So many great elements here. I think your planning, lens selection and soft colors brought a unique beauty to this iconic formation. I would not have considered a 12-24 lens and that was a perfect choice. I learned something. Love it.   Posted: 10/02/2026 18:23:30

Very interesting subject here, Peter. You obviously envisioned your image well ahead of taking the shot. I agree with Gwen that your choice of lens was a good one, as it helped to show a fuller landscape scene. Nice sun star, too. My only suggestion would be to leave the foreground darker. This would accomplish two things. It would provide a bit more contrast that I think is needed to give the scene a more natural feel and it would have hidden the automobiles on the right better (they're a minor distraction but I noticed them). Otherwise, a very pleasing image.   Posted: 10/02/2026 22:44:26

Peter, I've been to Arches a while ago and hard not to snap Balance Rock. I saw folks standing on top of their SUV or van trying to get the entire image in! We were not there at golden hour, but rather late morning...and I'm amazed at the difference in vibes that sunset and overcast skies brings to the area. Your star is stunning. I really like the lighting on the right side of the rock with the sunset reflection. But I think the remainder of the rock was a little darker. I wondered whether you lightened it to bring out the right side. Overall increased contrast that the darker part of the rock would give. That time of day and heavy cloud cover are really hard conditions. My perception may be due to the time of year differences and lighting conditions. or it was a few years since I've seen and my memory has faded. But for composition and sunset impact a very nice image.   Posted: 10/04/2026 19:05:16

This is a beautiful, impactful image! I totally agree with Gwen. My minor suggestion would be to remove the green dot near the sun's ray caused by the lens flare . What focal length did you use to take this picture?   Posted: 10/08/2026 21:51:00

This was at 12mm...the widest my widest angle lens will go!

As always, thank you everyone for the kind and constructive comments.   Posted: 10/08/2026 21:57:52