Stranded...

Lalit, I know exactly where this spot is. But I didn't shoot it (because I didn't find it while I was there, although I looked). It wasn't until later when viewing some images I had taken in the bentonite hills that I was able to locate this configuration of rocks (east side of road, off the road, way down the hill).

 

Nice shot and comp.

 

Where do you live (if you don't mind saying)?

 

 

Bentonite Hills was one of the main inspiration I visited the CapitalReef National Park for! I saw a picture of these hills in BrendaTharp's very interestingly written book "Creative Nature and OutdoorPhotography". John Shaw also mentioned in his seminar about CapitalReef. I HAD to go, to this national park, where two of my earliertrips had to be cancelled.

Going to Bentonite hills is a fun experience. Road to them is notpaved and high clearance vehicle is required. It is a loop on theeastern part of the park, and countless opportunities lie for thelandscape photographers. It is best if you visit in early-late hoursof the day. I started loop almost at noon, so I was focused on thesehills, which could provide me interesting compositions based on mostlyabstract patterns, provided the clouds cover my head. We crossed theriver in our Jeep, just as the NPS guides told us to (don't forget toget the trick map) and the hunt started. I got down many times, lookedaround if I could find the hills and rocks I wanted to see, tookshots, got back in the jeep quickly. Finally there was a board called"Bentonite Hills". I still did not find what I was there for. Althoughthere are tremendous opportunities to take pictures. Mostly middayperiod, but could be great in the golden hours, to get shadows too. Idid not have the luxury to spend hours, considering kids were with me.

When I did not find the location I aimed for, little disappointed Idrove ahead. Just around the corner, probably quarter or less mileahead of the board, I realized we had climbed up and I decided to stopand look whats on the other side..and there they were! Way down, about200 feet or so. I was not so sure, but thinking, hey, it surely iscool. With kind permission from my considerate wife, I hiked down. Iwas very careful, as I did not want to disturb the beauty of thisplace, and cause any damage. Once you are at the bottom of the hill,you are in heaven. I was so enthralled about the beauty of this place,that I totally felt I was out of my mind.

There were gulleys and small mounds. Being careful to not go over themounds, I just went from one gully to another, to just drink thebeauty of this place. The Master gardner whose wonder I enjoyes in themountains and meadows, had become Master painter here. And when heleft, he did not bother to clean it up probably, leaving those rocksbehind. Or may be that's also his own idea.

High wind put the cloud cap on and took off several times. I composed,waited and shot when I got the softer light. It helps here to have thewidest angle lens we have. I composed most shots with 16-35 on my 20Dand with 1V. This picture comes out of the digital. There are alsosome vertical compositions, some with and without the blue sky. Itactually is great color combination with the blue sky.

In this picture I love that my mind naturally focuses at these rocks.I feel, they are all moving in a group. It seems like all of them arestranded here between the hills and stalled with now hopes to go ahead.

Going back to the car was harder, not because I was climbing up, but ...

Thanx Tom for the comment on the photo and my portfolio. Indeed Capital Reef is a wonderful place. Comparatively less crowd. It is also a Sunset park, which is a good news for the photographers. Very good colors over the walls in the scenic drive, south of the visitor center. I am based in Boise, Idaho, which serves as a central location for all these wonders.

 

Regards

+Lalit

Excellent composition.

 

:)

Lalit, a very beautifully composed and exposed. The title is also great, cheers Jana

I must say that this place must be very beautiful. However, the composition you take in this picture is really great.

Thank you all for your comments.

 

Regards,

+Lalit

Lalit,

 

For some reason I thought I had commented on this but I guess I didn't. This is an incredible image with great color, stunning composition, beautiful textures and a unique subject. One of my favorites from your incredible portfolio.