Last Shot at Red Rock

I stopped by Red Rock Canyon on the way up to South Fork of the Kern Saturday Morning. There were so many nice clouds out at dawn but they started disappearing on me. Thankfully a few lingered around to the north. This was the last shot before I headed back to the car for the rest of the drive.

On a side note, if anyone feels like pigging out at a buffet before or after hiking a few miles, there is a little place called Bernadinos in Inyokern. It's one of those breakfast buffet's that lasts til 2pm and it's less then 10 bucks. I love a decent buffet because I get to end with my sweet tooth taking total control but Christina can't stand them, lucky me we got to stop there on the way up and back.

Since I'm talking about budget deals has anyone noticed most camping fees have went up?

This is a fabulous shot! Nice composition and contrast. My only suggestion would be to try lightening up the middle to lower right corner.

WOW, the clouds are super in this one, Steve. I too would try to lift some of the darker areas Tony has commented about. Still, an outstanding take on this not too often worked area.

p.s. not being a camper anymore I have not noticed any price issues. But, if you're referring to the state parks, there would be a total understanding as to why that has all come about here in the golden state. The lack of the "gold" being no doubt the key issue these days.

Thanks for the suggestions Tony and Paul, here is a reworked version. Paul, yes the State Park fees have hiked up. I know we need the money. Thank goodness I bought an annual entry pass.

Yes, that's much better in the shadow areas, Steve.
Ya, the annual passes are the way to go. I've bought a National Park annual pass every year for well over 20 years now. It was great when they were $50 a year. But then they went to $85 which included BLM and National Forest I think too.
However, this will be my last NP annual pass purchase coming up. I'll be getting the life time senior pass for the grand total of $10. Ain't getting old tons of fun?

I lost my NP pass Paul, so I can say I wish I was old enough to get that deal. I'm looking forward to that one!

Steve,

What an excellent and stark landscape. the late (or early?) light would have pushed the limits of color, but certainly works here. I really like the long shadows that help fill the void on the right. Fabulous sky and just a great landscape all the way around. The second version works nicely although I didn't have any qualms with the first one.

Lon

I like this B&W interpretation of Red Rock Canyon, particularly clouds, formations,
textures, and lines. It's all there, Steve. Well done.

I like the second one steve, and I think you could still open the shadows up on the rocks just a touch. fine image from a neat area. I noticed the cg fees had gone up last summer in bishop crk canyon. It's still way cheaper than a motel/hotel, but......

Nice image, Steve. I like the second version a bit better. I also like the strong blacks. I find they pop the image nicely.

Looks like you are having WAY too much fun with B&W.

Steve, nice comp and B&W conversion. The re-post has more mid-tones and adds to the richness of the image. I don't think you lost too much in the lower blacks. Nice image. Best Regards.