Monument Valley

Well, I finally got around to processing my shots from Monument valley last weekend. I must admit, it took a lot of time to sift and find something good (for my personal taste). While we shot the balloons, I really was only happy with one which is this first image. I was just glad I caught the balloon against the cliff as the flames were going into the balloon. (Ps I forgot it was a new year when I began processing) :)

#2 Totem pole

#3 First time in over a year I shot some "wildlife"

#4 Sunrise near the totem pole

#5 Same spot as previous but from the evening before

#6 Mitten dunes

I never tire of images from MV. Excellent series, Peter.
Joe Rogers

Great stuff, Peter! The balloon shot is simple perfection, I really like the soft light and sky color in #6, and that sunstar and light beam in #5 is amazing!

PETER! How on earth did you pull off that insanely gorgeous soft light in #1?? (and #4)

I imagine there was no direct sun, but whatever you have up your processing sleeve, the tone in that image almost looks edible.

And how dare you NOT post a Large Version??

Great image.

Peter, I think your glow processing works very well, especially with the balloon #1 and the horse image. The balloon was rotated just right to show the patterns for you.

Thanks for the positive feedback guys.

Paul, I used a few Orton layers on a few of them, which helps emphasize the soft light. With the balloon image the sky was very cloudy, but allowed for some of the light to be filtered anyways.

Outstanding!! The comps, light and processing are top notch. My first reaction was, Wow they glow like magic. I can see by the other responses I am not alone.
Nice…

#1 and #5...GREAT!!! (and 2,3, 4 &6 are not bad, either)

The balloon shot sings.

the balloon is pretty crazy--I also like the horse. Don't know why--its just a horse, but its a cool shot of a horse!

Haha thanks Stan, perhaps it's the "glowy" appearance? I tried to get some back/side light and applied an Orton layer which gave it a nice mood.

I love the image of the horse! This is the type of work that the Orton technique was made for. Not just a nice glow, but it softens up the otherwise harsh looking foliage out there.

Something about the sunrise totem pole image attracts me to it. I think it's the balanced composition. The blues of the balloon really make it pop out from the red rock. Nice. Often the Orton technique is overdone IMO but I think you used just the right amount to diffuse the light on these without making it look way too obvious. Great job.

The colors of the balloon contrasted against the red rock wall is just superb!