The Rock Garden

Gallery: LandscapePosted August 4, 20082,296 views62 comments

Saturday morning in NE Arizona.

Summer on the Colorado Plateau can be insufferably hot, but the monsoon weather pattern that produces magnificent thunderstorms and beautiful light helps make most mornings and evenings a time of beauty that makes one easily forget the heat.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Canon 40D w/Sigma 10-20 lens @ 14mm
1/8 & 1/25 sec. @ f11 ISO 100
Blended image from two exposures to help tame extreme contrast.
Tony K's Luminosity Mask Adj. Layer Actions

Comments

62 comments

Comment posted by Marc Adamus on August 4, 2008 at 8:01 PM

I love it, John! Wonderful image in every regard. The light, the formations, the compositional balance and the colors throughout. Fantastic work here!

Registered on September 17, 2005, 780 Posts, 8091 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on August 4, 2008 at 8:06 PM

Great Shot, John, and nice job with the blend--truly spectacular!

Registered on September 15, 2005, 836 Posts, 17099 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on August 4, 2008 at 8:11 PM

No suggestions from me - this is stunning! Excellent comp, great color, beautiful scene, what more could anyone want? Great work.

Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments

Comment posted by Laurent Baig on August 4, 2008 at 8:25 PM

Sweet light! I've been failing miserably to take advantage of monsoon. Glad you got a killer image out of the storm system.

Registered on January 12, 2005, 206 Posts, 6784 Comments

Comment posted by David Cobb on August 4, 2008 at 8:36 PM

Nicely done John, beautiful sky, beautiful light, and beautiful composition.

David M. Cobb

Registered on December 14, 2007, 312 Posts, 3243 Comments

Comment posted by John Mumaw on August 4, 2008 at 8:50 PM

Thanks!

I'd like to thank George Stocking for his inspirational 'Mad Dogs & Photographers' essay and his summer Colorado Plateau images for inspiring me to get out and take advantage of the dramatic weather and sublime light that this area has to offer during the summer.

Thanks, George!

Registered on September 9, 2005, 62 Posts, 2289 Comments

Comment posted by Adam Kavalunas on August 4, 2008 at 8:58 PM

Definately the best image from this location bar none! The sky is absolutely wonderful. This is one of my favorite locations to camp when I'm shooting anywhere within 30 miles, and that's quite often. If I had to suggest something to work on, I'd say to bring a little more detail out of some of the darker capstones. Other than that, this is fabulous.

Registered on June 22, 2006, 73 Posts, 464 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on August 4, 2008 at 9:01 PM

Superb image. Compelling landscape, great light, great colors, great presentation.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Guy Tal on August 4, 2008 at 9:06 PM

This is the sky I dream of, and the side-light is stunning. I've been on this mesa a couple of times but never had the good fortune to see it like that.

Guy

Registered on November 1, 2003, 566 Posts, 15507 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Ross on August 4, 2008 at 9:22 PM

Great looking sky and the light on the rocks is warm and rich. like the comp and the image overall is excellent.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 403 Posts, 2729 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Wegemann on August 4, 2008 at 9:25 PM

A stunning image, John. Great work. I do find my eye being drawn to the dark rock in the LL, but that's a minor nit.

Registered on December 14, 2006, 58 Posts, 1888 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on August 4, 2008 at 9:34 PM

I can't say a big enough WOW for this image. A favorite place of mine but I've never seen it this good. This is truly incredible.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Dolde on August 4, 2008 at 9:49 PM

Damn this is good John.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 305 Posts, 3900 Comments

Comment posted by Gabi Lach on August 4, 2008 at 9:55 PM

That is beautiful, John! Skies, light and the subject... just love it! Great work!

Registered on May 1, 2007, 101 Posts, 3187 Comments

Comment posted by Larry Andreasen on August 4, 2008 at 10:00 PM

Simply Gorgeous John! The great light and cloud action give this a 3-D look. Bravo!

Registered on January 17, 2007, 220 Posts, 419 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on August 4, 2008 at 10:04 PM

This is incredibly nice. There's nothing else to say.

Chris

Registered on March 13, 2007, 500 Posts, 8365 Comments

Comment posted by Gregg Waterman on August 4, 2008 at 10:10 PM

Beautiful shot - from the thumbnail I wasn't expecting anything this good.

Registered on April 24, 2008, 16 Posts, 196 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Pullen on August 4, 2008 at 10:30 PM

Beautiful image, John. Makes me long for the southwest, even with the heat.

Ron

Registered on December 18, 2005, 74 Posts, 1413 Comments

Comment posted by Lori Kincaid on August 4, 2008 at 10:36 PM

Spectacular, John!

I honestly hate to make a suggestion to such a beauitful rendition, but what do you think about burning in an area comprising the lower right rectangle?

Lori

Registered on November 15, 2003, 90 Posts, 2033 Comments

Comment posted by Danny Laureys on August 4, 2008 at 10:36 PM

Beautiful shot , I love it, great light and love the cloud formation

Registered on January 5, 2008, 590 Posts, 1261 Comments

Comment posted by Erik Stensland on August 4, 2008 at 11:03 PM

I absolutely love this!!!! There is so much interest everywhere and yet a nice coherent scene. Beautifully captured John!!!!

Registered on September 27, 2004, 121 Posts, 718 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Sieren on August 4, 2008 at 11:14 PM

Awesome shot in every aspect John. There's plenty to look at. I mean stare at.

Registered on January 2, 2008, 360 Posts, 5321 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on August 4, 2008 at 11:15 PM

Gorgeous image. Love the light and what a great sky to go with it. It was worth getting cooked during the day!! Great work.

Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Baumbach on August 4, 2008 at 11:25 PM

This is beautiful. What a wonderful feeling of depth it has.

- Dan.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 473 Posts, 7980 Comments

Comment posted by Kirk Greene on August 4, 2008 at 11:31 PM

This is an inspiring image! The composition and light come together perfectly! Congratulations!

Registered on May 12, 2004, 191 Posts, 1578 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on August 4, 2008 at 11:41 PM

Wonderful capture, John. Formations, colors, clouds, everything in this one.

Registered on February 25, 2006, 525 Posts, 8448 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Pelton on August 4, 2008 at 11:52 PM

Superb shot and processing, John.

Registered on November 25, 2003, 380 Posts, 4647 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Wong on August 5, 2008 at 12:37 AM

Amazing landscape! I like how the cloud color matches teh landscapes. I think the darker portion of the sky should be a bit darker though and would make it more powerful.

Registered on February 2, 2006, 79 Posts, 2629 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Cooley on August 5, 2008 at 12:58 AM

Awesome light, great composition. The processing really works.

Great job!

Registered on August 22, 2007, 45 Posts, 547 Comments

Comment posted by Eric Good on August 5, 2008 at 1:09 AM

If there's ever a shot worthy of that sweltering desert heat this is it. Excellent color, light and use of that magnificent sky throughout. Not really a nit, but I might consider a selective contrast enhancement to the distant cliffs in the lower left third. I was thinking that might really pull the eye through this awesome image. Excellent work all around!

Registered on March 17, 2007, 116 Posts, 4764 Comments

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on August 5, 2008 at 1:23 AM

WOW. That's my reaction as I opened the image. Stunningly beautiful! Great sky and great light, perfect composition. I can look at this forever and dream of the west.

Registered on January 26, 2007, 360 Posts, 9876 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Gordon on August 5, 2008 at 3:54 AM

Stunning light an an amazing comp. Great work..

Registered on May 31, 2007, 224 Posts, 1490 Comments

Comment posted by Giovanni Russello on August 5, 2008 at 4:08 AM

This is a "First Light" picture. It has a perfect sky with lots of colours. Great job in processing the double exposures.

gio

Registered on January 21, 2007, 95 Posts, 1617 Comments

Comment posted by Rune Hansen on August 5, 2008 at 4:23 AM

Most have been said already - congrats on an stunning image

Rune Hansen

Registered on January 21, 2008, 40 Posts, 420 Comments

Comment posted by Andreas Resch on August 5, 2008 at 4:45 AM

Great place, great light, great shot. What else can I say.

Registered on November 14, 2007, 322 Posts, 6101 Comments

Comment posted by Winnie Ho on August 5, 2008 at 6:47 AM

Superb lighting, John. I have not seen pastel skies associated with this landscape before. there is much to enjoy and explore within this frame.Excellent blend job.

Registered on January 6, 2008, 93 Posts, 1788 Comments

Comment posted by Sean Bagshaw on August 5, 2008 at 10:36 AM

Pretty much perfect in every way. I can't think of a single suggestion. Top end!

Registered on February 14, 2007, 99 Posts, 479 Comments

Comment posted by John Lehmkuhl on August 5, 2008 at 10:46 AM

This is fantastic !! Awesome colors and composition and everything else !!

Well done.

Registered on May 22, 2005, 165 Posts, 2008 Comments

Comment posted by Bret Edge on August 5, 2008 at 11:32 AM

This is awesome, John. One of your best, IMHO. Gorgeous light and a perfect composition. Excellent work!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 711 Posts, 6363 Comments

Comment posted by George Stocking on August 5, 2008 at 11:43 AM

John, you said you were getting out, and you weren't kidding. Wonderfully seen and processed. The weather doesn't seem so bad when you get work like this!

Registered on July 3, 2008, 53 Posts, 275 Comments

Comment posted by Kevin Trinkner on August 5, 2008 at 12:55 PM

Beautiful shot, excellent processing work!!

Registered on June 30, 2008, 203 Posts, 2641 Comments

Comment posted by Kartik Venkatarama on August 5, 2008 at 2:01 PM

Stunning light and great comp....love this one!

Registered on July 27, 2007, 197 Posts, 830 Comments

Comment posted by Julian Barkway on August 5, 2008 at 3:10 PM

Quite simply the best shot of this location I've ever seen. Astonishing light and sky. Simply amazing.

Registered on January 18, 2007, 344 Posts, 1961 Comments

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on August 5, 2008 at 3:47 PM

Can We Say IMAGE OF THE WEEK? Wow. Well done John.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 474 Posts, 5555 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Conway on August 5, 2008 at 4:13 PM

Wow that is incredible.

Peter

Registered on June 25, 2007, 347 Posts, 3913 Comments

Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on August 5, 2008 at 8:20 PM

I am stunned speechless!

Registered on August 16, 2006, 603 Posts, 9192 Comments

Comment posted by Harold Ankney on August 6, 2008 at 1:52 AM

Beautiful shot John. Sweet light with a stunning sky and a wonderful comp.

Harold

Registered on April 22, 2004, 5 Posts, 28 Comments

Comment posted by Alex Mody on August 6, 2008 at 9:17 AM

Wow, really nice! Those clouds are amazing. I really like what you've been posting on here lately.

Registered on December 25, 2007, 163 Posts, 1896 Comments

Comment posted by Alex Mody on August 6, 2008 at 9:17 AM

Wow, really nice! Those clouds are amazing. I really like what you've been posting on here lately.

Registered on December 25, 2007, 163 Posts, 1896 Comments

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on August 6, 2008 at 12:57 PM

Very nice, John. The colors are perfect. I really like the way the soft light on the cliffs compliments the pastel clouds and sky. The foreground elements in the shadows are strong and hold my attention, too.

Registered on July 26, 2007, 244 Posts, 2807 Comments

Comment posted by Prashant Khapane on August 7, 2008 at 6:06 AM

wonderful image and skillful work in PS.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 492 Posts, 4580 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Richins on August 7, 2008 at 5:11 PM

Beautiful lighting. Very soft feel to a rugged landscape.

Registered on March 6, 2008, 113 Posts, 1009 Comments

Comment posted by Jose Suro on August 8, 2008 at 7:53 PM

Outstanding light and you made the most of it. Excellent image!

Best,

Jose

Registered on June 24, 2006, 267 Posts, 2273 Comments

Comment posted by fernando brito on August 10, 2008 at 7:58 PM

Great capture, the light is just fantastic as well as the compositon.

Fernando Brito

Registered on December 21, 2003, 124 Posts, 486 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Anderson on August 11, 2008 at 1:08 AM

John,

This is fantastic! Everything works here. Perfect exposure, composition and processing. Extremely well done.

Registered on January 31, 2006, 228 Posts, 3072 Comments

Comment posted by Patricia Brundage on August 11, 2008 at 10:03 AM

How can you improve on perfection? Just stunning!

Registered on March 23, 2006, 1111 Posts, 6531 Comments

Comment posted by INGOMA on August 11, 2008 at 5:05 PM

Congrats on an awe inspiring image. What a very worthy Editor's pick!

Registered on July 2, 2004, 231 Posts, 3110 Comments

Comment posted by David W. Kelly on August 13, 2008 at 12:31 PM

Congrats John, what a beautiful image.

Registered on October 7, 2005, 883 Posts, 6590 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Dawson on August 13, 2008 at 8:46 PM

MAgical John, congrats, well deserved

Registered on February 4, 2006, 364 Posts, 8872 Comments

Comment posted by Marsel van Oosten on August 19, 2008 at 2:53 AM

Awesome!

Registered on March 9, 2004, 285 Posts, 2277 Comments

Comment posted by Lynn Scott on March 3, 2010 at 2:49 AM

Another great photo John!

Registered on January 10, 2010, 7 Posts, 20 Comments

Comment posted by Mohammad Hosseini on June 21, 2011 at 9:30 AM

John It is great in every aspect. And I see all the masters said it. But I just wonder how it would look with a slightly darker in the shade, like lower right side of the frame?

Registered on May 16, 2011, 15 Posts, 301 Comments