Desert Solitude

I just got back from a couple days backpacking and exploring Joshua Tree NP. Spent some time in the wilderness north of Pine City and Queen mountain. Very little in terms of Joshua Trees, but I really enjoy the pines and cactus' at the higher elevations as well. This image was shot on my way out near Hidden Valley for some friends of mine. Really a grab shot, but I think it captures the essence of JT under nice light.

Incidentally I spooked a large ram bedding down close nearby as crested a ridge line the first morning. The power and sound of him fleeing the scene reminded me of a thoroughbred running down the back stretch in the calm, cool morning air. As I stood and watched him slip off into the distance I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. A covey of quail bobbed and weaved through the brush like little ghosts down the hill for a morning drink. I knew then and there it was going to be a good time.

As always, any comments, suggestions or critiques are always welcomed.

Cheers!

~Eric

WOW, what a really wonderful "grab shot" as it were.
I like the small bit of backup story you posted about your outing as well, Eric. Those encounters really make the trips worth while IMO.

That's a fine image of the area, Eric. What light!

Sounds like a great trip from your description Eric, and lovely image, albeit a "grab" shot.

I wish that I could get more grab shots of this quality. Great light, and well
composed with different elements (trees and rocks) appropriately placed.

This really captures the mood and feel of the place. Beautiful sky and light, too.

This has actually been an interesting study on the quality of an image. I doubt any of the images that I spent large amounts of time composing will be better than this. Here I spent five minutes frantically running around recomposing this scene hoping to get something adequate, but in the end I think an image's success has a lot to do with the quality of the light. Even if I was able to tweak this composition to where I really liked it, I don't know if it would make that much of a difference in terms of the image's success.

This is really, really nice, Eric! It comes together wonderfully, and has a very nice glow. This definitely speaks to a quiet desert morning. Print it!

-P

This has actually been an interesting study on the quality of an image. I doubt any of the images that I spent large amounts of time composing will be better than this.

Eric, I think we have all had this happen at times. We take'em where we can get'em I always say.

Probably one of the most famous LANDSCAPE grab shots was by Ansel Adams and his capture of "Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico".

That is such sweet sky Eric, haven't seen one like that in JT yet.
That sky is not just decor it's a big plus.

Grab, snap, great shot, sometimes it just all comes together in an instant, and sometimes all you have is an instant. Nice Eric.