Michael Nath
March 2021 - Dead Horse Point
About the Image(s)
It is an older image from Dead Horse Point in Utah. It was taken during the dawn sunrise from the rim of the escarpment. Technical data is 1/125s, F4.5, ISO 100 using a 18mm-55mm lens at 55mm.
To enhance the colors, I used NIK Vivenza followed by Photoshop layers adjustments for curves and histogram (each on a separate adjustment layer). The results were a little dull and lackluster to me so I added 2 more adjustment layers with Topaz Impression; paesaggio voltera at an opacity of 0.5 then Cezanne II at an opacity of 0.67.
I'm still not happy with the clouds on the horizon but the focus is on the rocks where all the detail and colors predominate.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
9 comments posted
This must be a really old image. I love the lighting and colors, but the noise is pretty distracting. Posted: 03/18/2021 11:08:41
No, its an image from 2018 so not that old. Its not noise but over processing with Topaz Impression (not sharpening). I admit to being heavy handed at times when processing in post and this was one of those times. Good eye for detail Jeff, I'll try to do better in the future and thanks. Posted: 03/18/2021 18:26:42
I like the way you have used the light and shadows to highlight the vastness of the scene. I agree with Jeff about how the colors work well as the reds of the rocks dominate but having just a touch of the green from the foliage adding some contrast to the image. I like the composition with the buttes standing out in the foreground and having the mountains in the distance provide a background. Great photo.
My eye perceives a bit of haze as it moves further back in the scene and I wonder if that could be removed a bit with post processing. Like Jeff, I thought there was a bit of noise but as I'm not familiar with Topaz I can't comment any further on that. Posted: 03/20/2021 18:11:58
My eye perceives a bit of haze as it moves further back in the scene and I wonder if that could be removed a bit with post processing. Like Jeff, I thought there was a bit of noise but as I'm not familiar with Topaz I can't comment any further on that. Posted: 03/20/2021 18:11:58
Thank you Ed, I appreciate it. There is a lot of atmospheric haze in the background due to the distance. I think exposure was a part of the problem as I struggled to get the mountains and clouds in the farthest distance to even show up. Believe it or not, there is another mountain range (behind the last one in the center) that extends across the entire image. Posted: 03/20/2021 19:59:56
Hi Michael, I appreciate how you didn't present the traditional/overdone curve in the river at Deadhorse. Instead you have shown a more unique view. I love the texture in the horizontal lines. This is something that I don't normally see from this spot. The way the rising sun's light casts itself gives your image a gritty feel that I think adds to its uniqueness. The Southwest has a harsh environment and you captured it well. Posted: 03/20/2021 18:17:54
Thank you Dan. On this particular day, I was with a group of about 20 photography teachers from various school across the state of Utah. We met every summer for an in house workshop and had to endure the torture of going out every day to photograph something locally. That particular summer we spent 3 days in Moab next to Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point. The majority of the teachers that year had never visited the area even though they lived within a days drive. Most of them were just to my right taking the very photograph you describe. I was the renegade who did not follow the crowd and instead photographed the less colorful mesas. It was difficult to not come up with something worthwhile. The best part for me was when we got together to compare results later in the day, everyone was asking where I was when I captured this image. No one believes I was next to them and just looked in a different direction. Posted: 03/20/2021 20:13:08
I'm, sorry, Michael, next round I'll get my behind in gear sooner. At this point, I really have nothing to add to other folks' comments. I do like the image, and kudos for getting a different take on the location. Posted: 03/23/2021 17:35:20
Michael
I always enjoy your pictures Posted: 03/28/2021 19:12:44
I always enjoy your pictures Posted: 03/28/2021 19:12:44
Thank you Darcy, I am glad that you have enjoyed them. Posted: 03/29/2021 17:08:00