Posted by Grant Collier on April 15, 2009 at 1:57 AM
Here's some pics I took during the 2+ days I met up with other RMNP photographers in Monument Valley and vicinity. Thanks again to John for the tour, CAZ for organizing it (even though the slacker was a no show), and everyone else who came along.
They are all great, and I'm with Stan on the star trails. I like the #2 pano the best I think. Nice symmetry. I also really like the comp on #8 maybe tone down the bright sunlight part. Of course #7 has a surprising sense of scale with that ruin in the cliff.
I can't imagine keeping an eye on your kids in this neighborhood. "Where's Johnny? Oh, NO!"
I like all of them, but the star trails is the better of the bunch. Did you use film for that or did you stack digital exposures? It appears it was at least a 2-4hr exposure.
Posted by Guy Schmickle on April 15, 2009 at 12:17 PM
A very nice set, Grant. I'm only a 3 hour drive from MV and I still haven't photographed the mitten shadow event. Hopefully, next time! You are the master with the star trail shots. That's a nice take on something different in MV.
Posted by Todd Caudle on April 15, 2009 at 12:20 PM
I like the pano and star trails shots best, but that group photo kinda turned my stomach. What a raggedy bunch!
An excellent sampler, Grant!
I really like the first Mitten Shadow shot because the shadowed rock in the foreground nicely mirrors the event itself.
Of couse, the star trails are just top notch.
The images from the Comb Ridge ruins are great, too. #7 does offer scale and the superb scenery that the area lies nestled in.
Folks should know that we immediately turned around after the group shot so as not to violate the 'No Trespassing' warning on the fence.
Posted by Grant Collier on April 15, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, Don, the star trails were shot on film...it was about a 2.5 hour exposure at 50mm. Even 35mm is better than the noise with digital, plus it gives me a reason to keep my old Minolta film cameras. And I just bought an old Canon film camera for $15 so I can use my better Canon lenses. Now, I just need a 4th tripod, so I can shoot four shots at once!
Yes, the group shot is pretty scary. We did at least have one woman along to offset the grungy-guys-who-haven't-showered-in-3-days look. But I think that even if we'd had the entire Swedish Bikini Team, the picture would, on the whole, have still been on the ugly side . And, as John said, I never crossed that fence. I used my new uber-super-telephoto lens for my shots.
BTW, even though it says copyright protected, if anyone from the group wants to save the group shot on their computer, feel free (not sure why anyone would want that shot, but you never know...)
Posted by Paul Wegemann on April 15, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Nice stuff here, Grant. I'm pretty fond of the star trail shot and #7.
Posted by Bob Falcone on April 15, 2009 at 9:45 PM
They're all very nice. The first photo should probably be hanging in the post office!
Posted by Jeremy Week on April 15, 2009 at 10:36 PM
I love the sense of scale in #4 and #8. Looks like a great trip!
Posted by Jesse Speer on April 16, 2009 at 10:03 AM
Really nice collection Grant. That pano is great. Love the empty sky.
Posted by Kurt Bowman on April 16, 2009 at 1:39 PM
Very well done Grant. I really love the pano shot #2 I think it was and #8 was very dramatic.
The pano is pretty incredible and you have mastered the star trails! Sorry I missed the trip but sign me up for next one, looks like a ton of fun and I don't mind grungy men
Discussion
18 replieshttp://www.gcollier.com/ut0409.htm
I can't imagine keeping an eye on your kids in this neighborhood. "Where's Johnny? Oh, NO!"
Jack
I really like the first Mitten Shadow shot because the shadowed rock in the foreground nicely mirrors the event itself.
Of couse, the star trails are just top notch.
The images from the Comb Ridge ruins are great, too. #7 does offer scale and the superb scenery that the area lies nestled in.
Folks should know that we immediately turned around after the group shot so as not to violate the 'No Trespassing' warning on the fence.
Yes, the group shot is pretty scary. We did at least have one woman along to offset the grungy-guys-who-haven't-showered-in-3-days look. But I think that even if we'd had the entire Swedish Bikini Team, the picture would, on the whole, have still been on the ugly side
BTW, even though it says copyright protected, if anyone from the group wants to save the group shot on their computer, feel free (not sure why anyone would want that shot, but you never know...)