Michael Ritzie  


Wonderment Number 5 by Michael Ritzie

March 2025 - Wonderment Number 5

About the Image(s)

I just got back from another month-long trip to the Southwest, this time to the Death Valley area and the Alabama Hills. It never ceases to amaze me the different type of rocks and their formations. How did it get here? Why are they different colors and textures from the surrounding hills? What keeps that rock balanced? In this photo, taken early one morning, I was amazed at the lenticular clouds. Small spaceships in the sky!
Shot with a Canon EOS R5 and RF 70-200 F2.8 L IS USM at 200 mm, 1/00 sec, f13 and tripod mounted. Processed with ACR, Photoshop and converted to B&W with NIK 7 Silver Efex. Dodging and burning where I thought needed.


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




Ella Schreiber   Ella Schreiber
Hi Michael: What an interesting image. I really like the shapes, textures and tonal values of the rocks in your composition. It's like I can almost feel the texture of those rocks in your image. To my eye the unique cloud shape brings such interest to your composition. Beautifully processed in post camera production.   Posted: 03/10/2025 05:41:01



Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Michael
It looks like you took a wrong turning on your drive there and ended up on the moon.
Incredible desolate landscape that so suits monochrome the early morning light adds wonderful contrast and great textures throughout.
The cloud is the absolute icing on the cake.
Hope you have more for us to enjoy from this trip.   Posted: 03/13/2025 16:33:04



Peter Clark   Peter Clark
Michael - great image enhanced by the lenticular cloud begging out for a suitable foreground which I suspect is the Alabama Hills. Excellent arrangement and shape of the rocks with great tones and textures and good lighting.
I only saw a lenticular cloud once during my many visits to the States - from the top of the pass from Yosemite to Lone Pine.   Posted: 03/14/2025 07:04:38



John Gilkerson   John Gilkerson
Michael, an intriguing scene well spotted photographed and processed.
Magical rocks and suitably odd cloud.   Posted: 03/15/2025 04:34:42



Susan Quinn   Susan Quinn
Michael,
Wonderful rockscape. The shape of the cloud brings another dimension to the image. I might take the highlights doen a bit. Good contrast in the rocks giving definition to the overall image. Susan   Posted: 03/30/2025 06:38:16