Canyon Light

Posted by Don Smith (California, United States) on 2 June 2009 in Landscape & Rural.

This is one of those really simple images that nonetheless evokes a sense of warmth, passion, and excitement as a result of the orangish hue of dusk along the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

I used a 300mm f/4L telephoto lens to compress the ridges and thanks to an atmospheric phenomenon called airlight (the lightening of the atmosphere caused by particles reflecting sunlight - more prevalent at higher elevations), the ridges become lighter in tonal value as they transition off. This works well in the photographer's favor as darker objects recede while lighter objects come forward, thus, as in the case of this image, the lighter tones help to draw the viewer's eye through the frame. In order to avoid adding noise in the shadows, I only sharpened the ridge lines with Nik Sharpener Pro.

I will be posting my 2010 Workshop schedule within the next week, including a return trip to northern Arizona. Please check my Workshop link on my website's home page for dates and details.

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www.donsmithphotography.com

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Comments (12)

Steve from Camdenton, United States

A superb image indeed...simple or not! A nice compressed exposure that has a lot of depth... It couldn't be better!

2 Jun 2009 5:54am

@Steve: Thanks Steve, really successful images are all about capturing the right light, after that, everything else sort of falls into place.

Scott Schilling from San Martin, United States

Dear Don, I really like the warmth of the sky in this and with the zoom lens the number of layers of ridges almost seems endless. Great shot! This looks like it would make a good stock image also.

2 Jun 2009 6:18am

@Scott Schilling: Hi Scott, it will be interesting to see if the editors select this image. Just when I think I have it figured out...I really believe that for all of us, we just need to photograph what moves us. I've always believed if a scene moves the photographer, chances are good it will touch someone else.

Scott Schilling from San Martin, United States

Dear Don, I really like the warmth of the sky in this and with the zoom lens the number of layers of ridges almost seems endless. Great shot! This looks like it would make a good stock image also.

2 Jun 2009 6:20am

Magda from Vancouver, Canada

Amazing! Just breathtaking! The clarity and tones are outstanding! Magnificent!

2 Jun 2009 6:39am

@Magda: Magda, thank you again for your kind words. It is too bad that all the Aminus3 members can't meet up one day for a party (imagine the air fares on that one)!

Eleftheria from Athens, Greece

Bravooooooooooo!

2 Jun 2009 12:11pm

@Eleftheria: And bravo to you Eleftheria, I've left a post for you to read - keep up the excellent work!

Judy from Brooksville, Florida, United States

SUPERB!

2 Jun 2009 12:55pm

@Judy: Thank you Judy.

Tracy from La Selva Beach, United States

Wonderful! This really brings out all the shapes of the ridges!

2 Jun 2009 1:37pm

@Tracy: Thanks Tracy.

Hema Iyer from Bangalore, India

WOnderful image.

2 Jun 2009 3:31pm

@Hema Iyer: Thanks for your continued support Hema.

Eric from Bartlett, United States

WOW! beautiful!

2 Jun 2009 3:38pm

@Eric: Hi Eric, I appreciate your enthusiasm!

MARIANA from waterloo, Canada

TERRIFIC !!!!!!!!!

2 Jun 2009 3:44pm

@MARIANA: Hi Mariana, I got a kick out of the Mick Jagger post on your blog - Barbara Streisand?

john4jack from Corvallis, Oregon, United States

Exquisite. Very much like a painting. Thanks for your commentary. Generally when I have gotten shots like this, I have been using a telephoto lens, but it has been by luck rather than intention. You are helping me in becoming much more intentional with my landscape shooting. (I have been very intentional with macro and close-up work, but am learning a great deal about focal lengths, etc. with landscapes.)

2 Jun 2009 4:06pm

@john4jack: Hey Jack, I've spent some time recently looking at images on your blog and you do excellent work. Sorry I don't post much in the way of responses - it has been a very intense period lately with my own work. One more workshop starting this weekend and I should then have some time to play catch up and get some down time. I always appreciate your comments. Gary Hart and I are both enjoying Aminus3 and we both revel in sharing knowledge - a sort of "pass it on." I have written before on my blog that we are all on a journey with our photography; there is no "finish line" except when the good Lord decides I've had enough. Passing along some tips and advice is my way of thanking all my mentors - and I've had (and still do) some excellent ones. There are those who think that as a pro, I must have the magic formula for success. I have been blessed to have made my living for the past 29 years making images. I am far from the best or most talented; I struggle to make good images just like the rest of you; but rather, I would like to think I have a good work ethic. My best piece of advice I can give anyone is: keep shooting and keep learning about the craft, and most of all, enjoy the ride!

Alun Lambert from cheshire, United Kingdom

FANTASTIC

2 Jun 2009 7:57pm

@Alun Lambert: Thanks Alun.

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Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
1/4 second
F/16.0
ISO 200
300 mm