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A few from southern Utah

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16 replies
Posted by Roger Rouch on May 8, 2009 at 12:53 PM
A few from southern Utah
I just returned from a short tour of Utah and hit a few of my favorite places. The first is from the Cathdral Valley, where I had horizon clouds for sunrise and sunsets, but this later morning shot had some softer light and nice clouds.
Posted by Roger Rouch on May 8, 2009 at 12:56 PM
At Natural Bridges, I took a hike into the upper White Canyon above the bridges.
Posted by Roger Rouch on May 8, 2009 at 12:58 PM
And one from Hovenweep, using a little of the Marc Adamus "glow" technique.
Posted by Todd Caudle on May 8, 2009 at 1:47 PM
These are all good, but I really like that second one!
Posted by Don Grall on May 8, 2009 at 2:08 PM
The glowing Hovenweep ruins are really sweet, looks like a painting in some aspects.
Posted by John Zinn on May 8, 2009 at 2:32 PM
Roger, I'm with Todd - the backlit cottonwood is great!! A little bit of contrast would help bring out some drama in the first shot.

John

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Enduring Light Photography
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Posted by Stan Rose on May 8, 2009 at 6:28 PM
Yeah, the second shot is sweet!
Posted by John Mumaw on May 8, 2009 at 6:35 PM
My favorite, as well.
I also like your take on that Hovenweep ruin. A very creative way to 'develop' this shot!
Cropping up from the bottom just above the green branches in the lower left corner would be an asset, IMO.
Also agree with a touch more contrast in the first image.

Well done, Roger!
Posted by Morris McClung on May 8, 2009 at 6:41 PM
I think the glow is a perfect choice for the Hovenweep shot, and #2 is very very good.
Posted by Roger Rouch on May 8, 2009 at 7:13 PM
I sometimes think there is a dead pixel in my brain where contrast adjustments are made during photo processing. It's something I tend to goof up routinely and appreciate the help with pointing this out as well as other comments!
Posted by John Mumaw on May 8, 2009 at 7:33 PM
Much better!
Posted by Bob Falcone on May 8, 2009 at 7:36 PM
#2 is my favorite, and the editing on #1 GREATLY improves it. They're all good...
Posted by Paul Wegemann on May 8, 2009 at 8:37 PM
Nice stuff! I like the way you processed #3. I do think a crop from the bottom would strengthen it though.
Posted by John Klotz on May 9, 2009 at 11:00 AM
+1 on 2 also. The reworked Cathedral Valley has more punch. Nice job! :toast:
Posted by Joshua Hardin on May 9, 2009 at 8:58 PM
I like #2 a lot as well. I wonder how it would look a little bit darker, slightly more saturated and with the Adamus glow effect. Hmmmm. :wink:
Posted by Guy Schmickle on May 10, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Your repost of #1 is a definite improvement. I really like that cottonwood in #2 as well. Ok...I'll bite...what is the Adamus glow technique? Is that some different than the commonly used Orton effect?
Posted by John Mumaw on May 10, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Hi Guy,
That technique was outlined in this topic by Marc Adamus, along with a slight variation posted later by Floris van Breugel. Both are variations of the Orton effect.

Tony Kuyper also has an eBook and PS action titled 'Make It Glow', available for a modest donation.
I like Tony's version, as it imparts a very subtle glow without introducing any 'dreaminess'.