Glowing Faces

It's a very nice shot that showcases the unique shapes of the canyon very well. As much as there is to like, however, I think I can see why you might be on the fence. There's almost too much going on here . . . lots of different shapes, layers, and tones, all perhaps making the image a bit less coherent than a more intimate capture may have been. There are a number of potential crops that help address that.

This is almost an abstract.
I very much like the color, composition, texture, propensity towards vertical lines yet with sensuous bulbous features and even fine oblique lines. Lots at which to look.
A+ in my book.
the fisch

Not sure why you have been on the fence about this one, I think it's great. A multitude of colors...bet you could bring them out more with some of TKs ps techniques.

Ditto on the more abstract appearance of this one. I like it, but I do wish it had that one strong focal point that grabs me. As it is, my eye does wander around. Still, great color, light, and texture, and you could even call it, "Tortured Souls." The"faces" all seem bound by something, if that makes any sense?

Astonishing light, color and textures...well done. Perhaps some rework to the ULC to bring out textures/contrast?

Fine shot as it is Michael, but I would try a vignette around the entire image to focus the viewer into the image more. When I say vignette I don't mean a strong vignette. To me you have to much light at the edges which pulls me out of the image especially the left side. And then I would play with the contrast a bit. Hope this helps. Nice work.

It's colder than most shots from slots, and I like that for the variety. I play with the vignette idea and call it a keeper.

I really like the combination of horizontal and vertical textures and patterns. To me it looks mystical and moody, I would say it is absolutly a keeper.

Great shapes and color, and this has a very natural feel to it. Nicely done.

The layers of flowing stone make for a very interesting shot. The shot is visually leaning heavily to the left though. Although this is just the result of perspective, My eye keeps dropping to the left side of the photo. I wonder if that might be what has you on the fence about this photo. The glow is wonderful.

Is this Buckskin Gulch? If not, it sure looks like it.

Very sweet wall section with that back/side-glow. The crispness of details in the photo is also wonderful. I'm not sure about the ULC, but I think it adds to the depth and sense of place without being too distracting. I'm trying to find something to be picky about...but I can't.

Great shot.I might try to tame the light in the upper LC, it draws my eyes into the corner and away from the sweeping curves in the shadows.

Thanks everyone for their comments. I really appreciate it. I am glad some people like the shot.

Larry, Nicolaus, Ron, Jay, Rudy & Kent - I am really glad you guys like it the way it is.

Phil and Morris - I understand what you both mean. The "face" in the upper left 1/3 of the image is what my primary focus/subject matter was for this composition. I figured the viewer would be drawn to that first and then have enough to keep them interested with the rest of the overlapping patterns, lines, and colors.

Ben - This is Buckskin Gulch. I do agree with it being slightly left weighted. As you know, it is not a very tight slot canyon so shots in many areas have to be relegated to one side of the cliffs. I would have liked to include more on the left, but the light was too strong any further over, hence the ULC.

Dean, John, Dean - I darkened all four corners of the image and edge burned the sides too. I extra darkened the ULC & also pulled some of the red out of it too. It's so hard to tell about the ULC. At this size, I not sure which looks better. I think at 100% resolution - the repost does look better though.

Thanks again everyone. I really appreciate your time and feedback.

Michael

I like it Michael. Compelling!

Mark Capurso
Phoenix AZ

The repost, while only subtly different, does seem considerably better to me. I think bringing down the brighness of the top left corner helped a lot. And hey, take my prognostications on whether this "works" for whatever they're worth . . . if 10 others disagree with me, I'm probably off base!

I love the light here Michael especially in the repost. Pretty spooky how these canyon walls take on a life of their own with the help of the light and shadow play. A chill went down my spine every time I saw faces or animals in Antelope Canyon when I visited a few years ago.