This is an image from Goblin Valley State Park in Utah that I took on a recent trip there. I'm attaching the original unprocessed image, which was taken very late in the day- after sundown- as well as my processed image. It's an almost unearthly setting with these mushroom-shaped "goblins" rising out of the ground, and it's hard to find good photo angles because there are so many of them packed so closely together. But I decided to isolate these two goblins because they seemed like they were in an arena with a number other goblin onlookers all around. I used my Fuji XT2 on a tripod, 8-16mm lens at 16mm, 1/60 sec, F4, at ISO 400. I used Photoshop Raw to straighten the horizon, increase the exposure, clarity and vibrance, and add a minor vignette. I welcome your comments.
8 comments posted
Pierre Williot
Hi Kirk,
Lovely image. The use of a wide-angle lens up close helps emphasizing these goblins. The blue sky with clouds adds a dramatic touch. All tack sharp. Great crop.
No suggestion for improvement.
Well done. Another keeper. Posted: 08/12/2026 23:31:48
Kirk Gulledge
Thanks so much, Pierre!
Posted: 08/15/2026 00:06:33
Geoff Wiggins
Handled well Kirk, like the post production work has made a real nice pic. Clouds on this sort of pic really adds strength. Well done Posted: 08/14/2026 01:47:59
Kirk Gulledge
Thanks, Geoff! I was lucky with the clouds. The sky had been totally clear all day, but some clouds appeared in the evening, so that helped. Posted: 08/15/2026 00:07:54
Jerry Baumann
Kirk, beautiful shot. Dramatic colors! My only suggestion would be to crop just slightly more off the left edge - moving the formation slightly to the left. But good as is. Posted: 08/14/2026 16:00:32
Kirk Gulledge
thanks, Jerry. I agree, a little crop would have helped. Great suggestion.
Posted: 08/15/2026 00:08:44
Bradford Johnson
Hi Kirk, Really nice image. I like how you focused on only two goblins as the subject. Your post processing made them glow against the background and sky. It's really a wonderful photo.
Posted: 08/18/2026 00:45:17
Kirk Gulledge
Thanks so much, Bradford! Really appreciate your comments. Posted: 08/18/2026 02:03:03
