I had heard that the light in this remote canyon of the Colorado Plateau was at it's best in the early summer. Figures...
So a long, hot and sandy slog through the desert brought me to the entrance, which was so narrow that I had to walk sideways dragging my camera pack along behind me, leaving a bit of skin and fabric from my clothes and gear bag along the way. Not only was it a tight slot, but it descended fairly rapidly at the same time. And even though the return trip was much hotter and more challenging, the memory of this spot lightened my load considerably.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated!
Canon 5DII w/16-35 lens @ 16mm
2 sec. & 8 sec. @ f8 ISO 100
Two exposure blend for optimum dynamic range and DOF.
Here's a screenshot of one of the RAW files in ACR at default settings. Floris van Breugel has a short explanation on why the camera picks up blues in narrow slot canyons in his blog post titled 'The Navajo Rainbow'. My eye certainly did not see these colors, so I was surprised (and thrilled!) when the first LCD preview appeared on the camera.
John, What a beautiful image and the name is very appropriate in my eye's. I heard that axle grease works good for getting into tight spots
Posted by Debbie Yarra on June 21, 2013 at 12:21 PM
Beautiful and haunting as usual! I love the lips and nose in the center that look like the are covered thinly with a veil with many folds. I love the way you pulled out the colors and details with your processing. I hope one day to see a slot canyon! They are so amazing and you always do such a great job capturing their beauty
I'm sure you were quite glad your slog ended with such a great location. The image is outstanding, both in composition and post processing. What time of day have you noticed the best variety of colors in slot canyons? Also, on this particular monitor the "blue" looks quite purple, which makes it even more appealing to me. How is it displaying for you?
My short introduction to slot canyons this past spring has continued to inspire a strict weight management routine. That Navajo sandstone is particularly great at skin reduction.
Everything in this is perfect! My only suggestion is that you make a very large print of it. This really is a fabulous image and worth all the effort, pain and loss of skin you put in to getting it.
Holeeeee Smoke! Awsome image John!! This is one of those images I could look at for hours. Love the undulating lines and shadow play.
Well done!
Posted by Jared Warren on June 21, 2013 at 10:49 PM
John, this is great. My first visit to some of the slots around Page, AZ was earlier this month, and I was amazed at how the longer you look the more potential images stand out to you. Nice eye, comp, processing....
Posted by Doug Beezley on June 21, 2013 at 11:15 PM
John, not only is this an outstanding image that will stand virtually any test but also I appreciate you sharing your settings. So many times I see an excellent image and wonder what the settings were. Thanks for sharing the image and the info.
Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA (also, a Colorado native)
Holy smokes this one is stunning in every way. I have nothing to help improve this image, its perfect. Comp, color and most of all the processing is spot on. I want this one hanging in my Living room.
Posted by Monika Chace on June 22, 2013 at 10:28 AM
John, I've been waiting for you to post another of your fantastic slot canyon images. The investment of some skin & cloth into your craft seems a small price to pay. Did it open up where you shot this image from? If not, how did you get your tripod (I'm assuming you used one) positioned? In tight slots, I've ended up using it as a mono or duo pod, not steady enough to blend exposures.
This one is just superb in every way, Amigo! Such rich colors, and that trademark range of hues of these slots. The comp shines just as much as the great light and color, too.
Posted by Art Escobado on June 29, 2013 at 1:13 PM
Discussion
20 repliesSo a long, hot and sandy slog through the desert brought me to the entrance, which was so narrow that I had to walk sideways dragging my camera pack along behind me, leaving a bit of skin and fabric from my clothes and gear bag along the way. Not only was it a tight slot, but it descended fairly rapidly at the same time. And even though the return trip was much hotter and more challenging, the memory of this spot lightened my load considerably.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated!
Canon 5DII w/16-35 lens @ 16mm
2 sec. & 8 sec. @ f8 ISO 100
Two exposure blend for optimum dynamic range and DOF.
My short introduction to slot canyons this past spring has continued to inspire a strict weight management routine. That Navajo sandstone is particularly great at skin reduction.
Well done!
Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA (also, a Colorado native)