Vermillion Vortex (+)

I don't know about "too busy", but I like this a lot. The various curves keep me centered on that dark center. I think I'd like to see a little more detail back in there; maybe lift the shadows a bit there.

A very interesting, sweeping composition. The virga is pretty cool, but it's a little distracting--perhaps de-saturate it a bit? I would also like to see into the dark area in the center of the 'vortex', too.

Lovely image, Jared.

--P

A wild looking creation. There may be a lot gong on, but I think it holds together pretty well. The realistic tones of the sandstone is a bit refreshing. The bright corner upper left is a little eye pull out of the shot - my only nit and a minor one. You darken, crop, or clone if you care to address it. Nice take on this area.

Nice job man! About time I see a shot from this spot! Just begging to be photographed. Amazing how the light worked out for you too. Great job.

colored virga is way cfool but I'm focused on the rock formations. I'd love to see a horizontal shot of this as the vertical feels just a bit tight for me. Great work

Busy? No way. An incredible swirling whirling composition leading us into that mysterious hole. The light was perfect for you - weak sunlight that causes soft shadows. Rich in texture like the best desert landscapes. Love the fg "mastodon tusk".

I like the comp in this one. There is a nice flow from the foreground to the background formation which frames the crimson-lit virga nicely.

The details in the foreground (especially the big swirl) are sweet, Jared. That bit of virga warmed by the setting sun is a great addition to the distance and perfectly placed. Definitely not too busy...lots to explore.

It is busy, but many of the elements work together to create that vortex, which is really nice. The cloud in the background is a nice addition. Beautiful image!

Interesting comp Jared. I think it works, though unconventional. Helps me explore the image. Nice light too with the pink storm in the bg

Really great flow to the comp Jared and I really like your natural processing in this. A very unique take of this place and a wonderful image. Looks a bit like the golden ratio on it's side. Great job.

Not sure it's an entirely appropriate comment but this does remind me somewhat of a Salvador Dali painting. I guess it might be that the focus blend gives a surreal feel and the strange rock forms in the foreground have extra impact in the perspective you've chosen. I think it's a superb image anyway !!!!

Thanks for the helpful comments and feedback so far. Here's an update with the ULC cloned in, and some minor color and dodge/burn adjustments. I did consider bringing up the shadows in the "vortex" but felt it would mess with the "mystery" factor. Nancy, I know what you mean about a horizontal comp; I felt this was the best comp available at the time, but it would be fun to experiment more with that.

I think you processed this well, but it does lack a certain degree of coherency. Not exactly sure why. Maybe it's a bit busy, but the various states of contrast in the elements don't seem to quite work for me. I think maybe the lighter parts of that orange sky should be darker, but not entirely sure if that's it.

I liked the original better thank the repost.

Great shot, Jared. Love the formation and the lit up virga. I like the repost a bit more with the sky cropped to eliminate the bright spot. Not to busy for me in the least. Super conditions and you did very well with them.

Works for me, but it does verge on the busy.  When I image a simpler sky, for example, I believe the foreground would be even stronger than it is now.  Nice catch.