Greetings From The Desert

Hi all! Ok...I've been a terrible forum participant for some time now, but I like to think that I've got a decent excuse. I'm just now getting settled down after a long, drawn out relocation. With some reservations, I've left the magnificent country of southwest Colorado...having landed in the hot desert country just outside of Sedona, AZ. Don't ask why I'd move to the desert during the hottest month...it's just the way things worked out.

I've gotta say, missing out on the mountain wildflower bloom this year has me a bit bummed. There's been some great posts here so I'll just have to live vicariously through those until next year. Not all has been lost though. The monsoon season here in AZ has been pretty darned spectacular this year and has me often putting off my unpacking duties (much to my wife's chagrin) to do a bit of shooting. So I thought I'd give you all a little taste of Sedona and the desert monsoons for something a little different.

This first shot is actually my most recent (taken yesterday). It was shot from Brins Mesa in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness. I really enjoyed sitting atop the mesa watching storms form and dissipate in almost every direction.

#2 - this is an icon alert! I live a mere 10 minute drive from Red Rock Crossing in Sedona, so it's just too easy to wander down there when conditions warrant. A storm clearing just a bit before sunset made it too irresistible on this evening.

#3 - The Two Nuns (near the Chapel of the Holy Cross) provided a nice foreground for an approaching storm.

#4 - Reflections in the West Fork of Oak Creek. There's no better place to cool off during a hot summer day.

#5 - A layered look at some of Sedona's red rock monoliths.

#6 - A small waterfall along Oak Creek.

#7 - A final shot from the Prescott area. Watson Lake is a spectacular lake just north of town in the Granite Dells area. After sitting through a couple of hours of rain, the storm broke up and I was treated to a kick-butt sunset.

Well Guy, in MY book you've taken a major step UP with your move. I am jealous! I would love living in Sedona I like all these spectacular shots very much. The second looks over-sharpened to me but like I said, I'm jealous and probably just being mean! Congrats on your enviable move and thanks for sharing these. Saw #7 on Pbase yesterday.

Meh, I've seen better.....NOT! !!!!!!! Geez dude, save some awesomeness for the rest of us. These are ALL otherworldly good.

Sweet stuff Guy. I lived in the village for quite some time, drop me an email if you want some suggestions. There's more to shoot around there than you can imagine, a lot of it relatively unknown.

Good to see you posting again! And now we get your take on this gorgeous area. All of these have your usual great comps and light. The colors appear a little oversaturated, but it's probably just my old monitor. If no one else thinks so, I believe it will be time for me to calibrate.

Just the kind of fantastic work I always expect to see from you, Guy. Glad to hear that you are moved and settled in. Looks like you got right to work. Congratulations on the move.
Joe Rogers

Tremendous set of images!

All killer shots and I especially love 2 and 7. Sedona is now moving several positions higher on my to-go list.

Beautiful color on all the images. Wonderful set.

Jesus Christ!!! You had some great and you captured it amazingly!! God ... everyone of them is to die for...

I don't think I've ever seen such nice images of Sedona. Sedona, for sure, is a beautiful place but I've never seen anything that did it justice, till now.

- Dan.

Guy, the monsoon clouds have blessed your lens (and vice versa), especially 2&7. Even if you reduce the saturation some, 2 is killer.

Great collection. I really like all of them. The last one is my favorite. The first two look oversaturated to me.

The first two look oversharpened and contrasty to me (which would make them look oversaturated too) But...3-7 look AMAZING! My favs are 5 & 7

If I had to move back to AZ I'd choose Sedona...if I had a choice.
I really like all of them.
Would like to see the first 2 w/ the previous suggestions.

Thanks for the comments everyone! I do believe I'll heed the advice of the wise forum sages and back off the saturation/contrast of the first two a bit. I appreciate the feedback!

Just beautiful... #7 is really an impressive shot!

Just an awesome series!! The clouds in #7 and the rocks work so well together!!!

This collection blows me away!!! They're all great. Looks like you're really taking advantage of your new location.

Great series. I recognize the Prescott (pronounced Presskit by locals) shot as I used to go to Embry-Riddle which is essentially right next to that lake.