Under the Sea in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is known for other things besides the view, that's why I picked the title here.

This was shot at high noon so I underexposed the scene to get the colors to pop. There is side, front and backlighting here which is almost mind boggling how changing a point of view can capture all of these different kinds of light. The light coming from above as the sinking blue gets darker and darker gave me the feeling of being under the sea.. .

(where is that kid blowing bubbles when I need him?)

I like how these flowers fan out diagonally throughout the frame. Nice exposure control here. I also like this with a crop off the top to a more 4x5 ratio even though the stems exit the frame. Nice to see something a bit different from JT.

Oops, I accidentally uploaded an oversized image in the first post. Here is the correct size for this website.

This came out very well Steve for mid-day light. The day I was out there I took a couple very contrasty shots along the cliff walls down at the south exit to the park as well. Things are flat gorgeous out there right now.

Yes, perspective does make a big difference in some flower shots.. This is the rabbits eye view...

Nice colors...

Nice mallows Steve. Got down and dity to get this shot I suppose, but it gave you great lighting under trying conditons, didn't have to concern yourself with where your shadow was either. Great work.

Paul

Great lighting to maximize the reds and blues.
I'll have to be more observant in JTNP in order
to see flowers like this. Well done, Steve.

I prefer the vertical version though both look really awesome with the flowers against the deep blue sky. I'm not quite sure it was the right position to get the flowers as backlit as you were looking for but I like the idea.