Enduring the Sun

I used s solid ND filter to keep the hotspots for blowing out. A special

technique was also used to keep the filter line less noticeable. This

made the shot a lot easier for post processing too. One shot is always

quicker than two. I couldn't manage to finish the morning shoot with out

getting one of these stuck to my ankle. Tweezers are priceless in the

desert.

Make that a split ND filter.

Great shot! I love the way the light gently "touches" the cactuses (?). Thanks for sharing! Regards.

Cacti :)

Well done on the split ND. All your efforts are noted and well rewarded. The DOF and colors are well done and the center diagonal line to the right also ads to the image. The dark corners of the sky ad to this image to me but might be distracting in other settings.

I like it, very different. I have a nagging feeling the horizon may not be quite flat and tilts slightly to the left but you have to be picky to worry about it. I like that you have the one shot thing happening, this would be so easy to HDR which I'm not a fan of.

 

Well done.

I too am happy to see this done in a natural one-shot way. Very strong photo, love those shadows and really well done on the composition. With so many cactus and so close to the foreground it easily could have become too messy. But this worked out perfectly.

Very nicely done!

I have a few from this patch of cholla in Joshua Tree too. Perfectly done, my friend. Cholla are a perfect candidate for back-lighting. Cheers! Chris

Did that "special technique" you mention have anything to do with hand-holding the GND and moving it ever so slightly with your hand? Just wondering...I grew up in the Great Southwest so I can really appreciate this shot. When I was a kid, I thought the famous "jumping cholla" cactus would literally jump out at you if you came too close...it is quite sticky though!

This is a real master piece, Congrats.