Deep Foreboding

I like this one quite a bit Shane. The composition is fantastic. If I had to suggest anything it would be I feel it needs more contrast and perhaps a slight boost in saturation. I would also consider darkening the sky to get it to look even more foreboding and dramatic.

I like this as is. I can imagine seeing it just like this, very quietly austere and distant. Gives one a healthy dose of insignificance.

Quite an amazing scene, Shane. The atmosphere is absolutely magical with all the depth it adds.

I agree Peter, I was quite tempted to increase both saturation and contrast, but each time I did I lost the atmospheric feel to the image, the rain veil all but disappeared. Perhaps it is just my limited editing skills but I ended up deciding to leave it a little softer to emphasis the atmosphere.

Thanks for your comments.

This is indeed magical, thanks to the outstanding light and atmospheric conditions. Lots of dimension to savor!
I don't think this needs any more contrast/saturation. These days I'm more impressed with beautiful scenes like this that have been 'developed' a little more conservatively. Having said that, this does look a bit better after applying some 'image polish' to it (USM filter--Amount 20; Rad. 50; Thresh. 0).
I like this much better than your previous post. Excellent work, Shane!

EDIT: I forgot something that does catch my eye in a less than positive manner, and that's the lighter rock in the foreground.
It looks cutoff and I think the foreground promontory would look much better without it.

This shot looks WAAAAAAY better viewed large, Shane.

I like everything except for maybe the rock poking out in the bottom. I'm sure it would have been dangerous, but a shot out on that ledge would have been pretty sweet to allow more of the river into the scene.

Thanks for sharing!

Next time I head out to that area, I gotta remember to bring my rappelling gear!
Or a parachute.

Shane, Really a wonderful image. I too like the looks as is and quite enjoy that it looks so natural. It feels like I'm right there seeing this for real, and that's a good thing! I do agree with John about the small rock at the bottom of the frame, otherwise perfect imo! I really enjoyed your larger version!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Beautiful image, Shane. What I like about the image is that it not only has nice light and color in the sky, but really nice detail throughout the canyon.

Beautiful image Shane. Wonderful atmosphere and detail. Very natural processing and the large veiw is just great. Really well done.

This lighting here reminds me of a Bierstadt painting, Shane. The large version is really magical as the subdued glow makes this scene come alive. My only suggestion is the already mentioned FG rock. I probably would not have gone that far out as I do not like heights.

Ed

Wow, this is about as good as it gets. Powerful composition. Just a stunning image. Lighting is fantastic but overall all of us are looking for your spot!

An inspiring image Shane. I might try using the brightness tool in PS selectively on the rock formations to bring out the detail better in those areas. I also noticed - more apparent on the smaller version - an area of brighter sky near the top right edge that looks like it doesn't belong. Not as visible on the larger image. Maybe an errant eraser mark or something, since this was from a single shot. Minor detraction, as the mood and vastness speaks volumes.The sun through the storm clouds is killer.

Shane, the processing seems very natural and not pushed to draw out what was not there. With this image, I can see lightening the canyon shadows 2-3% and darkening the sky about 3%. I had to deal with that little point along the bottom also. You'd lose too much with a crop, so maybe just a little selective darkening of that lighter point so it might draw the eye less?

Hi John

Thanks for your feedback. I will consider cropping it above that FG rock and see what that looks like, or perhaps just darkening it a tad. Sooner or later we must hook up for a shoot, drop me an email next time you are planning on being in northern AZ, maybe you could check out this area.

Later,

Hey Johan

Thanks for your comments. Yup no chance of getting to that point you see in the FG, well at least not for me. Even with climbing gear I think it would be sketchy because the cliff rock is so loose and soft. Perhaps it is better being conservative and actually coming home with a photo to show. It is a nice adventure just getting there.

Later,

Hi Ed

I will definitely take the Bierstadt painting comment as a compliment, I love his work. It wasn't an objective I was trying to achieve in post, it just sort came together that way. But I really do like the softer atmospheric glow present, so thanks for reinforcing that for me.

Later,

This is great, Shane! Love the sky! next time give the heads up when youre in our lovely state

Thanks for the comment Stan. I am planning on being up in Colorado for fall colors this year. I will connect with you about a week out, hopefully we could meet and shoot.

Later,

Great glowing sky. Love the range of clarity from R FG to L BG

Superbly majestic with drama top to bottom.

Pretty awesome light! What a cool spot. Even if it is straight i feel it needs a slight ccw tilt. Great job :)

aF