Posted by John Mumaw on January 19, 2011 at 7:59 PM
Taken last Saturday during a picture perfect day near the Utah-Arizona border. Tough to resist giving this rock a quick lick just to see...
Posted by Chris Rice on January 19, 2011 at 8:48 PM
Hey John,
Thank you for enlightening us with this classic example of a leading line. The parallel structure of the lighter sedimentary layer is so damn intriguing, and I'm drawn all the way to the end of the image into the blue, which happens to be the opposing color to orange; so dude, you nailed it. You have produced an artistic abstraction from a fascinating geologic wonder. I'd love to see this printed BIG (on canvas).
Edit: So the more I look at this shot (You can't critique just once), I know the issue surrounding unbalanced background elements is often a tricky one - and I'm referring to the upper left corner here... But, what makes up for it is the interesting formation in the upper right corner, because its akin to an 'extension', if you will, to the stratification emphasis. The only thing that I now see that may be a really small issue is the slight darkening in that URC - I'm no expert on this but maybe a little dodging might help that area even out a little (could also be my display, which is slightly darker to ease the eyes).
I'm drawn to this image because every time i'm in the desert I try to shoot these scenes, and it's often very difficult! So John thanks for sharing this, I'm glad you did.
Posted by Paul Wegemann on January 19, 2011 at 9:07 PM
Christopher is a hard act to follow, so I'll just say, "Wow, John, I love this!" One nit though, you should consider cloning out the tongue marks
Posted by Todd Caudle on January 19, 2011 at 10:11 PM
Oh that's just ridiculous!
Posted by Doug Koepsel on January 19, 2011 at 10:19 PM
John, Glad the weather/sun cooperated for your trip. I did not notice the darker URC that Christoher pointed out, as probably those great leading lines took my eyes to the other corner where they meet the skyline.
Posted by Morris McClung on January 19, 2011 at 11:18 PM
Fantastic use of line and color, John! An image that is superbly crafted.
Posted by Ernie Marx on January 19, 2011 at 11:29 PM
Great image!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on January 19, 2011 at 11:36 PM
An image to make a geologist drool.
Posted by Lynn Scott on January 20, 2011 at 2:23 AM
John--maybe it's my eyes but I enjoyed the leading lines right out into the wild blue and didn't even give the darker corner a first glance.
Posted by John Mumaw on January 20, 2011 at 6:34 PM
Thanks, folks! I really appreciate the feedback and will work on that top right corner later.
Posted by Jeff Hackett on January 20, 2011 at 9:27 PM
Love the lines and color! My eye drifts effortlessly right up through the image. I do like the whispy clouds in the sky section, they are a nice accent.
Posted by Don Grall on January 20, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Very striking image, this shot rocks!
Posted by Kalin Wilson on January 20, 2011 at 11:33 PM
Beautimous! I'm with Chris. I love talking shots like this of the patterns and lines in the desert. This epitomizes what I hope for. Great shot!
Posted by Howard Cihak on January 21, 2011 at 5:45 AM
Outstanding comp, John. Good to see the weather is letting you get in some shooting time this winter.
Posted by Bob Falcone on January 21, 2011 at 7:44 AM
Great shot, just as it stands...
Posted by Dan Walters on January 22, 2011 at 8:30 PM
Discussion
23 repliesThank you for enlightening us with this classic example of a leading line. The parallel structure of the lighter sedimentary layer is so damn intriguing, and I'm drawn all the way to the end of the image into the blue, which happens to be the opposing color to orange; so dude, you nailed it. You have produced an artistic abstraction from a fascinating geologic wonder. I'd love to see this printed BIG (on canvas).
Edit: So the more I look at this shot (You can't critique just once), I know the issue surrounding unbalanced background elements is often a tricky one - and I'm referring to the upper left corner here... But, what makes up for it is the interesting formation in the upper right corner, because its akin to an 'extension', if you will, to the stratification emphasis. The only thing that I now see that may be a really small issue is the slight darkening in that URC - I'm no expert on this but maybe a little dodging might help that area even out a little (could also be my display, which is slightly darker to ease the eyes).
I'm drawn to this image because every time i'm in the desert I try to shoot these scenes, and it's often very difficult! So John thanks for sharing this, I'm glad you did.
Awesome shot and like it alot!!
Guy