Whispering Figures (E-6)

Gallery: LandscapePosted July 10, 2016252 views15 comments

No other people were in Devil's Garden as I was shooting the sunset (Escalante 2-4) but in this place, you are never alone. As I was headed to my car well after dusk, I heard voices. When I turned, I saw these two figures whispering to each other. The faces stood out prominently to me when I shot this, and still do, but they are not as evident to my wife, and they may not be to you all as well. They are not as obvious as some of the more famous stone figures of this place. Anyway, they are facing each other, a tall figure facing right, and a short one facing left. There are other figures behind them as well. You can see a big nose belonging to one of them between the two up front figures. Comments/suggestions appreciated, including letting me know if you see what I saw (or thought I saw) when I shot this, or if the creepiness of Devil's Garden was just getting to me!

Comments

15 comments

Comment posted by Tom Falley on July 10, 2016 at 10:50 AM

Yes, interesting things to see in this image! Made extra interesting by the dark clouds behind.

Cheers! Tom

Registered on November 21, 2014, 189 Posts, 454 Comments

Comment posted by gary phillips on July 10, 2016 at 11:32 AM

Really cool, Scott. Of all the images I've seen from Devil's Garden, I've never seen this take. Definitely looks like animated figures. Particularly the balding big man perhaps scolding his smaller more baboon like friend. Nice take, great sky to compliment the story.

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

Comment posted by Stephen Stanton on July 10, 2016 at 4:32 PM

A wonderful stone face image. The dark sky enhances, the colors and light on the stone formations gather attention. Nice work.

Registered on March 1, 2015, 54 Posts, 453 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Lowe on July 10, 2016 at 4:57 PM

Very cool image, Scott. I too see the faces you are talking about and the dark foreboding sky only intensifies the mood. I am always amazed at the things we find that nature has provided us with.

Ed

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

Comment posted by Richard Sandor on July 10, 2016 at 7:06 PM

Scott: the two figures are easily seen. In fact there's the nose of a third figure in between them. The stone color presented against the dark sky is very appealing. Richard

Registered on January 12, 2014, 453 Posts, 1625 Comments

Comment posted by Dave Dillemuth on July 10, 2016 at 10:14 PM

You need to go easy on the mushrooms when your out shooting sad

Seriously, the figures are plain to see. If you stare at it a while it's a bit creepy, especially with that ominous sky. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on December 10, 2015, 104 Posts, 1112 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on July 11, 2016 at 2:08 PM

Nice work Scott! This is so cool looking and I certainly do see the faces and nose behind. I think I'm starting to hear the voices too as I keep looking at this frown

. The color is really nice and that sky is perfect for this shot.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by Marylynne Diggs on July 11, 2016 at 5:18 PM

I saw the faces immediately...the tall and short makes for a nice story (grandfather to grandchild, husband to wife). Escalante's Devils Garden is an under appreciated photography destination, in my opinion. I only took a quick lunch rest there on the way to a slot canyon hike when I was in Utah. but I hope to go back. This one works for me!
ML

Registered on December 14, 2010, 122 Posts, 1034 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on July 11, 2016 at 5:56 PM

A great sighting, Scott, catching these two having a chat did you get any special advice from them. To me, the two faces are quite clear. The stormy sky adds well to the spooky atmosphere.

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

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on July 11, 2016 at 5:58 PM

Yep, definitely see them. Very cool!

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

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on July 11, 2016 at 10:55 PM

I like these types of compositions and I see the faces just fine. A wonderful contrast with the dark sky and rocks plus the patterns in the rocks really add to the image (or faces). Maybe a slight crop on the bottom but really a fine image as is. Way to go.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Leggett on July 12, 2016 at 2:51 PM

This is really cool, Scott. After four times having been there, I haven't seen this (maybe near Metate Arch?). The three distinct faces, with "ET" looking down at what looks like a Moai from Easter Island, and Lincoln's nose peeking in. Great find devil

Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on July 12, 2016 at 3:49 PM

Thanks for the comments. Glad to hear I am not seeing things. Bill, this is near Metate Arch, as I recall, though I tend to get turned around in this place. I will say the evening light had a lot to do with bringing out the features. I did not notice the faces at all when I walked by earlier, and they were not as distinct the following morning either.

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

Comment posted by Michael Lowe on July 13, 2016 at 9:25 AM

Great eye to see this Scott. They are set off nicely against the dark and brooding sky. devil

Registered on February 11, 2004, 777 Posts, 5252 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Koepsel on July 17, 2016 at 12:53 PM

Scott, I very much like your composition with the heads closely facing each other. Nice sky for a background too. Maybe see if just a couple points of brightness is to your taste.

Registered on April 1, 2010, 196 Posts, 1592 Comments