The Official Moab Spring Fling Contest

A bit delayed but here it is, the official thread in which to post your favorite photo from the RMNP Spring Fling in Moab this year.

Rules: Each person may post only one photo and the photo must have been made during the weekend of the event in Moab (Fri - Sun). Honor system here, folks. All entries must be posted to this thread by midnight on June 8, 2011. I'll select my favorite three images and will announce the winners in this thread on June 9, 2011. My decision is final and I cannot be bribed with beer, chocolate malts or promises of everlasting life.

1st Prize: One (1) Nik Software plug-in of your choice, one (1) X-Large F-Stop Gear t-shirt and one (1) Dust-Aid Platinum digital camera sensor cleaning kit.

2nd Prize: One (1) X-Large F-Stop Gear t-shirt and one (1) Dust-Aid Platinum digital camera sensor cleaning kit.

3rd Prize: One (1) Dust-Aid Platinum digital camera sensor cleaning kit.

A HUGE thanks to Nik Software, F-Stop Gear and Dust-Aid for generously donating prizes for the contest. Looking forward to seeing all of your awesome images, folks. I have no doubt choosing the winners is going to be an agonizing task.

This is awesome Bret. Thanks for doing this for us! Looking forward to making it next year.

Balanced Rock Panorama ~ Arches National Park

Let's get this party started! Can't wait to see everyone's images!!

Early morning at Dead Horse Point. Thanks again for organizing the Spring Fling, Bret. I am looking forward to next year!

Here's my entry. "A Kindred Spirit," taken at Dead Horse Point. I try to frame shots that no one else is even thinking about. Is that you, Sarah, up there? Green top and dark shorts?

I had a great time meeting everyone! With a little help I finally found this amazing place. I am looking forward to more shindigs! Thanks, Bret, for getting this one together.

Here is my entry. Thanks again for the great time and getting to know all of you. Kudos to Bret for putting this together!!!

I'm officially disqualified from winning more stuff since I got the Nik plugin but thought I'd share another of my favorites from the shindig.

Hey Howard - I was wearing dark shorts and a green fleece that morning so it probably is me (everyone else - smartly - wore pants!). I may have to buy a copy of that image from you! Cool shot - and not just because I am in it. :). Great entries from everyone else, too.

Sarah, it would be my pleasure to send you print for the cost of the postage and packaging. I can produce one up to 13x19 paper size. Just tell me what size you'd prefer, and where to send it. You can e-mail me directly at hjcihak@comcast.net.

After leaving Klondike Bluffs/Tower Arch on Saturday night, I headed out to make this image.

Well Anne beat me to posting the location but it was my best shot that weekend for sure. Sunday afternoon a little after 5. I had waited almost 3 hours for the clouds to get right. Amazing place. 5 portrait shots stitched, ND soft grad. NX2 PP.

Here's my entry from Negro Bill Canyon. I remembered the cascade from years ago but, the reflection was a bonus. Great little Hike to cool off in the Heat of the Day.

Ok, you've already seen this but I'm posting it again as it is my favorite from my day in Arches. Also, I think that some of you may have helped me with the light on Balanced Rock. There were about five cars in a row which came down the road and lit the formation for me. I think it may have been some of you returning from Klondike Bluffs, so thanks!

Now I have shindig envy. Sorry I couldn't make it. These are all fantastic images, and I can't wait to see more.

Sorry about selecting an icon, but this is my favorite shot from the weekend.

Taken Friday morning. The sunrise was blocked by a cloud bank and we didn't see any reflected light until over an hour after sunrise, but it was worth the wait. NONE of the two dozen photographers moved their tripods until the sun broke through! For most that was about 2 hours after arriving.

My primary objective for the weekend was to learn how to compose with a newly acquired 17mm TS-E.

This is a 3 vertical image stitch, using left and right shifts. No focus or exposure blending.
Canon 17mm TS-E, ISO 100, f/16, 1/13 sec

The classic Dead Horse Point State Park. Incredible view no matter how many times I've seen it! Thanks for organizing the event Bret.

I got nuthin' from that day, but I'm sure getting a kick out of seeing such fine work from all of you here!

Waaaaay too many great images. We gotta do this some more!

This is a 6 image pano I stitched together at the sunrise gathering at DHP. It hurts to take it down so tiny for this presentation. And yes, before I get nailed for over the top PS work, I did clone out the road. I had a great time there and look forward to next year.