The overlying coarse white sandstone caprock was deposited by rivers which were eroding the Pikes Peak Granite. All of the feldspars have been altered to chalky white clay minerals.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on April 26, 2012 at 2:32 AM
#3 Detail of paleosol textures.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on April 26, 2012 at 2:34 AM
#4 Golden Banner was rather abundant. Black T-shirt background.
Posted by Jack Garrett on April 26, 2012 at 3:17 AM
great images Bill! I've been there once but didn't capture anything like this.
Nice set, and brilliant colors too. #3 makes a nice abstract. #1 is probably my favorite. I like the line of the riverbed that leads me into the photo. It seems like the lighter whiter cap-rock picks up the reflected light of the sky (in the shadow areas anyway) which contrasts nicely with all the warm tones.
Outstanding set, Bill! #3 is a fantastic abstract and the Golden Banner shot is just excellent.
Posted by Kurt Bowman on April 26, 2012 at 11:08 AM
Bill, I'm a sucker for a good abstract and #3 is over the top "cool"! Love the colors and textures A LOT.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on April 26, 2012 at 11:10 AM
Soubhik, yes I started at the first entrance, took the first right, and stayed on the west side trails. I don't know if there is any more badland erosion to the east.
For sunset I drove to the overlook (2nd parking area). That would be a great location, if you had any clouds to the east.
Very nice images indeed. Of course, since i enjoy flower images I was impressed by the controlled lighting and background of the Banner. No doubt you found the best way to shot a close up..bring your own background! I believe i am going to purchase some differring shades and patterns of cloth from one of the hobby stores to address background issues.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on April 28, 2012 at 1:50 AM
Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I wasn't sure if anyone would like #3.
Ken, I forgot to mention that a white reflector was used in front to open the shadows.
This is the first time that I've used a background of any kind in the field.
I much prefer a natural, blurred background for flower closeups, but the harsh midday lighting and bare dirt left me uninspired.
Posted by Bob Falcone on April 28, 2012 at 6:19 PM
Very nice set, Bill! Count me in as a fan of #3 also!
Posted by Doug Koepsel on April 29, 2012 at 11:55 AM
Bill, I like most the first with the nice draw for my eyes to hike down. All are very nice.
Posted by Bob Maynard on April 29, 2012 at 8:14 PM
These are probably the best images I've seen of the Paint Mines!
Discussion
18 repliesThe white sandstone makes it a tough shoot on a bright sunny day.
The first image is a two exposure manual blend - left and right sides.
Critique always welcome.
The colorful zones are ancient soil horizons - paleosols.
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has a nice artists interpretation of this "Red Dirt World" rainforest ~ Eocene, 55 mya.
http://www.dmns.org/main/minisites/ancientdenvers/reddirt.html
The overlying coarse white sandstone caprock was deposited by rivers which were eroding the Pikes Peak Granite. All of the feldspars have been altered to chalky white clay minerals.
For sunset I drove to the overlook (2nd parking area). That would be a great location, if you had any clouds to the east.
Ken, I forgot to mention that a white reflector was used in front to open the shadows.
This is the first time that I've used a background of any kind in the field.
I much prefer a natural, blurred background for flower closeups, but the harsh midday lighting and bare dirt left me uninspired.