Posted by Karl Buiter on August 10, 2015 at 5:23 AM
I was at the Grand Canyon North Rim August 1 and 2.
The route in on Saturday was leisurely - took route 22 southeast from Fredonia to the USFS road network. The first twenty miles are paved, then it becomes packed dirt - easy road for anywone. I was headed out to the extreme western edge by Crazy Jug - so took the apparrent direct route 423 to 427 to 425,. None of these roads were a problem for an experienced 4x4 - but I would caution that route really takes one out there on two-track with some moderate climbs. Not much to show for it but reference shots since the sun buried itself into storm clouds over the Arizona Strip before sunset.
Next morning was Pt Imperial. Lots of clouds with only a hint of color. But as the morning progressed monsoon cels could be seen approaching. I pulled off the O-point to the dirt areas to the right and came away with some dramatic skies. Wished I could have got a ray on Mt Hayden..
This image is a three image stitch from a TS-E 24mm, 1/50 at f/10, ISO 400, using a 5DS. The full 3:1 pan is 12500 x 4200 to keep it grand while playing up the storms.
Posted by Karl Buiter on August 10, 2015 at 5:26 AM
Next on this shot list is Walhalla Viewpoint... I liked the light here.. soft but with enough direction for shadows and detailed. Cropped the narrrow margin of ugly sky; and some of the near brush on the bottom. 1/250 at f/9 ISO 400. I probably could have dropped the ISO by then. Lens was the spectacular Sigma 35 1.4 HG DSM Art.
Posted by Karl Buiter on August 10, 2015 at 5:35 AM
I then headed out to the meadows for flowers - There was a decent carpet of wild flowers and I got a few shots off before storms begain to build - eventually killing the light so it was time to head to the lodge for lunch. I ran into a few photographers I met at Pt Imperial; and then another named Chris from Grand Junction who was using the Lightning Trigger on some passing South Rim storms.
Seeing the dry line approach from the west it was apparent any cloud action would be to the east. Thought about Cape Royal; but by the hour, the south was clear so I made way to the picnic grounds near Roosevelt Point for some views of Pt Imperial to the North. The nice tower finaled with a decent lightning show that built out to Navajo land.
Morning was clear and cold - 38 degrees and frost on Highway 67; four hours later it was 98 out of Mesquite on my way back to Vegas.
Posted by John Freeman on August 10, 2015 at 12:13 PM
Great shots Karl. I really like the first wide pano. The shafts of light from the clouds are really appealing.
Posted by Howard Cihak on August 10, 2015 at 12:29 PM
Let me add my compliments as well, Karl. The pano is terrific, and the others are quite good as well. Wish I could've been there, too. It looks like it was a very productive time for you.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on August 11, 2015 at 10:40 PM
Nice shafts of rain and light in the pano. My favorite is #3 with maybe a little crop off the top of the blue sky and a slight reduction in contrast.
Posted by Darren Huski on August 12, 2015 at 1:28 PM
Nice series. Looks like a good trip.
Posted by Bob Falcone on August 12, 2015 at 2:23 PM
Discussion
7 repliesI was at the Grand Canyon North Rim August 1 and 2.
The route in on Saturday was leisurely - took route 22 southeast from Fredonia to the USFS road network. The first twenty miles are paved, then it becomes packed dirt - easy road for anywone. I was headed out to the extreme western edge by Crazy Jug - so took the apparrent direct route 423 to 427 to 425,. None of these roads were a problem for an experienced 4x4 - but I would caution that route really takes one out there on two-track with some moderate climbs. Not much to show for it but reference shots since the sun buried itself into storm clouds over the Arizona Strip before sunset.
Next morning was Pt Imperial. Lots of clouds with only a hint of color. But as the morning progressed monsoon cels could be seen approaching. I pulled off the O-point to the dirt areas to the right and came away with some dramatic skies. Wished I could have got a ray on Mt Hayden..
This image is a three image stitch from a TS-E 24mm, 1/50 at f/10, ISO 400, using a 5DS. The full 3:1 pan is 12500 x 4200 to keep it grand while playing up the storms.
Next on this shot list is Walhalla Viewpoint... I liked the light here.. soft but with enough direction for shadows and detailed. Cropped the narrrow margin of ugly sky; and some of the near brush on the bottom. 1/250 at f/9 ISO 400. I probably could have dropped the ISO by then. Lens was the spectacular Sigma 35 1.4 HG DSM Art.
I then headed out to the meadows for flowers - There was a decent carpet of wild flowers and I got a few shots off before storms begain to build - eventually killing the light so it was time to head to the lodge for lunch. I ran into a few photographers I met at Pt Imperial; and then another named Chris from Grand Junction who was using the Lightning Trigger on some passing South Rim storms.
Seeing the dry line approach from the west it was apparent any cloud action would be to the east. Thought about Cape Royal; but by the hour, the south was clear so I made way to the picnic grounds near Roosevelt Point for some views of Pt Imperial to the North. The nice tower finaled with a decent lightning show that built out to Navajo land.
Morning was clear and cold - 38 degrees and frost on Highway 67; four hours later it was 98 out of Mesquite on my way back to Vegas.
Great shots Karl. I really like the first wide pano. The shafts of light from the clouds are really appealing.
Let me add my compliments as well, Karl. The pano is terrific, and the others are quite good as well. Wish I could've been there, too. It looks like it was a very productive time for you.
Nice shafts of rain and light in the pano. My favorite is #3 with maybe a little crop off the top of the blue sky and a slight reduction in contrast.
Nice series. Looks like a good trip.
Swwet collection!