Rick Cloran, HonPSA, MPSA  


Mammoth Springs by Rick Cloran, HonPSA, MPSA

June 2022 - Mammoth Springs

About the Image(s)

This month’s image also dates from that 2012 trip to Yellowstone. It was based off a 5 shot bracket at 2/3 stop intervals around a base exposure of 1/20 at F 22 and iso 200 using a Canon 1 DX mk IV and 24-105 lens at 28 mm. This is one of those situations that Lisa commented on where the new camera bodies could probably have handled the dynamic range in a single exposure given the highlight and shadow recovery we have now. The blend was done in Aurora 2019. From Photoshop I invoked Luminar Neo and used it for refining the tone and contrast in the image. DeNoise on the Standard setting to neaten things up and then size and sharpen. The reason for the bracket was that light face in the lower travertine terrace. I just couldn’t hold it with the mark IV and still have shadow detail. I did like how Neo handled the tone and contrast adjustments. It definitely saved time over trying to tune things one area at a time.


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




Tom Buckard   Tom Buckard
(Groups 21 & 48 & 71)
Rick, gorgeous image wouldn't add, delete or change a thing. Question though, is the spring in a totally frozen state or is it running and they are all calcium deposits? On my bucket list for sure.   Posted: 06/10/2022 06:27:40
Rick Cloran   Rick Cloran
Hi Tom, It is in a constantly evolving state. The underlying hot springs push up through the crust at points carrying mineral deposits that include calcium carbonate (effectively limestone) but can go beyond that, hence the differences in color. The resulting surface formations are called Travertine, at least as far as Mammoth Springs is concerned. One area will go dry as the flow in that area is cutoff for some reason and a new area will open up when the pressure in the hot springs finds a new path to the surface. You can see an older dead area that has gone gray at the bottom. You can also see the steam rising off the surface flow in the active areas. Definitely something to take the time to explore when in Yellowstone.   Posted: 06/10/2022 18:39:03
Tom Buckard   Tom Buckard
(Groups 21 & 48 & 71)
Rick, thank you for taking the time to give me such great info. Much appreciated!   Posted: 06/10/2022 18:51:27
Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
(Group 32)
There are calcium travertine formations in a few other parts of the world, notably my wife's homeland, Turkey--Google "travertine deposits pamukkale, turkey," and select "images."   Posted: 06/19/2022 18:03:00



Brad Ashbrook   Brad Ashbrook
The colors and the blend looks great with the brighter areas not blowing out. I don't think I would change a thing.   Posted: 06/17/2022 12:26:21



Max Burke   Max Burke
This image is one of the best I have seen of these features at Mammoth Hot Springs. Your picture's composition, color, and sharpness are impressive. Your explanations of how you processed it are appreciated.   Posted: 06/17/2022 23:13:32



Bill Buchanan   Bill Buchanan
Very impressive image. You nailed it.   Posted: 06/27/2022 18:35:53



Lisa Cuchara   Lisa Cuchara
Great image, nice sunny day but the tonal range rocks!
The sharpness is great and the composition wonderful.

The bottom layer seems to take on a blue hue, perhaps adjust the bottom hue...   Posted: 06/28/2022 21:16:09
Comment Image
Rick Cloran   Rick Cloran
Agreed. I missed that but toning down the cyan there make sense.   Posted: 06/29/2022 09:37:35