Fall Trek 2008! -w/repost-

Just went 10 h without sleep so i could quickly process the 200+ photos i took on my 4 day whirlwind tour of the CO colors. Went over Independence to Aspen, then Kebler and back. Amazing trip, met many many photographers (no NPN members tho) and had the best ribs ever at Jimmy's in Apen This is Maroon Bells at sunset friday. Have saved my best shots for our contest, the rest can be seen here: (would like to hear if you think any of these are portfolio-worthy; they all look the same to me!)

warning: may take a bit to load!

http://www.alienguitarabduction.com/Fall08.html

You've got some nice stuff here, Stan. I'm partial to the Crater Lake shots. Looks like you had a really productive trip.

Nice images! Really like the BW of the falls.

Your Crater Lake reflection shot is STUNNING! My eyes popped out of my head. I also really like the Independence Pass shots with the graupel.

Some of these photos (like the one above) look like they could use a bump in the contrast, which would also make the colors pop a little more. But maybe that's just my personal preference.

Thanks, Jack. I do tend to prefer low-contrast but i can see what you are saying, ill play around with some variations for sure.

"Maroon Peak from the trail to Buckskin Pass" is a great shot. I also like "I wish that I did not have to leave"

Great shots.

Bill Brennan

Hey Stan, looks like you had a great trip. You got some nice shots especially Crater Lake... same comment as Jack... STUNNING! I agree a bump in contrast would not hurt. This fall has made up for last year especially with the red aspens!
John

I really like the shot from Beckwith Pass towards the Rubies. I have a soft spot for that place... wish I'd made it there in autumn. I also like 12,000 Foot Fall, and many others.

Haven't had a chance to review the gallery but this one has some great colors in it. I agree about the contrast. To me it feels slightly off kilter CCW but that may just be the wide perspective. Can't wait to see the gallery.

Hi Stan: I looked at the gallery...great shots at Crater Lake and like the aspens at Kebler. I have one question, since I'm new to digital. On the Maroon Bells shots did you use a ND filter or did you process it in, or did they even need it? I'm especially curious about the Crater lake one with the flowers and dead wood in the foreground...how did you get it to show up without burning out the sun lit parts?

Thanks,
Cynthia

Stan, beautiful, beautiful pics!!! #3 the cascade and the crater lake one are the best ones. Great take on a well photographed area. Great eye for unique shots!! Great job as usual

Cynthia: i had my NDs with me but didnt need them, the range wasnt too bad at sunrise. However as i recall i blended two exposures for that shot, not really because i had to but because it saved me some processing time that would have been necessary with one exposure. Every shot is different, i think digital gives you many different approaches so why not take advantage of all of them.

I increased contrast on the topic post, do you think this is too much?

Stan, I think the repost is MUCH better! The colors really pop but even more, the midground provides a nice separation. Also, since I can see the pond shore definition more, it doesn't feel off kilter. Nice.

Oh Yeah! What Kalin said! I think it adds to the overall sharpness of the image too.
John

Yes...the second one looks great! Much more colorful...also you lightened the sky?

Thanks folks, ive backed off slightly since the fg seems a bit bright to me, i appreciate the input! Cynthia; no lightening, thats just the contrast increase (lights lighten with higher contrast).

Crater Lake and the two graupel shots: FANtastic. I think the Crater Lake shot will have wider appeal, but the muted earth tones and moody weather in the graupel shots make them my faves by far.

On the repost, I think it's much better. The foreground seems right on to me; not too bright at all. I do think I'd back off darkening the darks as I think you're starting to lose detail.

Really nice fall collection Stan. I agree with Rick's sentiments. Those tundra shots at the pass are fantastic.

I really like the More Harsh Midday Light shot toward the end. Now that's some photoGRAPHICS!!

Looks like a good trip Stan, makes me worried about which ones you held back for the contest. Your repost is right on and I also enjoyed the 12,000 Ft. Fall, McClure sunrise and "harsh" light at the Dyke.

Lol, i wouldnt worry too much, Josh, my favs are usually highly quirky ones that make most people turn away in horror