Long Wash

Interesting study of a DV wash. The varying tonalities and textures in the rock and sand are very nice. B&W rendering works beautifully to simplify and make order out of the comp. What's most intriguing is to ponder that this static landscape is in fact sometimes very dynamic. To me this is the sort of image that one can get lost in contemplating but does not translate that well at web-size and needs to be viewed large to be truly appreciated.

I suspect that it's a case where your memory of the spot and the events add lots that the rest of us don't know.  A classic challenge in translating feelings into an image.  I like the variety of textures and how you've focused on the wash rather than the larger scene.  There also some fine eye flow from the front to the back.  As I read your description of the site, I wonder if getting more contrast in the very back of the wash (upper left, but not at the edge) would add to that feeling.  Right now, I find my focus starting at the front, swinging to the right and back a bit, but then it moves to the hills as their tones match those in the wash.

I will second Dave's thoughts on this image, Harley. It must be viewed large to really appreciate all of the varying tones and textures in this desert landscape. It is really very fascinating to view.

Ed

In a perfect world, every image we present would be accepted just the way we felt when we took that image.  Obviously, a mono image is already at a disadvantage when it comes to attention.  A high contrast, dramatic image will get peoples attention, but one with subtle, nuanced tones less so.  This image is definitely in latter category.  I like it a lot and it looks like a great place to start the day.  I blew this up as large as I could and the tonal separation works well at that size.  The flow of the wash doesn't get lost in the background.  This really says Death Valley.  I think I would clone the brighter spot just above mid frame right and maybe lightly burn the first pinch points left and right.  Minor stuff, cool image.

My first feeling was the same as yours, it looks like a river of sand and bushes! This works well for me, but I can see Mark's point about adding some separation between the "river" and the "banks".

I agree this likely needs to be really large to fully appreciate. I'd be tempted to darken all of the hills, and lighten the river. I think that might emphasize the flow nicely.

What John suggested.