Posted by Joshua Hardin on October 4, 2012 at 10:52 PM
This month's RMNP cover image goes to Mark Hespenheide for his photograph "Doorways" taken at Chaco Culture National Historic Park, one of the many awe-inspiring sites in our region built by "The Ancient Ones." Thank you to everyone who contributed!
Please join the mods in congratulating Mark and don't forget to post your photos in our October theme topic: "Your Best Trip."
Posted by Jack Garrett on October 4, 2012 at 11:46 PM
Whoa! Thanks, guys! I honestly didn't expect this; most of the time, I feel like the archeology work is done better by others while I'm more focused on the geology. In the spring of 2003, though, I was travelling with my Dad through New Mexico and we took the time to head out to Chaco as part of a larger two-week trip including White Sands, Sante Fe, and Valles Grande. Well, I blew the timing on the morning that I'd allotted to get this shot, and my dad was flying out of ABQ that evening. So I ended up driving him down to the airport, driving back up to a friend's in Santa Fe, and then heading back out to Chaco. Where I spent two more mornings making sure I got the exposure I wanted.
I didn't realize quite how much of a classic it is until later, but I'm still glad to have it. It's also the biggest print sale I've ever made; as I was moving to Sedona, my gallery owner asked if I had any larger prints of it available and I sold my own 20x24" copy off the wall (partly so that I didn't have to move it...).
Technically, if anyone's interested, it's a film original on 645 Astia. There's minor curves adjustments in each of the successive rooms, trying to draw the viewer's eye into the frame.
Simple and gorgeous! Actually, glad you related the story behind the image. As with most great images, they were thought out and created, rather than a quick snapshot.
Mark, I'm not sure all of us here at NPN realize what an incredibly gifted and knowledgable photographer you are based solely on the fact you reside in Utah, and you dont post very often. Or maybe we do? Those few days I spent with you in Canyonlands are days that I'll remember for life. Thanks for that. Congrats!
I'm trying to figure out a way to get to Zion the 1st or 2nd week in November. I'll keep you posted.
Posted by Bob Miller on October 5, 2012 at 11:17 PM
Fantastic image & well deserved POM. Thanks for the backstory.
Posted by Bob Falcone on October 7, 2012 at 12:56 AM
Well done!
Posted by John Mumaw on October 8, 2012 at 9:01 AM
Congratulations, Mark! Yes, this scene is 'iconic', but I've not seen such sweet light upon it before. Superb work and well deserving of the honor!
Thanks again, y'all. I have to admit, the recognition feels good, particularly since I don't feel like I've done much good work in the past few months or summer. Just have to try to stick with it, and figure out what's not working, I guess.
Posted by Paul Martin on October 17, 2012 at 3:02 AM
Discussion
11 repliesPlease join the mods in congratulating Mark and don't forget to post your photos in our October theme topic: "Your Best Trip."
I didn't realize quite how much of a classic it is until later, but I'm still glad to have it. It's also the biggest print sale I've ever made; as I was moving to Sedona, my gallery owner asked if I had any larger prints of it available and I sold my own 20x24" copy off the wall (partly so that I didn't have to move it...).
Technically, if anyone's interested, it's a film original on 645 Astia. There's minor curves adjustments in each of the successive rooms, trying to draw the viewer's eye into the frame.
I'm probably writing too much. Thanks, again.
I'm trying to figure out a way to get to Zion the 1st or 2nd week in November. I'll keep you posted.