Valley of Fire (+RP)

that's one awesome cloud you've got there! I think you're processing is great, no nits. Compositionally, a minor nit in that the image seems a little right heavy, with both the cloud, and the sandstone foreground leaning more to the right hand side of the frame. Lovely image all around

Great shot Jared, I particularly like the flow in the rock and cloud. Personally I would try reducing the contrast a bit.

Wild one here, Jared. When I first looked it almost had the appearance of the cloud as a plume of smoke from a campfire in the distance they way it narrows down to a funnel just above the horizon. Not sure if that was the effect or look you wanted, but it is very unique to say the least.......nice work overall.

Thanks for the early comments - very much appreciated. Sairam and Paul, I did take a number of exposures with slightly different cloud patterns (and foreground variations) and liked how this one helped to form a nice round s-shape, and how it did give the impression of a plume of smoke coming out of the background rock formation. I also thought the cloud looked a little like a dragon's head. So, Valley of Fire, smoke, dragons… it all seemed to work well.

Thomas, your comment on contrast is helpful. I've often been on the conservative side when it comes to image contrast so I purposely nudged this one a little more to see how it would fly. If you've been here you know the sandstone is unusually colorful, and with the last rays of the setting sun it's remarkably so, but I really don't want to overdo the color and contrast.

If others would like to weigh in on the contrast and saturation that would be great as well. Thanks!

When I look at your photo, it reminds me of a steam locomotive struggling to climb a steep curve in the track, with the foreground rock being the caboose. Even though the elements are a bit right heavy as Sairam pointed out, I think that's a good composition decision because it gives room for the "train" to move up the hill, and that bit of open space makes for a dynamic composition.

Looks like the rocks are smoking! Terrific wide view. As a minor nit, I too feel like there's too much contrast between the foreground (at the bottom) and the wonderful swirly structures in the middle.

I like the comp. and color. Great lines and textures.

Really like the comp from here, Jared. I've been to this spot many times and have some shots that I will share at some time . Most of the shots you see from here are of the fire wave which is to the left, but I have always liked this angle. Love the posititioning of the cloud and the feel of the smoke stack effect. Sweet take on a popular place.

Love the Martian appearance to this image complete with what appears to be the plume of smoke from a fallen asteroid or spaceship. I do feel that the contrast of the foreground rock is just a little too high and punchy but it is easy to argue that this treatment enhances the alien feel to the portrayed image.

very sweet Jared

Looks great to me with that killer cloud.

Great alignment and imaging, Jared!

I think the saturation is fine, personally. What I meant by right heavy is that I wish that the sandstone foreground was a little more to the left preserving the S - shape, but also balancing the whole composition. In any case, this is a really surreal image Jared

Gorgeous colors and contrasts here, with a wonderfully complimentary sky!
Nice!!!!

Chris

What a cool scene Jared. Nice placement of the cloud with the flow of the rock patterns. It really does look like a fiery scene. Nicely done.

Pretty dynamic scene, Jared!

A beautiful work of art, Jared. Great color, comp, and light.

Amazing cloud. The balance does seem to be canted to the right but that may have been a deliberate choice to add some extra drama. It kinda messes with my head but I think I like that. Great capture

Thanks, all, for the comments and helpful feedback. Here's a version with decreased foreground contrast as a few had suggested. I do think it's an improvement, but let me know if you disagree.

Gorgeous shot! I need to get to this place.