Light, Shadow and Texture

I've been working on a project for a prospective client and wanted to get some feedback on what I've been working on. I've been spending a lot of time on it recently and am at the stage I need to step away and have some fresh eyes look at it.

The objective was to create a series of cohesive images from Antelope Canyon. I wanted to concentrate on the sculptural nature of the canyon rather than the amazing colors. This was done for two reasons. First, I have always been drawn to the sculpted, 3 dimensional curving walls and the varying light and shadow. When you eliminate the color the texture of the walls and the play of light and shadow come to the fore. The second reason is the space these will go lends itself to monochromatic images and the colors of the canyon just wouldn't work.

I would greatly appreciate any critiques you may have on individual images as well as on the series as a whole.

Light, Shadow and Texture Series

I really enjoyed viewing for the simplicity afforded by the absence of overwhelming color. Each image has its own unique flow and the tonality matches up seamlessly. It's a quietly powerful series that's really well done. Thanks for sharing it here and best of luck.

I think you've accomplished your goals, Scott. Excellent work.
I especially like the one above. The light and your processing superbly define the rock in 3D.

If there was every a place where color was necessary, Antelope is it. I understand black and white when that was the best
we had. After that however, color is supreme. Imagine if you eyesight only came in black and white. Think what you would
miss. Your photos are only 50% of what they could be.

Great series, Scott! No offense to all the excellent color renditions of Antelope out there, but I'd say this is a refreshing take on the place. Every image really has its own personality, and I imagine they'll all work very well together. You should post a photo of the installation for us when it happens.

Scott these are beautiful! I really like Taffy, Labyrinth and Antelope's Eye. I think the texture, tone and lines in Taffy are amazing and I prefer it over the color version. Labyrinth makes you want to wander throughout, just twisting and turning with all the curves and depth...wonderful. Antelope's Eye is an amazing photo both in BW and color. I love the glow in the middle and all the wonderful lines! I think the color version (Vortex) of Winter canyon is better than the BW. I find the Black center overwhelming in the BW version, but not in the color and I think that's because all the different colors pull you around the black center. I, also, think the Sandstone Waves is better in the color version because the light area at the top in the BW version distracts me. In the color version you have that creamy yellow color that makes you look there but not particularly linger. The Sharks Fin photos are amazing! I think Sharks fin III is a better photo than Sharks Fin II and I only say that because Sharks Fin II has too much light space without much texture in the lighter area. I think the Fin itself is amazing, but I get distracted by the lighter area. The color version of Shark Fin III is exquisite! I find the Keyhole interesting and it has a lot of depth. You have an incredible set of photos there... I think it's a fabulous project!
I was really enjoying all your galleries. You have a great eye! Antelope Canyon and The Wave are on my bucket list. I've never been to either place. If you're ever going to either place and wouldn't mind another photographer along, please please let me know. Even though I'm 51, I'm fit and adventurous, just a bit wary about going alone Your Cracked Egg Dawn, Cracked Eggs II, Dead Horse Dawn, and Delicate Arch Storm are particularly wonderful photos, although that whole desert gallery is great. I also love your Atmospheric Gallery.. very cool captures...Super Cell II and Iridescent I are awesome! Hope to meet you at the shindig. Blessings, Deb

Wow, Scott, this is really some fabulous work. Your decision to eliminate color was right on, and shows off Antelope canyon in a whole new light (no pun intended). I think we're so often dazzled by color that we overlook the incredible forms, shapes, and textures around us. Thanks for the reminder!

Scott, these toned B&W really do place the emphasis on shape, line and light. I do not miss the color at all. Of these, Taffy is my favorite and I am liking its patterns in the UR. Winter Canyon does not do much for me, however- too much darkness and the lighted sandstone seems grainy, lacking the smoothness and flow of the other images.

Your toning elevates these to the Fine Art category imo. "Winter Canyon" was the only one that does not appeal to me. Feels too dark. I do see all of the others working well together. Excellent work!

Thank you everybody for your comments so far, it's been very helpful. I am in agreement with several people's opinion that the Winter Canyon image probably doesn't belong as it is presented. I might try going back to see if I have a similar image that has more detail in the shadows to see if that helps.

Absolutely beautiful series.

Very creative...love the toning you chose!
'Taffy' is also my favorite, with 'Shark's Fin II' and 'Antelope's Eye' close behind.
Those three work best for me because there's quite a bit of texture and detail and the light is more even, which is most desirable to my eye for your technique..

Nice series, Scott! Sharksfin II and Winter canyon are the two that really grab me, there's more substance to them rather than pure lines or texture.