Posted by Joshua Hardin on October 5, 2011 at 1:54 PM
Here are a few of the first photos I've processed from my experience on the Mesa Verde Square Tower House tour last week. Wow, what an awesome experience to be able to get up close and personal with this unusual site! It was a unique opportunity to say the least. The ranger leading my tour was extremely knowledgeable and the group I was with was a lot of fun.
The image above was taken near the end of the tour when some fantastic sunlight hitting the adjacent canyon was reflecting back onto the tower. Notice that amazing crow's nest construction inside the ledge in the upper right corner. You can't see that from the normal overlook!
Posted by Joshua Hardin on October 5, 2011 at 1:55 PM
A similar but wider view of most of the site including a kiva. I took this one a little bit earlier in the tour.
Posted by Joshua Hardin on October 5, 2011 at 1:56 PM
The view below of the oldest part of the site taken through the "arch window" of the Square Tower.
Posted by Joshua Hardin on October 5, 2011 at 1:57 PM
Wide angle from directly below the tower. The open window near the center is the same one pictured in the previous image.
Posted by Joshua Hardin on October 5, 2011 at 2:00 PM
A final image taken during my drive to the site. Three deer bucks were eating breakfast on the side of the road. Here's a closeup of one of them. The background is a bit busy, but representative of the remains of the many wildfires that have occurred in the park. This was taken at about the same time as sunrise, so that is the reason for the very warm color balance. Thanks for looking and for your comments!
Posted by Doug Koepsel on October 5, 2011 at 2:55 PM
Looks to be a very interesting set of structures. #4 really stands out to me with the lead wall and the timbers.
His antlers look like he has been rubbing on the burnt trees.
Some really creative and interesting comps, Josh--nice set! I thought they were taken in overcast conditions though--at least in #1,2 it looks kind of flat, works better in #3 which is my fav of the group. I think a little ,ore contrast in the first couple would help
Posted by Jack Garrett on October 5, 2011 at 8:22 PM
Really nice use of lines and progression in your comps, Joshua. #4 works very well. Nice work.
Posted by John Mumaw on October 6, 2011 at 1:00 PM
Nice work here, Josh. And what a creative title!!
#3 is also my favorite. The ranger who escorted us told us that they are pushing to have the 'Little Long House' ruin included in this tour next year as it was right around the corner.
Posted by Kurt Bowman on October 7, 2011 at 8:58 AM
Nice series of images Josh. I think this type of tour would be awesome, so thanks for sharing. My fans are 3 and 4.
Discussion
11 repliesThe image above was taken near the end of the tour when some fantastic sunlight hitting the adjacent canyon was reflecting back onto the tower. Notice that amazing crow's nest construction inside the ledge in the upper right corner. You can't see that from the normal overlook!
His antlers look like he has been rubbing on the burnt trees.
#3 is also my favorite. The ranger who escorted us told us that they are pushing to have the 'Little Long House' ruin included in this tour next year as it was right around the corner.