Road Trip #2: Steens Mountain Sunrise

Kory Lidstrom

The second post in my series from my 32 day road trip through the western US.



"Steens Mountain Sunrise" (Larger version and EXIF can be found here.)

This is the Big Alvord Creek flowing from the rugged Steens Mountain Range in southeast Oregon. It is one of the most remote places in the continental United States.

As I waited for the pre-dawn light to brighten, these amazing clouds appeared and enhanced the composition greatly. This is probably my favorite shot from all the days I spent in Oregon.

I used a three-stop hard GND filter to keep the sky in check and added a touch of Orton Effect to bring out the color in the foliage.

staypuffinpc

wow!
that is surreal. what a beautiful scene!

Dogdots

Beautiful photo.

I never thought of using the Orton effect just a bit to bring something out more. Good idea

davidweaver

Thank you for sharing. A beautiful shot!!!clap

bob swanson

An amazing image. The Orton treatment must be slight as I didn't catch it. I use Orton extensively in my images. Good work.
bsvirginian

NugBlazer wrote:

The second post in my series from my 32 day road trip through the western US.



"Steens Mountain Sunrise" (Larger version and EXIF can be found here.)

This is the Big Alvord Creek flowing from the rugged Steens Mountain Range in southeast Oregon. It is one of the most remote places in the continental United States.

As I waited for the pre-dawn light to brighten, these amazing clouds appeared and enhanced the composition greatly. This is probably my favorite shot from all the days I spent in Oregon.

I used a three-stop hard GND filter to keep the sky in check and added a touch of Orton Effect to bring out the color in the foliage.

Abiciriderback

Very nice I really like your version I feel you have plenty out of the sky. Your statement about the Orton Effect got me very curious. I tried it in a couple of my captures really makes a difference.

Ray Still

hawkeye978

Beautiful picture. The colors in the sky and the low cloud coupled with the stream really make this a standout.

annnna8888

My kind of photo!
One has to get up early though to get colors like that. The capture itself is phenomenal, and the processing is just as great. Excellent work, can't wait to see more!

Ana

roentarre

Wow, paradise! :ivar

Kory Lidstrom

Thanks for taking the time to comment, everyone.

bob swanson wrote:

An amazing image. The Orton treatment must be slight as I didn't catch it. I use Orton extensively in my images. Good work.
bsvirginian

Yep, you're right Bob, it was just a touch of Orton. I applied the effect to the whole image on a separate layer, and then I reduced that layer's opacity to just 25%.

coscorrosa

Beautiful, really nicely balanced photo (the light and the composition).

Elaine

Gorgeous! I went to a very rustic running camp in the Steens mountains when I was in high school. What a ruggedly beautiful place!