The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
It isn’t uncommon to find elitist photographers online who poo poo photographing the icons. To them, I say…well, I can’t say here what I say to them. Anyhow, I cut my teeth photographing the standard view of many famous and iconic western locations including this one, Delicate Arch. My next challenge was to continue photographing them in a way that hasn’t been done before. Sometimes, it’s easy to do and others, quite difficult. Very few photographers shoot this side of Delicate Arch. It’s farther away, the light is more challenging and it’s harder to hide the masses of people (at least, until generative remove came along, which I did use here). But, I bet if you Google “Delicate Arch” you won’t see another photo like this one so…it’s got that going for it, which is nice.
Specific Feedback
Does this work for you? Or is the arch too distant, the light not right, etc.? I’m curious if an image like this resonates with others or if it’s just something I like because it’s mine.
Technical Details
Sony A7IV
Sigma 14-24 @ 15.3
ISO 100
1/10s @ f/16
Lightroom/Photoshop
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Vision and Purpose:
Conceptual:
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Composition:
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Excellent point, Bret. Although admittedly I think when we all really got rolling back in the beginning of NPN and other on line sites everyone was out hitting the icons. I know I was for sure. I happen to have a standard take of Delicate Arch as I recall. Nothing as “fiery” as Michael Fatali’s take however. Having met him years ago it was sad to see that event take place.
This is truly a very unique view of the area and of course Delicate Arch poking up in the center top. Only thought for change was some brightening of the FG juniper. That twisted tree makes for very interesting center point here…
Thank you, Paul. Ah, the Fatali Incident. It is unfortunate and I honestly don’t think he meant any harm. I’ve been to his gallery numerous times and have always enjoyed his work. Thanks for your comments on this image. I considered dodging the little tree but decided to dodge only the highlights to increase the contrast between light and dark, giving them a bit more presence. I may still play around with boosting the shadows just a touch, though.
Bret, I totally agree on both points. The points about Fatali and the juniper.
Like I said about the Fatali incident it was sad. I met him 2 or 3 times over the years and he always seemed very level headed and took interest in my own photography outings at the time as well…
This is a view of Delicate Arch that is unique and you did a stellar job here.
I think this works well as-is, but it would be interesting to see the tweaks of the tree. It works just fine for me.
Bret, didn’t Steve Sierin (sp?) get in trouble with NPS in Aches NP? IIRC it had something to do with conducting a workshop without a permit, or some such. Just curious.
I forgot to mention that the clouds in this shot are really dramatic.
What a unique take, Bret. I love the idea of making an iconic subject a more subtle element in a composition. It’s almost like we are getting to see the family of a famous person, if that makes sense. It broadens our sense of who they are and where they live.
I know portrait crops of landscapes are an acquired taste, but I did play with one to see if I could bring a bit more attention to the arch without losing the fantastic sky and the wonderful character of the juniper. I don’t think it’s an improvement, but here it is for curiosity sake.
It’s just a quickie screenshot and I’m not sure why the color shifted but this is a comp I kind of like as well.
Wonderful!! The tree and its surroundings are so lovely I almost missed the arch. For my taste, I think I would like a bit more light on the tree. This looks like a place for return trips in a variety of conditions.
Preston, I’d not heard that Steve Sieren story before. I ran into Steve and his workshop customers twice over the many years out at JTNP. Back in the day he sure got around. I’ve not seen or heard of him in quite sometime now…
EDIT: Did a Google and Steve is still out there listed on several platforms with various photography interests. As I recall, originally, he was a professional Architectural photography as his main business. Not sure that is is main gig now or not.
@Preston_Birdwell = I don’t remember if it was Arches or another park but I do recall something along those lines happening with him. Super nice guy and a talented photographer; just made a bad decision.
@Marylynne_Diggs - I shot this image in portrait orientation, too! I tend to “see” better in the landscape orientation but when possible I try to shoot a portrait version when the scene allows it. This one definitely allowed for it and like you, I actually prefer the portrait version. What do you think about it?
@Diane_Miller - I’ve shot two sunrises here and both times hoped I’d get a little light on the tree and both times I got skunked. I’m not done with this one yet and will keep returning until everything lines up.
Yes, this photo definitely works for me. I like the fact that the arch is relatively small in the frame and thus makes for a pleasant “discovery” for anyone taking the time to really look at this and not just give it a passing glance. The light on the cliff on the left of center is really nice and that juniper with it’s twisted gnarly trunk is truly the star here. The only thing I would suggest and it looks like it’s already been mentioned would be to dodge that tree a bit more.
On a side note, I completely forgot about the delicate arch “fire incident” until you guys mentioned it! But dang, I can’t believe that was so many years ago!
Edit - I just saw you vertical version of the image Bret and I like it very much. It “feels” better to me and I really like the way the juniper and the soil it’s in point perfectly into the bottom right corner.
Bret, this is most definitely an unusual take on Delicate Arch. I like how the known icon places the view even as it so strongly shows the land and that fascinating, twisty Juniper. The bit of glow on the wall at the left is echoed nicely by the bit of glow near the upper right edge. The sky is nicely moody as well. My one visit was in the late 90’s and there were only ~20 people watching the sunset. I don’t even want to think about how busy it would be today…
Thanks for bringing us the image and the story behind it. In the portrait version, the flow from, bottom gravel, through the tree, and into the scene work well for me. In the rendition you show, the bright wall on the left holds my eye a bit. I also found myself wondering if the foreground and sky could use some warming. So I tinkered … I also wonder if cropping out some sky would serve to accentuate Delicate Arch.
Just seeing this one but after scrolling through all the comments and noticing that you also took a portrait version, I had to comment. That portrait version is stunning and I feel far superior to the landscape version. It removes all that is not needed in the landscape version and bring attention to the actual arch which I did not even see in the landscape until @Paul_Breitkreuz pointed out where it was. There is better light in the portrait as well. This is truly a unique and exceptional take on Delicate Arch. Superb, Bret!
Thank you, David! I went back out at sunset and the light was better (at least this time of year) but the conditions weren’t spectacular. I’ll keep trying and will share here when I finally make the photo I’m envisioning.
Hi Bret, it’s been awhile since I’ve been on this site! I personally like the image and its uniqueness. I’ve got several different views of Delicate Arch myself, I think the standard viewpoint is fine, but it’s always good to explore and find ways to present it in different ways. I like this, in that instead of seeing a large, 60’ arch with little people standing under it, you get to see how small it actually is in the overall landscape. Of the versions you posted, I kill the original the most, really nice composition and the light hitting the cliff face behind the tree adds some contrast to the scene, I wouldn’t change anything.
