Morning at Mesa Arch

Gallery: LandscapePosted November 12, 2013343 views15 comments

I know this scene has been done many, many times. But as I was recently lamenting that notion, a fellow photographer graciously pointed out that it was new to me, and therefore no less significant. And I can attest that when you experience iconic places at great moments it's still a moving experience, even if you've seen it done many times before. There were only six of us on the morning I was there, possibly a new record. I'm told the usual crowd far exceeds that number. Anyhow, if you haven't seen the sun rise below Mesa Arch, put it on your bucket list. It's popular for good reason.

Nikon D600
Nikon 20mm f2.8 @ f11
ISO 100, 1/15 second
Single image processed in Lightroom

Comments

15 comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on November 12, 2013 at 9:16 PM

No reason to avoid icon spots if you have never been before. They are generally popular because they are beautiful. This is a real nice take on Mesa Arch.

When I was there, there were only a few photographers, BUT a film crew was shooting a commercial (probably without a permit). Models were running across the top of the arch. They were considerate to the togs there, waiting until people got their images between takes, but it was rather bizarre.

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

Comment posted by Russell Colletta on November 12, 2013 at 9:22 PM

Good advice Harley. Those had to be some brave models, it's a long fall over the back side of this arch! It must have been surreal.

Registered on October 31, 2009, 114 Posts, 1008 Comments

Comment posted by Randy Runtsch on November 12, 2013 at 9:50 PM

Hi Russ,

That picture looked familiar, and now I understand why. It is spectacular, and your photo captured the site well.

Registered on October 30, 2013, 50 Posts, 445 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Palmieri on November 12, 2013 at 9:50 PM

Always nice to have your own! Nice job on this one. I always love a sun star.

Registered on September 1, 2011, 35 Posts, 748 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Reid on November 13, 2013 at 10:01 AM

Really nice take on an icon Russell. Nice tones and colors and nice sunstar. Looks like a beautiful place to see. Well done.

Registered on January 27, 2013, 65 Posts, 2460 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on November 13, 2013 at 10:14 AM

You did a nice job with this, Russ. It is a beautiful scene and what a view!! I would go there too if I was closer... maybe someday.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on November 13, 2013 at 10:31 AM

If you go to see it, you have to shoot sunrise, right?

An icon for a reason.

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments

Comment posted by Russell Colletta on November 13, 2013 at 10:54 AM

Yup Morris, sunrise is the time to get the iconic shot. The arch runs roughly north/south and the ledge below it is on the west side. The arch spans the top of a cliff so sunrise lights up the bottom from reflected light off the wall (literally and figuratively).

Registered on October 31, 2009, 114 Posts, 1008 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on November 13, 2013 at 10:57 AM

Although seen and shot many times as you've mentioned, this is still a really wonderful take on this iconic spot. I think the sunburst works well and is not overpowering the rest of the FG area. Very nice indeed, Russ.....

Yikes, I just read Harley's comment. I've been here a few times and thankfully no models on my visits running the ridge route so to speak.

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

Comment posted by Vance Gese on November 13, 2013 at 1:25 PM

Maybe an icon, but a beautiful rendition in my opinion. Great shadow detail and the sunstar works very well, not overpowering the image at all. Sounds like your morning at this popular spot was very special and unique, considering the crowds we've all heard about.

Registered on November 13, 2008, 298 Posts, 6629 Comments

Comment posted by John Williams on November 13, 2013 at 6:54 PM

What they said; always nice to have your own. Nice sunstar, but maybe desaturate the purple/magenta below the sun a tad?

Registered on September 6, 2007, 221 Posts, 5985 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on November 13, 2013 at 10:18 PM

Outstanding Mesa Arch image. You made the most of the opportunity.

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

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on November 14, 2013 at 11:50 AM

Classic and very nicely done

Registered on January 24, 2011, 576 Posts, 6942 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Lowe on November 14, 2013 at 10:12 PM

Icon or not, this is nicely done, Russ. Your fellow photographer was absolutely right about it being new to you. The warm glow on the underside of the arch is beautifully done as is the sunstar.

Ed

Registered on February 7, 2004, 414 Posts, 7115 Comments

Comment posted by Kate Silvia on November 15, 2013 at 6:54 PM

I think it's wonderful Russ! I'm always up for photographing the icons…I'll add this to my bucket list!

Registered on January 12, 2009, 56 Posts, 158 Comments