False Kiva at Night

An all night shooting spree with Thomas O'Brien and Scott Jarvie in Canyonlands and Arches on Thursday night. We had some trouble finding this spot after following a trail that led us directly above, but not to the site. After a mile long detour we finally found false kiva around midnight just as the moon was setting. I had just enough time to take this panoramic shot while there was still light on the canyon. Light on the rocks was provided by Thomas. One of the most spectacular places I've ever been, especially amazing at night, I can't wait to go back for the milky way.

Better version on my site http://www.davidkinghamphotography.com/night/h52d5b024#h52d5b024

I like the overall shot but I feel the right side is way to bright. Sorry you got on the wrong trail. I've been there several times and it is easy to go the wrong way.

Thanks Jack, I agree. I did tone it down a lot already, we had a light shining on the wall over there to illuminate the scene. I also have this version which I light painted myself, I couldn't decide which I liked better.

Nicely done, David. I do agree about the bright spot in #1. Both are definite keepers. Great job!

I love the skies you captured in the first one, but agree that the lights is just too artificial looking. Much better looking in the second, though.
I'd love to know more about your noise reduction techniques, either here or in your blog someday.

Thanks guys, I may play around with it a bit more to darken the whole foreground.

John, I used to spend so much time trying to reduce noise, but now I have accepted it and am much happier with the results. I think the noise creates apparent sharpness just like adding grain to black and white does. The only noise reduction I do is a tiny amount in LR4, usually around 15 luminance and 20 color and that's it!

Both are very nice. I much prefer the foreground exposure in #2.

That's a tough location to find in the dark for the first time.
Heck, I've heard of people who turned around in full daylight after never figuring it out.

Bill, the first time I ever went there, I stopped and turned around when the trail sort of died out. Heck, I was right underneath it and never knew!!!!

The first (and to date only) time I tried to find it I came out right above it with no way down. I had obligations elsewhere so it was too late for me to make the 1 mile detour. Hopefully this year if there is a Spring Fling I can prevail on some kind soul to show me the way.

Second one is a winner. If you could get the light in the canyon from the first with the stars if the second you could have best of both.

Second is my favorite too. Just love the darker moodier light to go along with the star trails.