I posted a very different (very bad!) version of this last year. The original was very difficult and I (and my dying monitor at the time) was simply not up to the challenge. I'm hoping this latest version is much better (always hard to tell after I've been staring at it so long).
Obviously this was taken in a very popular location, and I've tried to do something a little different. For a few years I had had a vision of this shot that would include the sky (to color contrast with the vibrant orange) and a good chunk of the valley below - as I felt most shots didn't give a very good sense of scale. Plus I've always thought the canyons below are really what make this location special. Love to hear what you think.
Just for fun, and in case you're interested, I'm posting the original scan and the older edited version below (WARNING - it's hard on the eyes
). --- My philosophy on photo editing is much like many photographers these days - I'm trying to get back to the "feeling" of being there - closer to how my eyes remember it than what was on the film (more below by the original). I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the subject. Also, does seeing the original skew your perception of my latest version?
Larger version available.
Comments/critiques/suggestions very appreciated as always.
Walker Titan 5x7, Provia 100F, Schneider 110mm XL, Singh-ray 2 stop soft, drum scan
Comments
26 commentsPeter
it is obviously took you a lot to achieve this result
I really like it especially the bottom part of the arch which is in orange, I feel it gave the work some power and great contrast with the general tone
Bob
Chris
Wow, what a difference a year makes! Thanks so much for sharing the original and progression. My first question is though, how did you overcome the light leaks?? Great job with any cloning or whatever you may have done. That original processing was gaudy, if I can say that... but this current version is quite excellent. You did a great job pulling out the detail and recovering the color throughout. Great job with this one.
Lon
I like how deep the view seems to be, the light, the colors, everything.
Tony - I think I might try and warm up the arch a bit more - as it does seem cooler than the rock below. I've had a lot of trouble with funky color in the very top section of the arch and also the deep shadows in the arch due to low exposure - but more can be done I think.
Lon - the top right light leak I fixed with a gradient using colors sampled from the sky itself. The bottom light leak was fixed by just color correcting it and then darkening it substantially. Those pesky light leaks have plagued me - I've finally learned to pull the film cover as fast as possible to avoid leaks.
first, great original shot and great improvement on processing. This is a very nice photo. May I make the following suggestions?
Your idea of creating color contrast is a very good one, as is your idea about the stunning view of the valley before. I love both. I would like to see the color contrast side by side for best effect, meaning I would like so see some blue sky directly under the orange lit underside of the arch as opposed to it being above and separated by the front facing side of the arch.
Also, While you captured amazing detail in the side of the arch, I feel it may be a little too bright and therefore stealing focus from the brilliant orange glow underneath. I would like to see some of the shadow from the original to give it a more natural feel and to let that warm light really glow. Take all of this with a grain of salt as it may be my monitor making it appear too bright.
That said, I have to say that from the orange stripe down, this image is absolutely perfect. Your technique, detail, recovery, light and shadow are flawless.
Overall a great image Andrew, and your work and dedication has paid off.