False Kiva

I was doing some housework today when I looked out the window and saw some perfect fluffy clouds in the sky. I decided conditions were optimal for a trip to False Kiva. Of course, when I arrived the clouds completely disappeared and I realized the sun was much farther south than I thought it would be. So, I hung out in the alcove for a while and soaked up the winter sun. I decided to make an image with a sunburst since I'd never seen one from this location. I'll go back during monsoon season to scare the hell out of myself (with the lightning) and get the damn puffy clouds and nice light.

I know this isn't an award winning photo but I do enjoy it. Thanks for having a look and leaving a comment.

5D2, 17-40mm lens

Hey Bret:

I think that's one helluva shot. I really like the way the sun lightens the interior of the alcove and the reflected light illuminates the "kiva".

Really nice work, man.

Excellent shot, Brett! At first glance the whites in the sky seem overpowering, but really that's how they should be here with the sun in that spot. Many folks would have ruined this with some ghastly attempt at HDR. This looks great to me!

False Kiva is such a neat looking place that I always pay some special attention to photos from there. Seems like it's a place that offers some exposure challenges, and I think the way you've included the sun star helps with overall lighting and composition. I like it! Any idea why the kiva is false?

Nice shot, dude! I'm not sure if the sun placement is causing it, but I really like the perception of depth you captured. All the layers and the warm tones give it an "I'm there" feeling.

A unique and very good composition! That sunstar really adds a lot to this one.
You sure made a sweet glass of lemonade out of what might have been a lemon to other photographers.

The big question, though....did you get that housework finished?!

Thanks for the comments, folks!

Roger: It's called False Kiva because many people falsely call it a kiva, though in reality it wasn't one. They believe the whole alcove was used as a dwelling. There are storage cists against the back wall and two other rooms. There are still arrowheads and potsherds to be found there, although findings are few & far between these days.

John: I got half the house vacuumed. Does that count for anything?!

Stan: I tried it as an HDR but didn't like the results at all.

Sweet shot, Bret! I could go for more density in the sky - if nothing else just to make the sunstar stand out more - but it sure is pretty as is.

It's a real fresh take on a scene most of us have seen ad nauseum. This is great, Bret.

Rick read my mind about the sky density, however this has to be some of the best light I've seen in a photo of this place. The orange glow is just wonderful. Great catch, Bret!

Certainly a nice shot and many times better than a day of housework.

Nice sunburst Bret. This has that Mesa Arch red glow, just upside down!! I think you decided to bask in the warm sunlight because you didn't want to clean.

A beauty Brett! I like the way the arch of the opening repeats the shape of the fire–pit. Good job on the exposure as well. I almost went to this spot the last time I was in Canyonlands, but decided against it. I'll definitely make it next time.

I sure hope we can shoot there next month. Beautiful!

Bret,

I love this spot. Last time I was there was 2003, but heard the Park is trying to minimize traffic there, and have put up some posts and chains. This still true? Also, is the ammo box still in the kiva with the logbook in it?

I heard through a rather unreliable source that the False Kiva was built by the sons of uranium miners in the 50s, who were exploring what is now Canyonlands NP for uranium deposits. Whether or not this is true remains a mystery, but the Tomsich namesake apparently may have had something to do with it.

I'm planning on shooting the "kiva" in April. I hope my results are as good as this!

This is a very well balanced image and you nailed the sunstar.