Definitely not an original/new composition, but the sunset last Saturday was something spectacular. There had been a wildfire on the West side of the San Luis Valley earlier in the day. And all day I'd been hoping that it might result in some interesting lighting conditions as the sun went down.
I actually hiked about 2 miles through the grasslands to the sand sheet near Medano Creek to see if the perspective of this view would be any better being close to the dunes than from the road entering GSDNPP. Guess what? It isn't, IMHO. You lose a little elevation which hides the Crestones just a little more behind the dunes and that middle-ground ridgeline. But since I was there I ventured into the Star Dune complex and hiked most of the way to the top. It was amazing and I have more images to process from that area. But then I quickly hoofed it back to the road near the park entrance sign for sunset and enjoyed the magnificent views.
Comments and critiques welcome.
P.S. This trip was actually "Plan B" since a nasty sinus infection ruined "Plan A". So my Little-Big Dominguez backpack/bushwack trip will likely have to wait another year. But I'm not complaining too much - good to be out and about, anywhere.
That is some sweet colour hitting the clouds, or is it smoke from the fire, along with the haze?. I really like the light skimming off the dunes too, really does give the image alot of depth. Great capture!.
Posted by Doug Andrews on June 3, 2008 at 11:50 PM
That is some sweet light on the clouds Scott. I like all the layers in this. The only thing I would wonder is if you have considered maybe dodging the dunes a bit to bring out some more color, but thats seems kinda nitpicky on my part. Well done.
What a beautiful light show you had! I like the amount of light on the dunes just fine and the compression of the telephoto works great with the Crestones in back.
What a beautiful light show you had! I like the amount of light on the dunes just fine and the compression of the telephoto works great with the Crestones in back.
This is wonderfully done! I am at a loss for how to say it moves me. This is by far the most unique composition and exposure of the Dunes I have ever seen.
Awesome color in the clouds on this Scott. It seems odd to me that the face of Crestone is in shadow. Is it obscured by clouds or just the angle of the sun?
Sorry to hear about the sinus infection and aborted backpack trip, but it looks like plan B worked out very nicely for you. This is totally sweet - I love the combo of the oranges and purples, and the streaks of warm light skimming the tops of the dunes.
I agree with Doug's suggestion - processing the dunes a little more could be beneficial. More of an idea than a critique... I'd play around with burning in that middle ridge coming in from the right just a scoche; it's already a little darker than the Crestones, and nudging it in that direction a little further would give some separation and depth. Then, some selective contrast work on the dunes to brighten up the warm highlights while keeping the shadows where they are would add some emphasis to the dunes.
Looking forward to seeing more of what you captured!
Not bad for a plan B! Beautiful skies and I like the little kisses of light on the dunes. If you could possibly bring those out more (via already mentioned suggestions), that really make the image sing.
Posted by Laurie Wendt on June 4, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Here's to plan B.
I love the dunes! Can't wait to see more. Well Done!
Scott, this shot is exquisite! I love the colors, layers, and textures in this shot. For some reason my eye keeps coming back to the dunes themselves. It might be interesting to crop this image just below the orange sky and treat it as a panorama. I love the shot you posted but for me this view is even more intriguing and has something of a magical quality.
Thanks for all the comments and great suggestions! I'll definitely work a bit more to refine this one. I really appreciate the detailed and creative ideas!
Mel, I didn't expect the Crestones to be so much in the shadows either. But it was the angle of the sun, not the clouds in this case...
Discussion
18 repliesCanon 30D, 70-200 f/4 L @ 140mm, 1/4s @ f/16
Definitely not an original/new composition, but the sunset last Saturday was something spectacular. There had been a wildfire on the West side of the San Luis Valley earlier in the day. And all day I'd been hoping that it might result in some interesting lighting conditions as the sun went down.
I actually hiked about 2 miles through the grasslands to the sand sheet near Medano Creek to see if the perspective of this view would be any better being close to the dunes than from the road entering GSDNPP. Guess what? It isn't, IMHO.
Comments and critiques welcome.
P.S. This trip was actually "Plan B" since a nasty sinus infection ruined "Plan A". So my Little-Big Dominguez backpack/bushwack trip will likely have to wait another year.
Regardless, this is an excellent capture.
I agree with Doug's suggestion - processing the dunes a little more could be beneficial. More of an idea than a critique... I'd play around with burning in that middle ridge coming in from the right just a scoche; it's already a little darker than the Crestones, and nudging it in that direction a little further would give some separation and depth. Then, some selective contrast work on the dunes to brighten up the warm highlights while keeping the shadows where they are would add some emphasis to the dunes.
Looking forward to seeing more of what you captured!
I love the dunes! Can't wait to see more. Well Done!
I tried that hike once too, and came to the same conclusion. And also got eaten alive by some vicious tiny insects.
Mel, I didn't expect the Crestones to be so much in the shadows either. But it was the angle of the sun, not the clouds in this case...