Went to the Black Canyon and hiked down the Wariner route this weekend. Fabulous hike (though a bit muddy) and great excersize! The light sucked most of my three day trip, but fortunately the lousy weather cooperated for some brief breaks. In part two of my trip (shot sunrise from the Alpine loop yesterday) i got lucky and ended up with some of my strongest shots--ill post those later this week This is from the South Rim Saturday at sunset, got about 15 minutes of light. (another version posted on ESS)
Did i mention the light was lousy? Well, had to take a few shots from the river, here's one rare moment when the sun cooperated, so i eliminated the less-than-exciting sky.
Will post the good stuff from the mountains (think...fresh snow!) later this week
These are killer, Stan! I think the ESS shot is my pick of the bunch, but I love the first B&W with its rhythmically layered light rays and rock spines. I'd be thrilled to come back from the Black Canyon with these shots.
I really love #3, the color of the moss and the river are stunning and it is a great use of the "not so great light". Plus the geology totally rocks!!! #2 is my second fave.
I like 2, 3 and 4 the most, and #5. Okay, #1 isn't bad either. I took that same rays-type shot from that same overlook (Sunset Point?) a few weeks ago, but your rays are much better.
Can't wait to see images you consider your best yet. That's a pretty high bar to jump over.
Very good, Todd! It is sunset point, the first time ive been there in a while since my other trips were in winter and it would have been a long trip. I have to say, i wouldnt have come away with anything the last day if it werent for you--ive learned from your work that you have to take some chances to come away with winners (like setting off to shoot at 4 am even though its pouring rain, not likely to clear, and youd rather just go back to sleep!)
The first, and only, time I went to BC of the G I thought "Eh" ... wasn't too impressed. These have certainly changed my mind. Not too shabby for bad light Stan. How long did it take you to hike down?
Those are great Stan...some of the best I've ever seen of the canyon. It's not an easy place to get a good shot. Especially the first one gives a good view of what it actually looks like.
Stan, #1 and 5 are my favorites, but all convey a sense of mood and drama - not at all bad for lousy light! Can't wait for the "best shots" ............... Cliff
Thanks, guys! I should clarify that the light was very good, but only for very short periods of time. I have a few more of the 150+ shots i took Monday morning to go, should be ready to post those tomorrow
Pam, it took me about 2 hours down 3 up. Its about twice as long as the regular Gunnison route that takes off from the VC.
Stan...great shots.....my favorites are 1,2 and 4...great job on the second. First one is amazing also ... love the colors in the shadows... regards, Rajeev.
Great set, Stan. I like the composition in your ES&S post best.
When I look back at my collection of images from the Black Canyon, the only ones that I really like came during fleeting moments during stormy weather.
Now that you've hiked into the Black Canyon, you are ready for the Lava Falls "Route" from Toroweap on the GC North Rim. That's 2,540' in 1.5 miles on lava scree. They call it a "route" instead of a trail for good reason! The comments left a the trailhead register are amusing to read.
Discussion
26 repliesWill post the good stuff from the mountains (think...fresh snow!) later this week
Can't wait to see images you consider your best yet. That's a pretty high bar to jump over.
The light looks pretty awesome to me in your first photo. I also like the one from the bottom.
What's with the suspense?! Post your best shots already...
Great job with these, considering the light you had. I really like the last two.
If these images are this good in "bad" light, it would be interesting to see what you could do with "Good" light.
Nice work !!!
Dave
Pam, it took me about 2 hours down 3 up. Its about twice as long as the regular Gunnison route that takes off from the VC.
When I look back at my collection of images from the Black Canyon, the only ones that I really like came during fleeting moments during stormy weather.
Now that you've hiked into the Black Canyon, you are ready for the Lava Falls "Route" from Toroweap on the GC North Rim. That's 2,540' in 1.5 miles on lava scree.