What changed: Lon was right about the URC so I cropped slightly tighter without losing the heads of the dragons and adding just a smidge of content aware fill to the URC. I think this eliminates all sense of scale but still captures the complexity of the wall. >=))>
Added after receiving feedback from the community.
The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.
Feedback Focus: Artistic / Expressive
About This Image
This is the north cliff face or Dragon Wall of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP. I was there in November of 2014 and pretty much had the entire park to myself. From the top of the south rim it was blowing a gale and I did not want to venture too close to the edge. Looked like every potential landing spot would be pretty hard. Thoroughly awesome experience. >=))>
Feedback Requested
Posted the slightly cropped version first for its lack of hint of scale. The second with the thin strip of trees will give you an idea of the size of this wall. Your preference?
Technical Details
Sony A77
Sony DT 16-50 f2.8 @ 35mm
ISO 200, 1/125 @ f8
Hi Bill,
I appreciate getting a sense of scale, but photographically, I much prefer the version without the trees. If the strip of trees was wider or even across the frame (if that was even possible) that might make a difference in my opinion of the trees.
For the weekly challenge image, it’s nice to see that variety in the rock structure, but I can imagine a slight crop to reduce the size of the different texture in the top right corner.
All minor nits. Very cool any way you look at it.
ML
I, too, prefer the cropped version. The veins and ruggedness of the rocks are truly incredible. Your processing really brings out the color and intrigue. There’s as section in the right corner that looks like an eye. I wonder it you cropped just a bit to bring that out and perhaps brighten just a pinch.
Oh my, these are fantastic - and together kinda blow my mind for the scale, or lack there of.
I know we’ve seen pictures of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP, but these just put them on a whole new level.
First, the cropped version without any reference for scale quite literally could be a very small rock wall, or even a rock or boulder by itself. The veins (if they’re called that in geological terms…) are fascinating and strongly and most certainly fit the Weekly Challenge.
But when I viewed the second image, that’s when my mind got blown as I realized the scale! Personally, I don’t mind the narrow strip of trees up top… they send a message and define the scale perfectly. Wow!
Now, my main critique and observation is with the cropped, no-scale version. I’ll point out with the tool below, but the UR edge isn’t really jiving as if you simply cropped the original. Especially the URC itself looks to be repeating in patterns. I know I’m just pixel peeping and being picky… and honestly the regular viewer would never notice… but I can’t help it. And rather than just nitpick, I think it’s quite possible and a better outcome if you merely "transformed that UR edge by skewing it up some and then cropping. No CA fill or anything. And I’m guessing you didn’t want to crop much, if any, of the top left with that starting of the bright vein there (I wouldn’t want to either) Anyway, not a big deal, your version worked to great effect in hiding the scale!
This is really nice. I’m enjoying the patterns. Textures are perfect. I’ve been down in the Gunnison on a river raft. In fact, before they flooded one part of the canyon with a new dam, I made the last trip down the river that one could do. It ended at the base of the new dam. That was many years ago when I was a young River rafting guide, I worked for the University of Colorado rafting program that was before I went onto bigger and better things.
This is a fine image, Bill. I prefer the cropped version. When I look at that one, I see lines and texture. When I look at the one with trees, my reaction is more “gee whiz, isn’t that big?”
I saw this image yesterday and didn’t have time to comment. The “dragons” look like old Chinese watercolour on parchment.
Like others have already mentioned, the scale is amazing. You have the choice of different variations for this one, liking each one for different reasons.
I somehow missed this on the initial go round, but I am so glad that I caught up to this wonderful abstract; albeit a little late. The textures and patterns in the wall are absolutely amazing and I do see the dragons. I love the complete lack of scale in this image as well as the color palette. For my tastes your revision pretty much nailed it. Beautifully done and congrats on the WP as it is well deserved.
