Posted by Kelly Black on October 5, 2009 at 1:48 AM
Hey everyone,
OK, so....sorry about being MIA for the past couple of weeks...during the FALL color season, no less! You would think, living in a nice new beautiful place, that I would be able to give updates every day, but it sort of didn't turn out that way lol. Work is crazy (but I still have a job, praise God!), had to take my car in twice, and every time I wanted to post an image or an update, I would either forget my laptop, or my blackberry would not load the RMNP page!
I was, however, able to get to the Silverton/Telluride areas last Tues and Wed. Man, the color was awesome! There was some nice oak, cottonwood and aspen color going on, especially along Dallas Divide, and also in the San Miguel canyon. Yeah, there were some bare and greenish aspens around, but overall the color was looking real good. I DID try posting an update on my blackberry while we were in Telluride, to say, "Get down here NOW, before the wind & storm blows all the leaves off!" lol...but the page was taking eons to load, and I was never able to post. Shoulda brought my laptop. So don't shoot me lol.
Anyway, here is an image of Mt. Wilson (or Wilson Peak), I think. This was before the wind started up crazy. I'm torn about the clouds, as to whether I like them or not, with the spots of blue sky. Waited for more blue sky to appear, but it wasn't happening. Was pretty happy with the color through here, though.
30 mm, f 13, 1/160 sec, hand held.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on October 5, 2009 at 7:15 AM
Looks like you got some nice conditions. The patchy light and clouds are much better than the typical clear blue sky. The color is good. You might crop the branches coming in on the right and maybe boost the contrast of the clouds for a little more drama. Nice shot!
Posted by Nick Moore on October 5, 2009 at 8:35 AM
This very nice Kelly, and looks like you timed your trip perfectly pre-wind!. The clouds work nicely in the scene, as Kalin said better than a severe clear sky. I would crop the right as suggested to lose the branches, apart from that looks great!.
Again, a nice image like others have said. The road is a wonderful leading line taking the viewer back to the high peaks. Sure the branches on the right need to be cropped and it looks like highlights are clipped in the sky, but that can be addressed.
I would suggest next time getting out the tripod and bracketing the shot so that you can blend back in the sky and keep the details.
Posted by Rod Chandler on October 5, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Kelly, I had the same problem with my Blaackberry while down there. Next time, I take the laptop. Nice image. I agree with Steven on the sky and clouds. That blue could pop a lot more and really increase the drama of the shot.
I agree with the crop suggestion, but this is a very nice image. The comp, light, and color are all good. Maybe burn down the bright clouds some.
Posted by Brian Jackson on October 5, 2009 at 1:53 PM
Great colors and cool shot.
Posted by John Mumaw on October 5, 2009 at 6:32 PM
I'm pleased that so many were able to get some wonderful autumn colors in the San Juans this year. I was 3 days too late, and would love to have called this one my own.
Posted by Craig Schultz on October 5, 2009 at 11:23 PM
Kelly, that's a nice shot of the Illium Valley and Sunshine Peak. We came down on Friday (10/2) and I can tell you that this spot was completely barren of leaves at that point. The storm really destroyed any chance of an extended fall in the San Juans. I was told that the previous weekend was peak by several locals, so I'm not sure how folks doing updates here thought the area was green...your photo seems to support the locals point of view.
Glad you were able to get out and shoot before the storm
Discussion
8 repliesOK, so....sorry about being MIA for the past couple of weeks...during the FALL color season, no less! You would think, living in a nice new beautiful place, that I would be able to give updates every day, but it sort of didn't turn out that way lol. Work is crazy (but I still have a job, praise God!), had to take my car in twice, and every time I wanted to post an image or an update, I would either forget my laptop, or my blackberry would not load the RMNP page!
I was, however, able to get to the Silverton/Telluride areas last Tues and Wed. Man, the color was awesome! There was some nice oak, cottonwood and aspen color going on, especially along Dallas Divide, and also in the San Miguel canyon. Yeah, there were some bare and greenish aspens around, but overall the color was looking real good. I DID try posting an update on my blackberry while we were in Telluride, to say, "Get down here NOW, before the wind & storm blows all the leaves off!" lol...but the page was taking eons to load, and I was never able to post. Shoulda brought my laptop. So don't shoot me lol.
Anyway, here is an image of Mt. Wilson (or Wilson Peak), I think. This was before the wind started up crazy. I'm torn about the clouds, as to whether I like them or not, with the spots of blue sky. Waited for more blue sky to appear, but it wasn't happening. Was pretty happy with the color through here, though.
30 mm, f 13, 1/160 sec, hand held.
Again, a nice image like others have said. The road is a wonderful leading line taking the viewer back to the high peaks. Sure the branches on the right need to be cropped and it looks like highlights are clipped in the sky, but that can be addressed.
I would suggest next time getting out the tripod and bracketing the shot so that you can blend back in the sky and keep the details.
Glad you were able to get out and shoot before the storm