Posted by John Mumaw on November 2, 2011 at 11:42 PM
What started as a pleasant autumn hike along a beautiful stream soon turned into more of a march as the stream cut through the Hurricane Cliffs of SW Utah. The canyon walls deepened, forcing Koveh Tavakkol, Jimmy Gekas and I to wade in the freezing cold ankle to knee deep waters and then ascending a log ladder up and through a 15 ft. rock jam waterfall. A light dusting of snow from the previous day's storm made things feel even colder. Finally, after plowing through a waist deep plunge pool, we saw the light.
Despite the tale above, this was a premiere 1.5 mile hike right up there with the Zion Narrows, but without the crowds.
As always, any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Posted by Bob Falcone on November 2, 2011 at 11:44 PM
An incredible shot! The only suggestion I have is to take me with you next time!
Posted by Koveh Tavakkol on November 3, 2011 at 12:21 AM
One of the most beautiful hikes I have done John. Your comp is very nice here, and you expressed the beautiful scene very well. A couple of small suggestions:
1) I would see if you can get a tad more shadow detail out of the right wall.
2) The overall feel is a little warm, especially in the foreground water. You might try selectively cooling some of those areas and the left wall down a bit (since it is in the shadows), and also the flowing water in the foreground.
3) The leaves at the top are a bit bright for me, though I know you prefer them that way. =)
I had a great time in here with you and Jimmy. Keep the images coming man!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on November 3, 2011 at 12:37 AM
I think this is the canyon I will be exploring on Friday. Thanks for the great preview.
Do they still have the wooden "ladders" to climb the falls, or have they been washed away?
Posted by Howard Cihak on November 3, 2011 at 2:35 AM
I won't contradict Koveh's suggestions, but I suspect the detail in the right wall is there if you print it, it's just lost in converting it for the web. Personally, I'm not sure I'd change a thing, John. A truly beautiful image. Wish I could've been there.
Posted by John Mumaw on November 3, 2011 at 6:46 AM
Thanks for the kind words and the great suggestions! I really appreciate it.
The 'ladders' are both still there, Bill. We didn't go any further than this because the canyon opens up and becomes less interesting. Besides, we were cold, wet and tired and still had to make the return hike. It now costs $10 cash per vehicle to park at the beginning. You can park at the Town Hall and walk quite a distance if you choose not to pay. We parked two vehicles there and 'car pooled' back to the parking area to save money. Koveh was the smart one of the bunch and wore waders. I would recommend it.
Posted by Bill Bean on November 3, 2011 at 9:06 AM
I've been playing with the crop on this and have decided that the golden tree at the top is a necessary element, not a distraction. I agree with Bob...the only thing wrong with this shot is that I wasn't there too. Great stuff, John.
Posted by Scott Bacon on November 3, 2011 at 9:31 AM
This is really gorgeous, John. I love the composition and the darkness of the right wall - wouldn't change that a bit. The color is also fantastic. The only things I'd be tempted to experiment with is the contrast and saturation. This has a very "painterly" feel to it. Reducing the contrast and maybe saturation, just a little, might enhance that feel and mood. This is an image that I'd like to get a "soft and smooth" vibe from, instead of "pop". If that makes any sense at all... But that's a stretch - trying to find suggestions since you asked for them. This is absolutely beautiful, as is. Love it!
Posted by Morris McClung on November 3, 2011 at 11:24 AM
What a gorgeous scene, and how fortunate are you guys to get to share this! I do agree with Koveh's suggestions some. The right foreground looks out of place due to it being so different. Now, maybe it was that different, I don't know. Since it's sandstone, should it be smoother? It's just a bit harsh. Nonetheless it is a striking image with your usual superb composition, John.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on November 3, 2011 at 11:42 AM
Looks like you made it, as I hoped you would. Beautiful canyon and with the changing leaves. I like your comp that includes the lower pour-over.
On the left edge of the right wall just a little above the water, there is a spot that it appears the "blend?" is missing. Also, there's a little blue area right of the bottom log on the wall's edge.
My preference would be to see the right wall a little warmer, but I was not there to see the actual lighting conditions.
Posted by Rod Chandler on November 3, 2011 at 4:10 PM
Unbelievable shot John, just gorgeous. That's a terrific story to go with it as well. By the way, when I was a member of the US House of Representatives between 1982 and 1992, I served with a man named George Gekas. Is Jimmy any relation? It is an unusual name so I wonder.
What an amazing place! It sounds like quite the chilly adventure getting there but your image certainly seems to indicate that it was well worth the effort. Really nice image John!
Posted by Brian Jackson on November 4, 2011 at 1:22 AM
John, I had the luxury of following in your footsteps so this shot looks familiar; even saw the image in David West's gallery, but I like yours better. He has a cropped version without the tiny tree up high, with an emphasis on the waterfall.
I met Jimmy a few days your trip up in there and he was gracious enough to escort myself and Mark up this gem of a canyon.
No doubt a great scene and the little tree above is very much necessary in this scene. Obviously color tonalities are a personal preference thing but I have to agree with Koveh about the warmer tones. I think I prefer a bit less yellow, and a bit more reds/magentas. And nice job balancing the highlights of the canyon walls behind the falls and the foreground shadows.
Posted by John Mumaw on November 4, 2011 at 9:58 PM
Thanks again for all of the excellent suggestions! I've made a number of changes due to your sharp eyes.
Posted by Stan Rose on November 5, 2011 at 1:22 PM
Cool, John--great comp! Sorry i didnt catch you out that way. I agree with burning the leaves a bit, otherwise looks perfect to me. FWIW--i had the Narrows pretty much all to myself last week (and Orderville even more to myself )
Discussion
20 repliesDespite the tale above, this was a premiere 1.5 mile hike right up there with the Zion Narrows, but without the crowds.
As always, any suggestions greatly appreciated.
1) I would see if you can get a tad more shadow detail out of the right wall.
2) The overall feel is a little warm, especially in the foreground water. You might try selectively cooling some of those areas and the left wall down a bit (since it is in the shadows), and also the flowing water in the foreground.
3) The leaves at the top are a bit bright for me, though I know you prefer them that way. =)
I had a great time in here with you and Jimmy. Keep the images coming man!
Do they still have the wooden "ladders" to climb the falls, or have they been washed away?
The 'ladders' are both still there, Bill. We didn't go any further than this because the canyon opens up and becomes less interesting. Besides, we were cold, wet and tired and still had to make the return hike. It now costs $10 cash per vehicle to park at the beginning. You can park at the Town Hall and walk quite a distance if you choose not to pay. We parked two vehicles there and 'car pooled' back to the parking area to save money. Koveh was the smart one of the bunch and wore waders. I would recommend it.
On the left edge of the right wall just a little above the water, there is a spot that it appears the "blend?" is missing. Also, there's a little blue area right of the bottom log on the wall's edge.
My preference would be to see the right wall a little warmer, but I was not there to see the actual lighting conditions.
I met Jimmy a few days your trip up in there and he was gracious enough to escort myself and Mark up this gem of a canyon.
No doubt a great scene and the little tree above is very much necessary in this scene. Obviously color tonalities are a personal preference thing but I have to agree with Koveh about the warmer tones. I think I prefer a bit less yellow, and a bit more reds/magentas. And nice job balancing the highlights of the canyon walls behind the falls and the foreground shadows.