Although I generally try to avoid very popular photo spots like this, I have to say that it is good to go to these spots at least once just to witness it with your own eyes. In some cases you are also pleasantly surprised at the beauty of the scene, so much so that you almost forget about the crowds. This location for me was in this category. Yes, the crammed in side by side is annoying and people are stupid, and I doubt I would be going back there, but witnessing the scene in the right conditions is quite amazing.
This was a hand blend of two images for control of the dynamic range in the scene. Oh, and that little bit of darker glow you see on the bottom edge of the underside of the arch is not because of my hand blend, but just because of the way the light was hitting there. I checked this to ensure my blending skills aren't going to crap, and was pleased to see the dark area is there on all my RAW files. I think it was just the fact that the light wasn't hitting that spot as intensely due to the angles.
As always I appreciate and look forward to your suggestions on how I can improve, and hope you guys enjoy this.
Very nice koveh!
A nice seamless blend that is very pleasing and displays experience of witnessing a sunrise here.
When I photographed this for the 1st time, I found myself just wanting to sit and watch the magic of nature happen. I had to go back again with the camera top priority the 2nd round.
Well, you took an icon and made it your own, Koveh. I like the more truncated view you got (whether through your compositional skills or your position in the conga line) , the sunstar and the light rays filtering through the Washerwoman formation. The 'development' is flawless, too. Many oversaturate the 'glow', but what you have is just right.
A great one for your portfolio, amigo!
Really nice, Koveh. The comp and sunstar make this view special. The saturation and detail looking towards Washer Woman is pretty spiffy too.
Posted by Brett Deacon on May 24, 2011 at 10:30 PM
I have seen variations of this image a hundred times, but very few are as good as this. You made the most of your opportunity and captured an beautiful image of an iconic place. The composition and processing are spot-on, and the sunburst is icing on the cake. Great job!.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on May 24, 2011 at 10:36 PM
Looks very nicely done on all counts. I like your exposure of the background, the tiny sunstar, and the streaks of sunlight through the haze.
Bill, I did try a few pano shots, but there was a lot of people and tripods and arms and such to worry about. The issue was to get my tripod on level ground (no pano head) I would have had to backup and that meant no clear view. I think you can get a pano to work if the group isn't lined up too close to the arch, but when I got there people were already on the foreground rocks there.
John, thanks my friend. I composed this with no sky on purpose, because I really wasn't pleased with the blown out sky. It wasn't really a good blue color and there was no clouds at all, so I decided on a tighter comp to emphasize the arch glow and scenery inside the window.
Gorgeous! I like the tighter composition - its more intimate than grand scenic. As mentioned, the sun star really adds another dimension to the image. Nice work!!
Posted by Rod Chandler on May 25, 2011 at 11:41 AM
A very nice composition and processing. The sun star really adds. Notice the haze, however. Even though this is a popular icon I would recommend going back in January or February. You will find fewer people and the air will be much more clear.
Discussion
16 replieshttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/5754992290_d99af4889d_b.jpg
Although I generally try to avoid very popular photo spots like this, I have to say that it is good to go to these spots at least once just to witness it with your own eyes. In some cases you are also pleasantly surprised at the beauty of the scene, so much so that you almost forget about the crowds. This location for me was in this category. Yes, the crammed in side by side is annoying and people are stupid, and I doubt I would be going back there, but witnessing the scene in the right conditions is quite amazing.
This was a hand blend of two images for control of the dynamic range in the scene. Oh, and that little bit of darker glow you see on the bottom edge of the underside of the arch is not because of my hand blend, but just because of the way the light was hitting there. I checked this to ensure my blending skills aren't going to crap, and was pleased to see the dark area is there on all my RAW files. I think it was just the fact that the light wasn't hitting that spot as intensely due to the angles.
As always I appreciate and look forward to your suggestions on how I can improve, and hope you guys enjoy this.
A nice seamless blend that is very pleasing and displays experience of witnessing a sunrise here.
When I photographed this for the 1st time, I found myself just wanting to sit and watch the magic of nature happen. I had to go back again with the camera top priority the 2nd round.
Did you try any panos to get more of the arch?
It's usually crowded, and every once in a while someone spoils the fun, but I still find the experience is well worth a little hassle.
A great one for your portfolio, amigo!
Bill Brennan
Bill, I did try a few pano shots, but there was a lot of people and tripods and arms and such to worry about. The issue was to get my tripod on level ground (no pano head) I would have had to backup and that meant no clear view. I think you can get a pano to work if the group isn't lined up too close to the arch, but when I got there people were already on the foreground rocks there.
John, thanks my friend. I composed this with no sky on purpose, because I really wasn't pleased with the blown out sky. It wasn't really a good blue color and there was no clouds at all, so I decided on a tighter comp to emphasize the arch glow and scenery inside the window.