Another from Zabriskie

[Diane Miller]

Here's a different interpretation of one of the formations at Zabriskie Point (Death Valley NP). Canon 5D3, 70-200 f/2.8 at 125mm, ISO 400, f/8, 1/640 sec. As in the previous post, playing with the freedom of exploring handheld. This one is more dynamic, tonally, than the previous image, but I was still exploring tonal restraint, which I felt worked well with the dynamic geometry.

[Don Railton]

Hi Diane,

I have a slight preference for the colour version over the B&W. Both these images are difficult to scale for me ( I have never been there) and the intrigue really appeals to me... The valleys could be a metre deep or a 100 metres, hard to tell. I do see what looks like footprints along one of the ridgelines, but are they human?? I have no suggestions, just appreciation.. TFS

DON

[Diane Miller]

Thanks, Don! I think the missing clues as to scale are one of the intriguing things in short telephoto views of this area. Those are unfortunately footpaths on the ridge tops, maybe an average of 18" wide. I can't estimate the vertical scale.

I've worked up several variations of different views here, each having settled into its own interpretation. If I ever decide which one is "correct" I may do a matched series. Already thinking about the next trip...

[Don Railton]

Please take me too...!

[Diane Miller]

OK -- I'll trade that for a view of the Milky Way from your southern latitude!

[Don Railton]

Diane, You would be most welcome...

[Don Lacy]

Can I come too I will trade a day of Seascapes or an Everglades trip for Avian and landscapes. I am also enjoying the image and appreciate your use of shadows and light to create depth

[Diane Miller]

You're on, Don! And looking at it now, I think I need to do a subtle gradient burn from the top, maybe 1/6 of the way down.

[Andrew McLachlan]

Another lovely abstract Diane...I think I lean more towards the color versions too for their subtle tones...I might be tempted to add a little more contrast and darks added to this conversion.

[Diane Miller]

Thanks, Andrew. I'll look at it with some darker tones and higher contrast in the 3/4 darks. Maybe a good place to try a luminosity mask. Or maybe I just need more Clarity. I'll play...

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Hi Diane,

Glad I came over here again. I like your choices in this scene especially the levels of contrast and the crop.

I'd love to come too.


Geoffrey

[Diane Miller]

Thanks, Geoffrey -- sounds like we need to mount an expedition!