And the Snake slithers Westward

[Ottor]

Rick Otto: The Snake

This was a handheld 3 shot HDR just after a brief rainfall.. A new "Overlook" was built at the Twin Falls Visitors Center that juts out over the canyon about 30 feet, so I thought I'd drive over and check it out.. Was taken with my new Sigma 10-20 f/4, which, by the way, offers some incredible opportunities for landscapes! I absolutely love it, and have no regrets for not choosing the Canon version..

After lighting the fire in the fireplace, a hot shower, and a couple of Coronas, they were stitched up in Photomatix.. I'm shooting more HDR these days when I feel that the picture could benefit from it. With this one, the darkness of the water/canyon along with the beautiful sky was a perfect chance to see if I can "Keep it real", or - as real as possible.. I'm improving, but I think I have a longer way to go...

I knew that centering everything was breaking all the rules, but to capture this as I saw it, I couldn't choose between which area was "More" important .. Sky or Canyon.. Which of your children are more important ?? - After all, in real life - anyone looking at this would see what this picture shows .. when you stand at 'ground level', and have a view of a 480 foot canyon as well as a beautiful sky above, the actuality of it is that it really 'is' split in the middle.. you spend no more time looking down, as you do looking up, so - there were no cops around, and I 'broke the rule' ... ;-)

Using some adjustment layers, I attempted to create the colors as accurately as possible - and I think I succeeded in that... Then, one of my favorite ways of making a picture 'pop' is to use a very subtle "Dodge/burn" technique in the areas that need it.. I burned around the horizon/canyon rim, and lightened some of the bushes where the light hit naturally which seemed to give it a little depth..

I thought of cropping out the road on the left, but everyone who is from this area and sees this picture would immediately know it's missing - it's the only way down to the river - however, my son just requested a 16x20 MetalPrint for his office and I asked him if he wanted it out and he said that he did, so the picture will need cropping anyway for printing and I'll gladly oblidge..

Pretty much it... I"ve done some really extensive travel in my life, and I'm so glad to live in an area that offers so many diverse opportunities for photography.. An hour away lies Sun Vally, Idaho, totally different from this desert area...

Rick

[Matthew Gore]

Nice shot, and the HDR is done tastefully

- Matthew Gore

[chicagojohn]

Originally Posted by Ottor

Rick Ottor

While I have to admit that I didn't read every word in your lenthy commentary, I have to say that I absolutely love the result. It has the serpentine path that causes the mind to imagine floating down it. The contrast and dynamic range are nice, and while I don't pretend to understand your description of how you did it, I love the coloration in the sky and the more brilliant green patches that seem to represent the diffuse reflectance of direct sunlight towards the center of the image.

It's just a very engaging landscape image, one I wouldn't mind having hang on a wall in my home; because it is beautiful and engages the imagination.

[windrider86]

isnt that the place that allows people to hang glide off the bridge? If so I was there a couple of years ago. Its ia gorgeous spot. You did it justice!