Those who may not be interested in the backstory of this image can feel free to “turn the channel” on the next paragraph if they want.
Back story: after almost 2 years straight of living out of my vehicle (homeless by choice) doing landscape only, I began to seriously tire of the isolation. I became extremely excited when a best friend of mine, Andrew and his wife Laurie called me to tell me that they decided to drive all the way from Washington (NW) to visit and shoot with me in the SW in between my workshops. This spot is absolutely one of my very favorite places on the earth to stand, and photos don't even begin to do it justice. Being 300-500ft down looking across and up at this nearly 1000 foot mountain surrounded by water and raging pink color just does something to a person. Only a handful of times in the last 10 years have I seen this place EXPLODE in glowy pink for either sunrise or sunset, and we woke up to it looking great for that possibility. To take two best friends to a very sacred place and then to be treated to one of the most intense pink sunrises I have ever witnessed at this location was sheer joy for me even if I hadn't taken a single photo. Especially because this was one of the first places they had ever seen or photographed in the entire SW. In many previous years I mostly preferred to shoot alone (some "me" time away to refresh and clear the head). Today it is the opposite. I love to be and photograph with others. And the icing on the cake here was being with loved ones. This specific time with them was very instrumental in helping me see the great value of friends, people, family, relationships and community in my life. Since this time my life has taken on some amazing 360 degree changes that I can not adequately articulate my gratitude for.
Sony A7R2
Canon 11-24@11mm
f/11
6 seconds
100ISO
single shot
6 Mile Bend
Thank you very much for looking, and GREAT LIGHT to you!
Very happy for the turns in your life (I chose to read the backstory).
As for the photo - I think this is one of the best you have posted here in quite awhile (which is saying something). Really like the tones, colors and detail you've presented. Given your exposure times - I can assume it was a touch prior to sunrise - which (also given the location) makes it even more impressive - since you have to be a serious billy goat to get this view.
Having been to this horseshoe bend I really doubt any picture can ever capture the adrenaline rush and concentration that is required to position your camera to properly photograph this bend. Having said that this is an exceptional capture both in comp and color. I'm sure this looks great printed BIG! Dave
Nice one Mark! You got a great sunset there and I like the way you positioned yourself just below the horizon line so the bend and its immediate surroundings make up the top of the subject.
Beautiful colors and tones Mark. One of your best!
BTW: If you love the 11-24L on your A7RII, you should try the new FE 12-24/4G! (test link)
It's only about 550 grams and needs no adapter.
dbehrens wrote:
Having been to this horseshoe bend I really doubt any picture can ever capture the adrenaline rush and concentration that is required to position your camera to properly photograph this bend. Having said that this is an exceptional capture both in comp and color. I'm sure this looks great printed BIG! Dave
I'm sure this looks great printed BIG! Dave