eastern sierra 7/26/10 Little Lakes Valley

This was my first time to the Rock Creek Canyon in the Eastern Sierra. About a mile into this hike and you are transported to a natural wonderland. I had been planning this trip for over a month. I then had to postpone for two weeks because I suffered a broken toe. Well, two weeks is not enough time. By the time I reached the first of several alpine lakes, my toe throbbed inside my boot. I had hoped to return the next day before sunrise, but I knew at this point it wouldn't happen on this trip. Plan B would have to suffice. As I returned hobbling, I witnessed what must have been an amazing sunset. All I could see, however, was the outer fringe clouds directly above, so I was unable to catch it. Another disappointment. By the time I reached my car, I was dejected to say the least. But I then realized it would be childish to feel so down. I was very lucky to be here at all. Many people do not have this privilege. My first of two nights camping was plagued by intermittent thunderstorms. The following morning, however, would bring some of the best photography conditions I have seen in some time. The Eastern Sierra is an amazing place to shoot with such conditions. More to follow!

Mark, I enjoyed your beautiful landscape photo and your story. Great photo and better luck in your next adventure. I have had some go like that also. one time while climbing some rocks for a photo i slipped & fell, broke my camera lens, and tripod, and scraped up my knee and elbow. Take care.

Mark...  If you have views like this, then it's all worth while.  I can only imagine camping next to this fantastic scene.  Great shot... Mike

Mark,

Very Nice!  It looks like the water was without a single ripple.

Sorry to hear about the broken toe.... but as far as broken bones go a toe is a decent choice.

Richard

Thanks Paul, Mike and Richard! Paul, it is so easy to get careless when you are tired and a little foggy headed from high altitude. Richard, am I correct in my assumption that you have returned? If so, when will we be seeing your new works of art? Thanks all!

This one is a classic. I agree with Mike! Sorry to hear about the toe. This is a great shot. Great angle,  great colors, reflections. I like it because it does not have typical orange, pink, magenta ..becoming very boring. Your shot is a good eye opener that there are also other colors in the landscapes. Thank you.

I feel the image could use some shadows/contrast. A little bit of warming (81a 5%), just a bit of saturation (optional). I took the liberty to try this beautiful shot (couldn't resist, it was an instant favorite) I have attached the edit.. hope you don't mind.

What do you think?

+Lalit

Since the image size not allowed above 630 some sharpness is lost though :-(

Thanks Lalit. I agree to some extent. Your version probably collects more eyes and attention on the web. It seems contrast is seductive. I think the Larger version looks more realistic and true to the scene, however. The other focus I have when processing my files is to avoid too much contrast, otherwise the shadows will become blocked when printed. I like a final print to have visible detail throughout, and the shadows always need brightening in order to be viewed under normal lighting. I will even open the shadows more before printing, yet the print will have sufficient contrast and be more vivid. I like your suggestion for web viewing though. Thanks so much for the feedback!

Wonderful place, Mark ... and wonderfully captured also. Best regards.

Thank you Ricardo!

great photo

Mark - This is a wonderful version as well.  My only thoughts for this one is a slight crop, perhaps of the top just below the glowing rock at the far upper left. A little distraction so close to the edge of the image, and the resulting crop would eliminate some of the blank sky to the right. The lofty clouds in the left are nice, and I cansee why you would want to hold onto them.

Harry