Ephemeral Glow (Take 2)

Took this image about a half hour after the one I posted at ES&S. A bit of backstory there, as well.
I felt touched with grace watching the sandstone glow like fire for the short time it lasted.

My first response was that I liked the RMNP post better, but now I'm not so sure-they are both very nice.

Oh come ON! You have GOT to be KIDDING me! This is otherworldly, John. You've got the awesome glow, you've got the incredible depth created by looking down canyon through the arch -- and then you've got freakin' God beams slashing across the sky? In a way that draws the viewer in, no less? Geez, this is one of the best pics you've ever posted, and that's saying something.

I personally like this on better than the ess one, I love complex grands capes, so it's more of a personal thing. This is just beautiful, everything works so well together and that glow is just amazing.

Agree with Todd

Just one small suggestion, this looks like a blend to me, I'd love to see the foreground rocks a tad bit darker. I think it would make the image even more powerful.

John,
That is utterly fantastic....Im sure I would have felt the same way. You really know some unique places and come up with some truly unique images Joe Rogers

Very nice! I really like the warm glow.

Absolutely gorgeous John! The composition is right on with the foreground rocks and the view down the canyon through the arch.

Wow sweet shot. I like this one much better than the ESS one as well. I really like how the beams of light bring you into this shot.

Highly impressive composition and arch highlight color. Pretty much reaching the "bad ass" composition benchmark, which, in my book means, Money! I would darken the foreground a notch or two.

The angle of light seems almost too perfect, for the arch, which looks amazing and is 3 quarters of the image. I'm not sure how that arch can glow with such Color and the background look sooo highlighted. The arch seems so rich in color which to me, seems like color you get when the sun is LOW on the horizon, however the sky looks like a sunset ready to happen in 20 minutes. It's like you're catching the perfect beam of light, that one ray of light, that happens a few days a year. Is it me? If it is me, then I apologize for the incorrect critique.

Kane

Thanks for the kind words, folks.
I've waited for years to get this shot. I will work on burning in the foreground some. I greatly appreciate the advice!

Kane,
You're correct that sunset was about a half an hour away. The sun's rays struck the back wall of this alcove full on and reflected up and around, lighting up the sides of the alcove and the bottom of the arch. Direct sun did not (and could not) reach the areas which are glowing. In that regard, this closely parallels the famous glow of Mesa Arch at Canyonlands.

Both shots are very nice but I think I like the one on ESS because the of the sky. It seems like there should be a little more color in the sky. It looks a little to b and w. Beautiful sunlight on the bottom side of the arch. Nice work.

I've looked at these shots a few times today, deciding which one I liked the best. I have to say I like this one, though the one on ESS is unique in that if you didn't know any better, it seems like there is a huge fire inside the arch because of all the glow. Again, I like this one better. I like the sense of depth through the arch down into the canyon.

She sure is PURDY! Nice work.

Definitely a gorgeous shot, but as somebody mentioned before, there seems to be some layer/composite/HDR effect that's noticeable.

It's hard to look past that incredible glow, John. I'm just in awe of that. I like the comp too, But, I'm finding the flatness of the sky really detracts from this, for me anyway. I don't know if burning it down, or increasing saturation without going overboard, would help. The overall lack of sharpness isn't helping either, but that could be a web thing, although I have seen you post sharper images. Overall, I'd say this is a winner, but you could also take it up a notch if you so desire.

John, this is one of the most remarkable of all the images you've ever posted that I've seen. Your patience was rewarded, obviously, but that in no way diminishes the fact that you had the vision to foresee that this image was possible. Incredible!

One last point: I'd be careful about burning in the foreground too much. I personally am not sure it needs it all.

I like both of these shots, John! The one on ESS is especially cool since you can't really tell its an arch. Looks like a large glowing mouth opening up! Both photos have unique perspectives of such an often photographed scene. Its nice to see something new!

John, I think this is an incredible shot! the little rock at the top of the arch with the sunrays beaming across the sky, makes me feel like I just discovered the Holy Grail and there it is!!!! great work!!!!!

I was wondering if you were gonna try to get there again this year. At least ya made it this time!! Beautiful light and comp. As mentioned earlier, it does have a bit of a hdr look going on. The lack of contrast in the sky and the brightness of the shadowed areas were the first thing that struck me. That said, realize that we're being typical uber-critical photographers here...its a great shot that I'd love to have in my collection! That glow is mesmerizing.

I've looked at both and definitely prefer this version to the ess version. I do agree about the HDR effect, that said, the golden glow and the graceful composition are Winners!!!!

Wowee, that's what I noticed, the elements that come together in this image. The glow alone would be grand, but the sky beams fill it right in. The light is just great. Funny you mentioned Mesa Arch (which lights up quite similar as you know), that's a shot I've always wanted to attempt, and will one day.

Great work John. The ESS version is such a total different perspective it's hard to compare the two, I like 'em both. Pardon my ignorance, where was this taken? Or would you have to kill me if you told me that information?