A thunderstorm combines with an updraft from the Grand Canyon creating wild Mammatus (mamma) cloud effects.
Details for the more inquisitive:
We turned on a dime choosing to chase thunderstorm radar projections to the area and were richly rewarded. I took this image shortly after getting knocked out by an indirect strike of lightning. 😳 ⚡️
Single exposure
Sony A7R2
Canon 11-24@11mm
f/8
200ISO
1/40th shutter
Processing:
With the new ability to do the 4 most important/influential quality-affecting adjustments on our original Linear Raw files via Lightroom/Camera Raw's individual Curve Masks (1. a custom Gamma Curve, 2. custom End Points curve, 3. custom Mid-Tones curve, and 4. custom Contrast curve) our images can be nearly done before sliding a single slider! This inevitably cuts down massively on labor and boosts the quality of all the data in our raw files substantially, producing much higher-quality, more robust data-rich images with way less effort. IMO it is a no-brainer for those committed to moving forward with technology and pushing quality.
Then using lossless Raw Layers (as opposed to LOSSY/Degrading Adjustment Layers and LOSSY/Degrading Smart Object Layers) images can now easily be done with a "pure raw" workflow that many of us have been daydreaming about since the inception of Camera Raw in 2003! It is an incredible time to be a photographer!
This is a great shot! Wonderful composition and as you outlined, excellent PP skill resulting in a stunning final image. I agree, "It is an incredible time to be a photographer!"
I’m interested in learning more about the PP techniques you’ve described, as I’m just getting back into things after a multi-year hiatus. Is there a tutorial or article available that you’ve found helpful?
By far one of my favorite locations of all time....and well captured!!! I spent two dawns on that spot 5 years ago, and they two of the better moments of my life. Good memories and a great capture here.
Huge thank you Chuck. I can tell you that it made me much more conservative, especially when leading workshops. We still chase the storms, but I’m not willing to be directly underneath them anymore. Just too terrifying. These days we position ourselves to where they will go across the scene Instead of right in them.
For a few years, I really struggled, believing that I got knocked out by an indirect strike. But I went through my photos from this shoot and there is a 5 to 7 minute lapse where I’m not photographing. I know that I would never have stopped photographing, so I know that is the time that I was knocked out. 😳
Chuck D wrote:
Another work of art, Mark. The story gives me chills every time I hear it. Stay safe!
