Jeff Coyle  


Watchman - Zion NP by Jeff Coyle

December 2020 - Watchman - Zion NP

About the Image(s)

Here is my shot for December
A long exposure of The Watchman in Zion NP. An evening shot with my R5. 25 seconds, F16 Iso 50. Removed some park structures in Photoshop's Content Aware Fill. Finished it off with Nik Color Efex and Topaz Sharpen AI.

My first time at Zion, can't wait to go back.

Jeff


This round’s discussion is now closed!
9 comments posted




Dan Mottaz   Dan Mottaz
Hi Jeff, nice image of a subject that's been shot a trillion times. Zion is a terrific place to photograph, but I refuse to shoot that scene. I encourage anyone who goes there, "make your own images". That aside, I don't mean to insult you. It's a fine image captured nicely and well processed. I actually commend you for taking a slightly different vantage point. You seemed to shoot from below the bridge instead of with the masses on top of the bridge. Would there have been better drama if the capture was made later?
Incedentantly, how do you like the R5? I'm considering it but can't decide if I would be paying for all the video feature as apposed to the R6.   Posted: 12/03/2020 15:56:20
 
Love the R5. I haven't even tried to use the video yet. A big step up in dynamic range and resolution from my 6d mk2   Posted: 12/03/2020 18:20:31



 
Hi Dan,

No insult taken. I did actually take some shots from the bridge (and got yelled at by the rangers), but I wanted to get a reflection and the west facing side being lit up. This was about a half mile from the bridge.

I have attached another shot taken the next evening   Posted: 12/03/2020 18:08:37
Comment Image
Dan Mottaz   Dan Mottaz
That's impressive, Jeff. And yes, dynamic range is a big factor. Thanks for your speedy reply.
  Posted: 12/03/2020 19:51:33



Paul Smith   Paul Smith
I , unlike you worldly travelers, have not been to Zion. But now I want to go. I enjoy your image, Jeff. I especially like the reflections. And thank you for explaining the long exposure and PP software tools. Well done.   Posted: 12/07/2020 10:43:07



 
Great shot!! You and Dan are so skillful in long exposure images!! So far, I only use long exposure on water fall but not so much on others. I need to explore/improve my skill in this area more, my next goal!

I've been in Zion twice, unfortunately, I didn't equip right gears both times. However, I did take some good shots from my iPhone but they are not the same as raw format images for post processing.
  Posted: 12/07/2020 12:24:25



Ed O’Rourke   Ed O’Rourke
For me this is a good example of the variety of desert colors, with the reds of the rocks, greens of the foliage, and blues of the sky and water. I like the way you have "layered" the colors with the river, then the close vegetation, then the scrub vegetation, followed by the rocks and finishing with the sky. I think the composition is good with the diagonal lines drawing my eye to a point below the Watchman helping to make it the primary point of interest. I also like the effect of the long exposure in blurring the reflection in the water and keeps the Watchman a primary point. Great shot, what's not to like   Posted: 12/13/2020 14:52:31



 
Excellent view from the Virgin River. I agree with Ed on the colors and composition.   Posted: 12/16/2020 12:35:05



Darcy Quimby   Darcy Quimby
Jeff
Sorry for the late reply. I love the softness of the long exposure. I like Jean only attempt long exposures on waterfalls. The use of filters intimidate me. Although I am starting to use some in night photography. We drove through Zion I need to go back.
I think its me I notice weird things in photos. I am distracted by the rock in the lower middle of the photo.   Posted: 12/23/2020 01:21:15