130908 Coyote Gulch 3 (231) CS5 M

Well caught wild water!

Cheers, Wanghan!

PDE

My friedn Larry and I went to Coyote Gulch (close to Escalante, UT.

You could find a lot of information of Coyote Gulch online.) on 9/7/13,

and when we were on the way back around 2 pm next day, it started

to rain with a lots of lightings. Suddenly, the dry wash filled with the

raging mud-color water. When we took the picture, the strength and

the volume is much less. We were frighterned at the first, and we

found a higher place and camped that night. All night, we heard the

sound of the rain hitting our tent. That whole trip, we just met one

young guy, and then we were alone. We came out the next day

(Monday) and hurried home since we saw the heavy clouds and

lighternings everywhere. We even saw the flood by the road at the

Red Canyon NP (by Brce Canyon NP). This is my first experience

with the flash flood in a wild world, and I felt a little excited about it.

However, my friend Larry felt the different way. He is careful person.

He has a lot of experience with the hiking and camping and prepared

all kinds of the things, except food. We climbed a hill while raining a

bit. I fell down and start to slide down the sand stone slickrock which

was wet and slippery. Larry found a rope in his backpack and saved

me. We prepared to stay more days, and began to save food.

Please prepare 2 or more days' food when you go to the places like

this. Try to void going there when there is any chance of rain or

thunder storm. You have to drive 4-wheels and high clarence

vehicle since there are some places, especially after the rain, not

suitable for passager cars. We were back safely by the end. I tried

to persuade my wife to visit the Coyote Gulch sometime this year or

next year. I will make sure there will be sunshine without any rain

next time.

Thanks for your time and appreciate your comments. Best Regards,

The name says it all-flash floods! We are glad you are unharmed and safe.

The wild water is well represented and it was a great story too... Mike

Hi Wangahn,

Another picturesque scene from Nature.

The use of the Nikon D800 E is not required here, as any quality 15 mm lens stopped to F/11 significantly reduces the clarity level seen in this image. I know that all my 15 mm lens options would provide excellent results shot wide open to one stop below that setting, and then my Nikon D800 E sensor package would be optimally served.

As I referenced in my previous review of your image:

photodb/photo?photo_id=17551199 , the ISO 100 is not the optimum setting for this camera either, ISO 200 is.

The use of 1/60 second could easily be duplicated by using a quality ND filter to force a longer exposure than a wide angle lens set to wide open would allow. To show this water flow as we see it in real time, an exposure of 1/25 second is the better setting to use , as a different ND filter factor could manage this well. 

Best Regards, Mike

Wow! I am glad you are safe. What a place on earth this is. I would use a different white balance or captured in RAW, would reduce the warmth a bit, especially because even the grey clouds are looking yellowish at some places. Long exposure may be helpful too for soft and silk routs of the water. cool otherwise!

Splendid landscape, my dear firend!

A very nicely composed beautiful result, Wanghan!

i was going to do this hike 2 years ago but  backed out after heavy rain was forecast....seeing this photo makes me glad i did

but it ends up way too small, at screen size anyway.  longer focal length, perhaps?  epd

I was interested to read Mike's advice Wanghan. A ND Filter is something I must get for my 'gear bag' as well. It sounds like it can be very handy. So much to learn, but good advice especially when you only had limited time to get a few shots. Sounds like a 'wild' adventure!

Great POV Wanghan. The river rushing at you and the contrasting green foliage vs. all that rock are my favorites in this image. Well seen and presented.

BR,

Holger

Wow!  What an adventure you had!  Yes, people don't realize how quickly storms can crop up in these canyon areas.  Good that you were with someone experienced and prepared.  This is a good composition and shows how fast the water was moving.  But I think it could also work to crop just a tiny bit off the left side and bottom to bring the water closer and make the viewer feel like he's in the scene.  Just an idea...

Hi Wanghan,

 Wow...I can't believe I over look this one.  Amazing action shot with wonderful colors & water flow.  I am glad that you are safe, that looks like it could be very dangerous. Take care, Patsy

One time when 1000 words helps to more clearly explain the situation.  With all the talk about shutter speeds and water rendition I think you were lucky to get out of there with your camera and other important body parts. Getting the shot under these conditions speaks to the dedicated photographer in you.  To the uninitiated, floods, flash or otherwise, don't fit with our perception of the desert.  Live & learn.  This one will be on my mind should I ever find myself in the lucky position to be able to photograph in this area.  Best, LM.

I totally agree with Len and that was quite th experience. I hope that there are no 'wild animals' in that area. When I was in Alaska and trekking through the wild, bears were always on my mind.

Quite an adventure you had out there in the wilds! 

The capture of the acute drama in this situation makes all the references to technical aspects thoroughly redundant.  Though I do think Lalit made a good point about the white balance. You captured the essence of the scene and that is what matters most! 

Best Regards 

Alf 

Nice perspective and depth and wonderful rich earthy color tones...!!! ... A NICELY COMPOSED LANDSCAPE IMAGE...!!!