George Schlossnagle  


Monument Valley by George Schlossnagle

October 2024 - Monument Valley

About the Image(s)

My wife and I celebrated our 25th anniversary by visiting Monument Valley. I don't do much photography when travelling with family, because I find family time and photo time both want 100% of my focus, but I couldn't not bring a camera on this trip. This photo was taken from John Ford Point (or close to). Sony a7rv, 24-105/4 @ 31mm f11 1/15 ISO 100, multiframe focus stack.


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




Dawn Gulino
I like the leading line to the monument, how the two monuments in the back left and right frame the main one, and the depth of field with the stack is great. I like the wispy clouds as well and the soft light.

Couple of questions, how many images did you have to stack and what program do you use? I've been using PS, however don't like the results too much. How far from the ground were you?   Posted: 10/05/2024 21:27:34
George Schlossnagle   George Schlossnagle
Thanks! It was a 12 frame focus stack. I did this in PS, but I often use Helicon Focus, which I find works better if you have a tricky stack where you need to edit it.

I was very close to the ground (couple inches?).   Posted: 10/17/2024 17:39:45



Darcy Quimby   Darcy Quimby
George
I like the image as a whole. I have no experience with photo stacking. I love your use of odds, I also like the use of layers and leading lines.

My only thought and this is a personal preference. I cropped the foreground a little I left the leading line but I felt like I was falling out of my chair with your version.

  Posted: 10/12/2024 17:13:44
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Paul Smith   Paul Smith
"multiframe focus stack"...do you mind telling us how many were used here. Focus stacking, as you demonstrate is a marvelous technique for bringing out clarity. I have not devoted enough time/attention to its use. You use it well!   Posted: 10/17/2024 17:05:41
George Schlossnagle   George Schlossnagle
Sure, it was 12 frames. This camera (sony a7rv) will do the bracketing itself, which makes the whole process much easier.
  Posted: 10/17/2024 17:40:54



Jay Wong
I really love this natural environment and hope to see more of the expansive scenery here, highlighting the magnificent landscapes and the changes in light and shadow. Similarly, if more of the sky could be included in the photos, it would give viewers more breathing space. Undoubtedly, focus stacking is a great technique. You did a fantastic job.

  Posted: 10/18/2024 02:55:38



Neil Bellenie
An interesting take on this image of rock formations with the foreground commanding our attention. I agree the leading line works well and validates the composition.
I have used focus stacking on macro images but not on landscapes. I am going to try it.   Posted: 10/18/2024 17:12:15



Ed O’Rourke   Ed O’Rourke
I think this photo has good composition with the large mesa being a primary item of interest with the other rock towers in the background. The colors work well for me, especially with the rock color and the sky as a background. I agree with the others regarding the impressive nature of your photo stacking, great job.

I see what you are trying to do with the leading line in the foreground going back to the mesa However in my mind I think you have too much empty space in the foreground and it distracts form the main interest of the mesa and makes it look small. I agree with Darcy about cropping from the bottom but I would do much more so that the mesa will dominate the image.   Posted: 10/18/2024 18:10:34
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Paul Smith   Paul Smith
Ed, IMV the Mesa does not Dominate w/o the clarity and DOF of the foreground. With George's version, both near and far are stars of the show...jus sayin'   Posted: 10/18/2024 21:05:03