Posted by John Mumaw on September 5, 2011 at 11:56 AM
The Moenave sandstone formation is a relatively soft sandstone layer that lends itself well to being sculpted by eons of erosion courtesy of wind driven sandstorms and sporadic deluges of rain and snowstorms.
Layers of gypsum from arid periods lend this formation some beautiful white striations that interlace with the red/purple sandstone.
No words match these particular rock formations, so I'll fall back on calling them 'hoodoos' and let it go at that.
Posted by John Mumaw on September 5, 2011 at 11:57 AM
'Moenave Castle #1'
Posted by John Mumaw on September 5, 2011 at 11:58 AM
'Moenave Castle #2'
Posted by John Mumaw on September 5, 2011 at 11:58 AM
'Moenave Castle #3'
Posted by John Mumaw on September 5, 2011 at 12:03 PM
And surely, one of the most interesting and beautiful hoodoos that I've ever encountered is the Hopi Clown, named for its uncanny resemblance to the trickster of the Kachina religion.
A Google image search will show you that resemblance.
Posted by John Mumaw on September 5, 2011 at 12:04 PM
'Hopi Clown in B&W'
Posted by John Mumaw on September 5, 2011 at 12:04 PM
As always, any suggestions and critiques are greatly appreciated!
what a strange and mysterious place. #4 is my favorite, Have you considered cropping off the lower third, leaving just the rock formations? I love the contrast between the clown and the cliffs in the background.
Posted by Bret Edge on September 5, 2011 at 12:40 PM
Oh my, John - these are amazing! The images just kept getting better and better as I scrolled down, too. I've GOT to spend some time exploring these areas with you some day!
Posted by Doug Koepsel on September 5, 2011 at 1:18 PM
Nice soft lighting on the Clown to make it stand apart from the darker background. You might possibly darken the background rock above and right of the Clown's hat. Very interesting formation.
Posted by Todd Caudle on September 5, 2011 at 1:22 PM
The first three are pretty much standard issue John Mumaw awesomeness, but then you knock it right out of the park with the last two. Wow!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on September 5, 2011 at 1:51 PM
You couldn't ask for better lighting on the clown - #4.
The dark, but not too dark, background makes it sing.
Great processing on all.
What amazing formations, and amazing photos of them! I agree with others on the last two being best. I often like seeing such features in the context of the bigger landscape, but it's the details in the rocks that really make these work for me.
Posted by Brian Jackson on September 5, 2011 at 2:42 PM
All are good, but the last two are amazing.
Posted by Pam Colander on September 5, 2011 at 3:05 PM
The Clown formation is truely a work of art and your captures of it are stunning John. I've never seen anything as beautifully naturally colored as this.
Posted by Morris McClung on September 5, 2011 at 3:31 PM
Oh, Mommy! They just get better as you scroll down! Just what Todd said. The first 3 are great and then the last 2 are pure artwork!
Couldn't agree more with everyone else, the last B&W image is awesome ...
Posted by Joe Rogers on September 5, 2011 at 4:42 PM
You do it once again, John....I am loving it.
Joe Rogers
Posted by Howard Cihak on September 5, 2011 at 6:03 PM
What can I say, John, that everyone else hasn't already beaten me to it? However, I'd love to see a B&W conversion of the color image of the clown hoodoo (not that the one you did isn't spectacular in its own right).
Posted by Lance Burch on September 5, 2011 at 7:59 PM
Really like 1 and the black and white. These are all great.
Posted by Roger Rouch on September 5, 2011 at 8:23 PM
They are all really nice, but the last two of the "Hopi clown" are stunning. A great collection!
Posted by John Mumaw on September 5, 2011 at 8:30 PM
Thanks so much for the kind words and suggestions. I greatly appreciate it!
Posted by Dan Walters on September 5, 2011 at 8:42 PM
Love the light and composition in #2. Very nice!
Posted by Jack Brauer on September 5, 2011 at 9:27 PM
Hopi Clown (#4) is gorgeous!!! If that's not an icon already, I'm sure it will be after people see your shots!
Posted by Kane Engelbert on September 5, 2011 at 9:28 PM
That last Black and White is killer; my favorite by far. #2, 4 are beautiful as well.
Posted by Bill Bean on September 5, 2011 at 11:33 PM
These are all amazing. The B&W of the Hopi Clown is the type of image we all aspire to. Simply fabulous!
Posted by Jack Garrett on September 5, 2011 at 11:48 PM
You asked for suggestions, so here is a suggestion.....call me up and take me with you!!! These are just outstanding!
Posted by Koveh Tavakkol on September 6, 2011 at 2:53 PM
Killer stuff John. I have to check this place out sometime. You truly did it justice. Both #4 and that B&W shot are spectacular. Really great stuff.
Posted by Anne K. Rusk on September 6, 2011 at 10:56 PM
WOW! These are spectacular! My favorites are the Hopi Clown and #3. Ah, heck, who am I kidding, I love them all! Really excellent and different to look at. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by Kurt Bowman on September 6, 2011 at 11:21 PM
John, these are really sweet (as always)! I tell you...you have some of the most amazon places and seem to really understand how to present them in an amazing way. The entire collection is great, but I am especially loving the last 2. Great job!
Wonderful series John. Number four obviously stands out, but I think my favorite is number 2. The composition and light in that particular image is special, at least to me. Congratulations
Michael
Posted by Stan Rose on September 8, 2011 at 12:55 AM
Discussion
33 repliesLayers of gypsum from arid periods lend this formation some beautiful white striations that interlace with the red/purple sandstone.
No words match these particular rock formations, so I'll fall back on calling them 'hoodoos' and let it go at that.
A Google image search will show you that resemblance.
The dark, but not too dark, background makes it sing.
Great processing on all.
Joe Rogers
Michael
thanks,
Tim!