Mama & Baby Rocks

Image Critiques Weekly Challenge
1

Mama & Baby Rocks.jpg
Mama & Baby Rocks.jpg2625×2625 1.65 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

This unique area in the southwest was mind blowing to photograph, let alone be in and see. There were all sizes of shapes and swirls as far as the eye could see. It was hard to know when to stop and head back.

Specific Feedback

Just not sure I got the separation I wanted from the small mound rocks and the big mama.

Technical Details

ISO 50
5.7 mm
f/ 1.5
1/2800 sec
Yup. Taken with my smart phone! I did some basic corrections, and masked out the 3 smaller formations in an attempt to differentiate them with >whites, texture and contrast. Not sure what else I could have done?

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1 Like
2

Connie, you cannot mistake that southwestern look here. The sandstone formations are a photographers paradise. The composition seems to fit the WC theme here too… :+1:
The only thought for change is the time of day daylight… :thinking:

3

Thanks Paul. Yeah time of day and the weather wasn’t ideal. The hike to get in to this place was 3 1/2 miles with no trail, only landmarks to guide us. So hiking in the dark wasn’t an option. Quite the adventure overall!

4

Connie, I know what you mean. Hiking in the dark is brutal over the best known trails. My brother and I use headlamps that are like flood lights off of buildings and use a Garmin GPS to find our way about. Still difficult no matter what.

5

Hi Connie,
Those rocks look fantastic. It seems to be a great place for photographers. The difficult hike was worth it.

I agree with @Paul_Breitkreuz about the time of day. But I wouldn’t go on such a long hike in the dark either.

We are planning to visit the southwest next year. Can’t wait to visit those national parks :slight_smile:

6

Connie, you’ve done a good job at separating the large formation from the smaller ones. The textures in all of the rocks really stand out. The geology is that these were originally massive sand dunes shaped by the wind and the changing textures show that off very well.

7

Hey thanks Mark! I must have taken 1000 images that day. I felt like I was in a Dr. Seuss book with all the swirls and patterns of the petrified sand dunes. What fun. But the midday light was definitely a factor, with no overnight backpacking allowed here. And actually, I’m glad for that. It protects this very special place from being overrun. It’s coming for many of these one-of -a-kind landmarks I’m afraid -Connie