Sedona's Cathedral Rock

shawnc

Was revisiting some images from our October campnig trip to Sedona and a few caught my eye.

Not sure if the trees are an asset to the image or not. I prefer the tree in the foreground.

C&C appreciated

NO TREE

One Tree

Another Tree

philiphutson

I prefer the second and third images. The light hill and the shadowed foreground really draw the eye through the image. The third one does this also but the tree (only) could be a bit brighter.
-Philip

endurodog

I agree with Philiphutson. 2nd and 3rd are nice shots. The first one just has a feeling of a vacationing snap shot.

shawnc

philiphutson wrote: »

I prefer the second and third images. The light hill and the shadowed foreground really draw the eye through the image. The third one does this also but the tree (only) could be a bit brighter.
-Philip

Thx Philip, I think that the lihght on the rocks really has me reluctant to round file the firs one, But I think I agree that the tree needs more liht. i will give that a try.

endurodog wrote: »

I agree with Philiphutson. 2nd and 3rd are nice shots. The first one just has a feeling of a vacationing snap shot.

Enduro, I agree, but these really are vacation shots...
thanx for your kind words.

FlyNavy

I love #3.

David_S85

Cathedral Rock is competing with the (nice) tree in the third. I think #2 is the winner here, especially because of the light on it and in the valley. Further, the darker clouds at the top left help to frame the subject. But it is a very small portion of the shot; would like to see Cathedral Rock become more dominant.

shawnc

FlyNavy wrote: »

I love #3.

I Agree, That's the one I keep going to also. Thx Navy.

David_S85 wrote: »

Cathedral Rock is competing with the (nice) tree in the third. I think #2 is the winner here, especially because of the light on it and in the valley. Further, the darker clouds at the top left help to frame the subject. But it is a very small portion of the shot; would like to see Cathedral Rock become more dominant.

I keep going to #3 for some reason and I think it may be the fact that cathedral does have a more dominant role, but I do see your point about the competing tree.

I enjoy #2 because of the lines, and the light seems to draw me in, but, you may be right, It needs a leading lady.
So why not add one...

My Grandaughter

David_S85

Yes, those trees do help sometimes.
http://davidwatts.smugmug.com/Vacation/Sedona-Arizona-2011/18590283_VJjf3N#!i=1490308295&k=zpVnWLF

WernerG

I'll vote for #3 also. The darker tones of the tree work nicely. I also like the shot of your granddaughter, terrific lighting.

Earache

Very nice images.... I like 'em all... I'm having a strong deja vu 'cause I used to live there and I remember days like that.

grahamclarkphoto

great light. beautiful colors.

anwmn1

I prefer the third and the portrait shot the most. The 2nd is good but the vignette you put on takes away details of the tree trunk. This is a cool perspective of these rocks too. Usually everyone shoots from the park area. Nicely done.

kdog

Beautiful shots, Shawn. Terrific skies and light. It's a tough call, but I think I've got to go with #3 as being my favorite. While there are competing primary elements, the shot is balanced beautifully. Oh, and I love the portrait of your granddaughter as well.

Funny, I know that exact spot and tree, up on that knoll. That's where I took this shot.

shawnc

anwmn1 wrote: »

I prefer the third and the portrait shot the most. The 2nd is good but the vignette you put on takes away details of the tree trunk. This is a cool perspective of these rocks too. Usually everyone shoots from the park area. Nicely done.

Thx Aaron, I was trying to use the vignette to force the eye out of the front of the image. This was a drive by and saw the light developing and had to stop for a few quick grabs.

kdog wrote: »

Beautiful shots, Shawn. Terrific skies and light. It's a tough call, but I think I've got to go with #3 as being my favorite. While there are competing primary elements, the shot is balanced beautifully. Oh, and I love the portrait of your granddaughter as well.

Funny, I know that exact spot and tree, up on that knoll. That's where I took this shot.

Thx Joel, You are right, it was a shot that came from the (not so grassy) knoll, lol.
I could not pass up the light without getting a picture of my granddaughter, as you can see, she was less than enthused.

Love the shot you linked, I've admired that on your site. I am surprised to see it was only a 400mm, it kinda looks like you shot it with a bagillian mm lens.

shawnc

David_S85 wrote: »

Yes, those trees do help sometimes.
http://davidwatts.smugmug.com/Vacation/Sedona-Arizona-2011/18590283_VJjf3N#!i=1490308295&k=zpVnWLF

Thx David, Sedona does have some beautiful old twisted Junipers.

WernerG wrote: »

I'll vote for #3 also. The darker tones of the tree work nicely. I also like the shot of your granddaughter, terrific lighting.

Thx Werner, couldn't pass up the light.

Earache wrote: »

Very nice images.... I like 'em all... I'm having a strong deja vu 'cause I used to live there and I remember days like that.

Thx Earache, Sedona is a place we visit regularly and would love to retire there.

grahamclarkphoto wrote: »

great light. beautiful colors.

Thanks Graham

Marc Muench

Great images and location. It's been tooooo long since I have been in Sedona. Those trees are wonderful.
I would choose #2.
The dark top of the stick protruding into the background does not work in #3 and #1 does not have the depth of the others without the tree.

shawnc

Marc Muench wrote: »

Great images and location. It's been tooooo long since I have been in Sedona. Those trees are wonderful.
I would choose #2.
The dark top of the stick protruding into the background does not work in #3 and #1 does not have the depth of the others without the tree.

Thank you Marc for taking the time to look.

Maybe it's time for another road trip to AZ.??

Marc Muench

Sounds like a plan.
BTW, the picture of your grand daughter is priceless, well composed and VERY well lit.