The Vaults

Gallery: LandscapePosted November 6, 2014458 views16 comments

Ever since 2009 I've wanted to photograph this arch, I've been back here every year but the foreground was always messy. Going in just after a flash flood assured me of a fresh foreground and I wasn't disappointed. It was a tough place to shoot because the mud sticks like glue. Step a few feet and suddenly each foot weighs another 10 Ibs. Traction is no better than an ice rink.

I managed a quick focus stack of 5 images before the tripod slipped and I had to recompose.

Any CC would as usual be much appreciated.

Comments

16 comments

Comment posted by Bill Reid on November 6, 2014 at 12:34 PM

Great shot Andrew with very nice tones and depth to it and I really like your comp. Small nit is the bright area in the foreground as it pulls my eyes there. Great job on this.

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

Comment posted by gary phillips on November 6, 2014 at 12:59 PM

You were right to wait for a clean foreground, as that is the favorite part of the image for me. I agree with Bill, about the small overly bright spot btm right. Wonderful stack and a very sweet image.

Registered on October 24, 2013, 185 Posts, 4136 Comments

Comment posted by Gary McGhee on November 6, 2014 at 1:08 PM

Nature throws up some facinating designs Andrew and you have captured this one brilliantly. My first thoughts were the sheen on the ground but after reading your text that explained it. So much to look at in this wonderful shot.

Gary.

Registered on April 15, 2010, 142 Posts, 2416 Comments

Comment posted by R.Bill Moser on November 6, 2014 at 1:29 PM

This is a great shot Andrew. Beautiful colors and tones. Processing looks good, too. Great job

Registered on January 29, 2010, 285 Posts, 4281 Comments

Comment posted by Vance Gese on November 6, 2014 at 5:16 PM

Absolutely gorgeous image, Andrew. Tremendous depth and color, form and texture. Would tone down that bright reflection in the lower right hand corner, if possible, as it does tend to grab attention away from the rest of the image. Either way, an outstanding image.

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

Comment posted by Andrew Waddington on November 6, 2014 at 5:19 PM

Thanks Bill there seems to be a general opinion that the bright highlights are distracting. I can work around that with a darker exposure blend. Much appreciated CC

Registered on February 11, 2014, 44 Posts, 183 Comments

Comment posted by Ryan Shain on November 6, 2014 at 5:49 PM

Depth, Color, shape, texture, and tone are all wonderfully displayed in this gorgeous image Andrew. I agree about the bright spot in the lower right corner, just a tad bit distracting, but wow what an image you have for yourself.

Registered on February 20, 2007, 226 Posts, 4571 Comments

Comment posted by Andrew Waddington on November 6, 2014 at 6:34 PM

Thanks Bill there seems to be a general opinion that the bright highlights are distracting. I can work around that with a darker exposure blend. Much appreciated CC

Registered on February 11, 2014, 44 Posts, 183 Comments

Comment posted by Kane Engelbert on November 6, 2014 at 10:07 PM

Everything is PERFECT, except the DREADED NPN exposure/color compression which makes your properly exposed image too red. Its the same image that looks "spot on" at Facebook and 500px; both free sites. Maybe this is why everyone is leaving NPN. Where in the hell does our money go to? Sorry for my rant...

Registered on June 14, 2009, 63 Posts, 291 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Schrayer on November 6, 2014 at 10:09 PM

Very nice - I like how the foreground arch serves as an entryway of sorts into the scene. Nice warm color, texture and lines.

Registered on May 28, 2004, 114 Posts, 2890 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on November 6, 2014 at 10:57 PM

Lovely look at a crazy feature with the different passages. No nits from me.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Kory Lidstrom on November 7, 2014 at 12:04 AM

Nice light and depth. The floor looks a bit... strange. Overall a strong image.

Registered on November 19, 2008, 49 Posts, 1035 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Greenwood on November 7, 2014 at 12:27 PM

This is quite exceptional. You were rewarded by your timely effort. The undisturbed muddy canyon floor truly takes this composition to the next level.

Registered on November 9, 2003, 229 Posts, 1523 Comments

Comment posted by Jared Warren on November 9, 2014 at 3:06 PM

What a wonderful image, Andrew. Glad you timed it for a clean foreground. Really enjoy your work - keep these coming!

Registered on May 11, 2012, 84 Posts, 931 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on November 9, 2014 at 10:14 PM

Outstanding image, Andrew. Amazing light. Top notch slot canyon image.

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

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on November 10, 2014 at 3:54 AM

Great shot here Andrew. I think the color management on this site might have messed with your colors a little.

Registered on June 19, 2009, 276 Posts, 6240 Comments