Rock Walls

Here are a couple images from last week. I realized they have a similar theme: the main subject is seen behind walls of rock on the right side. Comments welcome. First, a view of Gray Rock (Cathedral Rock) in Garden of the Gods at sunrise.

Second, a view of Pikes Peak from Rampart Range Road. It was WINDY!

Josh,

Send me a note when you're coming down and I'll try to meet up with you.

I like the first very well. You caught a pretty bright sunrise in that one. It would be good if you could tame the sunlight at the horizon a bit, but I know that angle is pretty tough.

Not sure about the second. Seems like it would be better if you were looking between two rock walls like a gate, or the cliff were lower than the peak. As is, it feels a bit unbalanced (and I tried something very similar recently and felt the same about that shot).

Mel-

I'm really liking the second one. I'd like to go there and shoot sometime..what time of day was that? Where is Rampart Range road...near Woodland Park?

Jack

Jack,

Rampart Range Road runs from Garden of the Gods to Woodland Park and then North towards Sedalia. The part shown is on the section between the Garden and Woodland Park and closer to Woodland Park.

Mel-

I think Mel summed it up. I really like your angle on the first shot, dont think ive ever seen that beofre, very effective. Id take the sat down just a hair and call it perfect!

John, Mel is correct about RRR. It is a dirt road too, but not terribly rough. Although, it is snowpacked right now (and washboardy when there isn't snow) so you should have a high clearance vehicle. 4wd would be a plus, but it is not a technically difficult road.

I agree Stan, I've already dialed the sat down about 10 clicks in Photoshop and it might stand some more. Gotta love that Velvia.

Compositionally, I believe the first image has definite possibilities. Having shot there a number of times, the saturation seems OK - check the red histogram to be sure. The only nits might be the relatively large amount of negative space in the UL and the amount of merging between the tree and rock. Possibly repositioning the camera closer or lower might help. I like the image just because it gives a fresh look at an iconic location. Nice work in finding an original view. NOW, having said that, this would have very good possibilities as a cover shot (with title/text going into the negative space). Definitely a keeper in that case.

The second image seems to lack a strong subject. Is it the cliffs or Pikes Peak? It just doesn't come together for me. The wind whipping up the snow is what's interesting to me. Perhaps focussing in on that would strengthen the shot?

Regards, Ken

I like the first image. I like seeing different perspectives in the GOG. I have never been there so this is different to me.

I really, really like that first image. Beautiful light and a fresh composition. I agree with Ken in that if you can find a slightly different perspective to gain some separation between the tree and rocks, it would make it even better. Still, its a definite winner in my book.

Thanks Mel and Josh,

Maybe I'll try to get there over the weekend!

Jack

Thanks for the comments. I agree with Mel, Ken & Guy, the Pikes shot is a little unorthodox in the composition. I was curious to see the reaction here. I have a few shots from further south on the road that have some closer shots of the peak itself without the wall. There are lots of possibilties on RRR. Look forward to seeing what you shoot up there John.

Really like that 1st one!

I really like the second shot!

I really like the warm colors in the first image. Nice details in the rocks.