This photo was taken just a few weeks ago in the Badlands in South Dakota. I have heard several good photographers say that the Badlands (and Grand Canyon, for that matter) are hard to photograph in. I know I found it overwhelming because it was all so interesting. It was hard to concentrate on a subject. For that reason, I was challenging myself to simplify with this photo. I'd love to know your thoughts about the composition. I felt like I should be getting dramatic skies, but I found this sky pretty. I did get a couple of photos with nice skies but not the drama that I've seen in some photos from the summer. Still September temps were great (not the 100 degree days of the summer) and I loved being there. ISO 500, 65 mm, f/20, 1/800. What interested me was the echo of the formation in the background. Minimal editing.
14 comments posted
Larry Treadwell
First I'll agree with your photographic advisors in that the Badlands and the Grand Canyon can be difficult to photograph as they tend to be so of overwhelming That said you did a good job of isolating a single rock formation and keeping the image rather simplistic--that can be a very good thing. As you note the image is not dramatic. You said you like the sky and it is rather pleasing. If your intent is capturing this type of daylight image you did a good job of doing so, However if it is drama and powerful impact you are looking for I would suggest shooting at either sunrise or sunset. That is when you will find the more dramatic composition. Sometimes you just have to get to the site early and just wait for the drama to take place, Learning to use good light to create drama takes time and practice. Posted: 10/01/2026 17:59:44
Michael Jack
I think the composition is fine but taken at the wrong time of day. Earlier or later would have given more texture to the formations and maybe a more interesting sky. You might consider seeing what you can do with this as a B/W image, especially darkening the blue sky to almost black (but that is me) Posted: 10/02/2026 22:37:36
Larry Treadwell
What a great idea Michael. I love the idea of converting to monochrome and creating a black sky. That would really dramatic. Posted: 10/02/2026 23:13:07
Tracy Kaminer
Ok. Let me hear your thoughts. Suggestions? Posted: 10/03/2026 01:32:21
Tracy Kaminer
That is an interesting idea! I'll give it a try. Thank you. Posted: 10/03/2026 00:30:00
Larry Treadwell
Hi Tracy
The trick to B/W is to use the full tonal range running from true black to true white. If you do not utilize the ends of the range the image starts to look a little. In the attached image you can see the image has some punch to it because of strong blacks and white. Posted: 10/03/2026 23:06:57
Tracy Kaminer
Could you tell me how you achieved that? Thank you. Was it moving the black and white sliders as far as you could? Posted: 10/03/2026 23:10:40
Michael Jack
It was moving the black sliders to the point blacks are starting to be out of gamut (hold the ALT key in LRc) and increasing whites until the image looks good. Then play with the color sliders, decreasing blue to darken the sky and maybe increasing red and orange to add pop to the peaks. Posted: 10/04/2026 00:10:56
Tracy Kaminer
Thank you, Michael. That's the kind of detail I need. Posted: 10/04/2026 01:04:02
Tracy Kaminer
Posted: 10/04/2026 01:14:45
Tracy Kaminer
Posted: 10/04/2026 01:14:57
Larry Treadwell
Sorry I went to bed after sending my last response. Today I see that Michael has described the process just about as I go about it. One difference is that I do most of my work in Lightroom and use their masking option to work final details. I will use the brushes and gradients to fine tune small areas. SUch as using a brush to tone down the brightness of the cloud in the upper left or using another brush to adjust the shadows on the lower right side of the monument. This way I can include my personal tastes rather than stick to only global adjustments. Posted: 10/04/2026 17:29:14
Tracy Kaminer
Right. I do that, too. Thank you. Posted: 10/04/2026 17:37:02
