A couple from Death Valley

anonymouscubananonymouscuban Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 4,586 Major grins
edited May 12, 2014 in Landscapes
First time visiting Death Valley for me. Beautiful place. Much more than I could have imagined. Much hotter than I expected for this time of your too. Got slightly dehydrated which was not fun at all.

It was an overnight ninja run. Plan was to shoot some night shots at the dunes but the clouds had different plans. the sunset and sunrise were not bad so I still managed to get some decent shots. Here are the first two that I have to share. More to come.

1. Sunset

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2. During sunrise

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Comments

  • SamSam Registered Users Posts: 7,419 Major grins
    edited May 5, 2014
    Nice images. Hot you say? It ain't called Death Valley for nothing. :D

    This is not a place to try and spend a few hours. The regular spots next to the roads are nice but there is sooo much more.

    It was soo hot last time I thought I was hallucinating until I caught this guy wandering around. ne_nau.gif
    i-HNrDjM4-L.jpg

    Sam
    www.samlinvillephotography.com
  • StumblebumStumblebum Registered Users Posts: 8,480 Major grins
    edited May 5, 2014
    Both shots have your signature look Alex....It think, but I could be wrong....Low POV, leading lines, cool temp and tones during processing, even exposure, pronounced vignetting, and great comp!!

    I struggle with Zabriskie point as it is a marvel to behold when you see it, but at least my camera lens does something to it where it appears flat and uninteresting. You succeeded in capturing its essence for most part, which I can honestly say I have never even come close to!

    Second one is a winner! Composition is Aces! Did you go around Mesquite dunes to find this POV? Is this pre-dawn? No foot prints so you certainly found untouched dunes or perhaps recuperated dunes!

    Cheers and well done!
  • anonymouscubananonymouscuban Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 4,586 Major grins
    edited May 5, 2014
    Sam wrote: »
    Nice images. Hot you say? It ain't called Death Valley for nothing. :D

    This is not a place to try and spend a few hours. The regular spots next to the roads are nice but there is sooo much more.

    It was soo hot last time I thought I was hallucinating until I caught this guy wandering around. ne_nau.gif
    i-HNrDjM4-L.jpg

    Sam

    Agreed Sam. I really don't know what was going through my mind. I really overestimated what my body could handle from a couple of hours of hiking and shooting in such hot conditions.

    And you're right... so much more to explore there. BTW, none of these shots were taking from side of the road. We hiked quite a bit for each.
    Stumblebum wrote: »
    Both shots have your signature look Alex....It think, but I could be wrong....Low POV, leading lines, cool temp and tones during processing, even exposure, pronounced vignetting, and great comp!!

    I struggle with Zabriskie point as it is a marvel to behold when you see it, but at least my camera lens does something to it where it appears flat and uninteresting. You succeeded in capturing its essence for most part, which I can honestly say I have never even come close to!

    Second one is a winner! Composition is Aces! Did you go around Mesquite dunes to find this POV? Is this pre-dawn? No foot prints so you certainly found untouched dunes or perhaps recuperated dunes!

    Cheers and well done!

    Thanks Taz. Zabriskie point was a little overwhelming. To be honest, I don't think we had the best vantage point to shoot Manly Beacon and is why I have yet to process the shots I took. I wish conditions and time would have allowed us to hike further down the canyon to shoot it more from the side. All in all, I'm happy with the shots.

    The dune shot was just after sunrise. We hiked out, maybe a mile into the dunes pre-dawn. We were the first out so other people got shots with our foot prints. rolleyes1.gif I did get other shots pre-dawn that I still have to go through. This was the shot that jumped out at me first. Will share more soon.

    Alex
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  • anonymouscubananonymouscuban Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 4,586 Major grins
    edited May 5, 2014
    Here is another shot from our outing at Death Valley. Pretty happy about this one. This is a two exposure blend... edited each in LR first, then drop them in CS6 and manually blended the two usually luminosity masks.

    4 - Manly Beacon
    DSC_7551-2-Edit-2.jpg
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  • StumblebumStumblebum Registered Users Posts: 8,480 Major grins
    edited May 5, 2014
    Its fantastic to say the least! Great POV, timing, placement of the butte behind which sun is flaring, layers, sky, comp!! Drawing me in and making me stare! I recognize the area, still not sure I recall the POV! You are pro's pro! Cheers!
  • anonymouscubananonymouscuban Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 4,586 Major grins
    edited May 5, 2014
    Thanks Taz. I wish you were right but I think it's mostly luck.

    Here is a different look at the same scene as the first shot. The sky was pretty amazing so I went for a portrait shot with this one. Also edited it just slightly different than the first. I left the WB as shot which is a bit warmer. I typically convert WB to Daylight.

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    7sMc7yfpKRzndNIL78G04EKCAKrJNOAB8HNulpzLxaY=w866-h1212-no
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  • EaracheEarache Registered Users Posts: 3,533 Major grins
    edited May 6, 2014
    Beautiful work Alex... and don't be so modest - you're killing it man... skillz is skillz!
    Ah hem... not to nag... I needs me some Meatball :D
    Eric ~ Smugmug
  • anonymouscubananonymouscuban Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 4,586 Major grins
    edited May 6, 2014
    You guys bored with this series yet?

    6
    14119713325_d796ea34f8_o.jpg
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  • anonymouscubananonymouscuban Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 4,586 Major grins
    edited May 6, 2014
    Earache wrote: »
    Beautiful work Alex... and don't be so modest - you're killing it man... skillz is skillz!
    Ah hem... not to nag... I needs me some Meatball :D

    Thanks Eric. It may not be all luck but luck, and standing in front beautiful things helps a lot!!

    I promise to share some Meatball (and Potato) shots soon. I've been kicking around the idea of shooting monthly "themed" shots of them. I have more ideas than time though so haven't started it yet.

    I may even share a "Pug-Nato" video now that I have the D800. Not a video guy but they're hilarious when they pretend to be little tornadoes. clap.gif
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  • R.JayR.Jay Registered Users Posts: 974 Major grins
    edited May 6, 2014
    Hi, the thing I like about your sunset shots is the complete and utter barren landscape balanced by the softness of the pink clouds - beautiful. I prefer the composition of the second dune shot - more context with the surrounding landscape. Certainly not bored - keep them coming. :D

    Cheers, Richard.
  • StumblebumStumblebum Registered Users Posts: 8,480 Major grins
    edited May 6, 2014
    Last one might be my favorite! Kind of shots that motivate me to find dunes and head to desert....hope to get one that is this quality! Cheers!
  • byoshibyoshi Registered Users Posts: 353 Major grins
    edited May 6, 2014
    Awesome series. DV is always a great place to shoot.
    Landscape and Nature photography
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  • anonymouscubananonymouscuban Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 4,586 Major grins
    edited May 7, 2014
    R.Jay wrote: »
    Hi, the thing I like about your sunset shots is the complete and utter barren landscape balanced by the softness of the pink clouds - beautiful. I prefer the composition of the second dune shot - more context with the surrounding landscape. Certainly not bored - keep them coming. :D

    Cheers, Richard.

    Thanks. The actual landscape there is quite amazing and unforgiving. I kept imagining how horrible it would be to be stranded in the middle of this place with no water. There is very little you can do to find shelter from the elements.
    Stumblebum wrote: »
    Last one might be my favorite! Kind of shots that motivate me to find dunes and head to desert....hope to get one that is this quality! Cheers!

    Yeah... this second shot I like more than the other one of the dunes.
    byoshi wrote: »
    Awesome series. DV is always a great place to shoot.

    Thanks.

    Here is another from the dunes. A little more artsy fartsy. I have a few more of these I will share.

    7
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  • SamSam Registered Users Posts: 7,419 Major grins
    edited May 7, 2014
    Really liking the series. Nicely done and good choice of processing.

    You should consider numbering the images when posting more than one. :D

    I especially like your last sand dune artsy image.clap.gifclapclap.gif

    Sam
    www.samlinvillephotography.com
  • StumblebumStumblebum Registered Users Posts: 8,480 Major grins
    edited May 7, 2014
    Seriously....keeps getting better....new favorite with every post!!!
  • EaracheEarache Registered Users Posts: 3,533 Major grins
    edited May 7, 2014
    anonymouscuban wrote: »
    ....I may even share a "Pug-Nato" video now that I have the D800. Not a video guy but they're hilarious when they pretend to be little tornadoes. clap.gif

    "Pug-Nato"...rolleyes1.giflurk
    Eric ~ Smugmug
  • anonymouscubananonymouscuban Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 4,586 Major grins
    edited May 7, 2014
    Sam wrote: »
    Really liking the series. Nicely done and good choice of processing.

    You should consider numbering the images when posting more than one. :D

    I especially like your last sand dune artsy image.clap.gifclapclap.gif

    Sam

    Thanks Sam. I went through the pics and numbered them.



    Stumblebum wrote: »
    Seriously....keeps getting better....new favorite with every post!!!

    Haha. I have more to share. May be a couple of days though. Have to edit some Corporate Headshots tonight from a paid gig so that comes first. Boring though... I'd rather work on these.



    Earache wrote: »
    "Pug-Nato"...rolleyes1.giflurk

    I promise. Your meatball fix is coming soon.

    Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2
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  • SamSam Registered Users Posts: 7,419 Major grins
    edited May 7, 2014
    Earache wrote: »
    "Pug-Nato"...rolleyes1.giflurk

    Pug-Nato is a breed of Cuban dog.

    They are notoriously poor swimmers hence they are not well known in the US. rolleyes1.gifroflrolleyes1.gif

    Sam
    www.samlinvillephotography.com
  • anonymouscubananonymouscuban Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 4,586 Major grins
    edited May 7, 2014
    Sam wrote: »
    Pug-Nato is a breed of Cuban dog.

    They are notoriously poor swimmers hence they are not well known in the US. rolleyes1.gifroflrolleyes1.gif

    Sam

    :D

    Know why Cuba does so poorly at Olympic swim events?

    Because all the great swimmers are in Miami! Haha

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  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,939 moderator
    edited May 7, 2014
    Some great pictures of a really cool place.
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited May 7, 2014
    Awesome shots, man! Worth a little dehydration for sure! clap.gif
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  • denisegoldbergdenisegoldberg Administrators Posts: 14,372 moderator
    edited May 8, 2014
    I love # 6, what an awesome photo!

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  • joe-bobjoe-bob Registered Users Posts: 368 Major grins
    edited May 8, 2014
    All fabulous.
  • anonymouscubananonymouscuban Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 4,586 Major grins
    edited May 8, 2014
    ian408 wrote: »
    Some great pictures of a really cool place.

    Thanks Ian. We need to meet up next time I'm up in the Bay.
    kdog wrote: »
    Awesome shots, man! Worth a little dehydration for sure! clap.gif

    Yeah... I'm pretty happy with them. I set my expectations low though so not sure what that means. ne_nau.gif
    denisegoldberg wrote: »
    I love # 6, what an awesome photo!

    --- Denise

    Thanks Denise. Yeah... #6 I will probably print that one.
    joe-bob wrote: »
    All fabulous.

    Thanks you sir!


    So since you guys are still willing to look, here are a few more shots I got around to editing last night after processing the boring corporate headshots I did for a job. :puke1

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    And I reworked this one slightly. Something about it is bugging me and my friend Dave said that the foreground may be too bright. I toned it down a bit and like it more so maybe that was it.

    12
    13931916248_97c5733091_b.jpg
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  • StumblebumStumblebum Registered Users Posts: 8,480 Major grins
    edited May 8, 2014
    You nailed DV in first try man!! I have been there half a dozen times.....not even close! Cheers!
  • anonymouscubananonymouscuban Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 4,586 Major grins
    edited May 8, 2014
    Thanks Taz.

    A couple more. This was as we were working our way out of the park and back home. It was getting late in the morning and light was not the best but we couldn't resist shooting a bit more.

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    A little about the car....

    So David and I were wondering around shooting the cool Joshua trees. After about 20 minutes of walking and shooting, I saw something in the distance. I'm like "Is that a freaking car?". Took Dave a bit to see it but he confirmed it was a car.

    We were pretty stoked. Of course we had to shoot it. We were a little bumbed that we didn't have a hot model with us to shoot her on it. Dave tried to get me to take my shirt off but that shit wasn't gonna happen. Laughing.gif

    One cool fact. We noticed there were tracks that ran adjacent to the car. We assumed they were the tracks left from when they pulled the car to its final resting place. Dave did some Googling and he thinks that it was actually old Talc Road, that led up to a talc mine that operated up until the 1930's. I believe he may be right. Google Earth shows the road to be about where we were and the car seems to be from that period. So cool to know that this car has been sitting there for that long. clap.gif
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  • StumblebumStumblebum Registered Users Posts: 8,480 Major grins
    edited May 8, 2014
    Winners all! You had the "eye" working big time on this trip!!!
  • anonymouscubananonymouscuban Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 4,586 Major grins
    edited May 8, 2014
    Thanks again Taz. I'll be honest, I'm really digging those two B&W. I really don't convert much anymore, it's been quite a while. Really think these two shots work quite well in B&W. The light was already rather harsh by these shots and they look much better than in color.
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  • StumblebumStumblebum Registered Users Posts: 8,480 Major grins
    edited May 8, 2014
    anonymouscuban wrote: »
    Thanks again Taz. I'll be honest, I'm really digging those two B&W. I really don't convert much anymore, it's been quite a while. Really think these two shots work quite well in B&W. The light was already rather harsh by these shots and they look much better than in color.

    They are amazing! You captured the ESSENCE of Joshuah tree! Even though there are hundreds of thousands of these trees there, the way you stitched together the elements, it is just right. The bright glistening tree sits nicely on slightly darkened sky, and leading lines of clouds are pointing at it! Rocks, shrubs, distant hills, all just right!!! I visualized something like this and took many shots, but lacked signature shot.

    Love the Car carcass and that is damn good too! I found bunch of them near "Wall Street" trail of all the places....

    I checked but there is no exif info.....if you can, share it for last 2 shots. Thanks!
  • anonymouscubananonymouscuban Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 4,586 Major grins
    edited May 12, 2014
    Just when you thought I was done posting to this thread. Laughing.gif

    This one was shot pre-dawn, just before the sun was starting to light the sky a bit.

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