North Window - Monument Valley

The Indian, The Mutt and the Mittens:

The dirt road that leads to the drive through this part of Monument

Valley starts out in the parking of an Indian run store. I believe

that it’s also on the Indian Reservation, but in any case I arrived

before the store opened but I still was greeted by an Indian asking

for money to enter the Res land. Now this could have been legitimate

but he did smell of alcohol and it was very early in the morning.

Anyway I paid the “fee” as I wanted to take photographs and I didn’t

want have an Indian chasing me the whole drive trying to scalp me.

Besides I think I’d be “scalped” either way and I don’t really have

any hair to spare. No sooner had I started the drive, when I noticed a

small dog chasing after the car. Another fee? As it turned out that

might not have been far from the truth. I was driving slow, not only

because it was a dirt road but because I was looking for photographic

opportunities and this little mutt stayed right on my tail. Being an

animal lover, I just couldn’t stand to see him try so hard to stay

with me, so I stopped. His fur was matted and covered with the reddish

brown dust from the dirt road , his tongue hung out dripping saliva,

his ribs were so prominent that I could count them and those eyes,

those eyes, they just melted my heart. He jumped up, putting his paws

on the cars door jam, and with those soulful eyes asked “ hey you

don’t have any spare food do ya?” Well I don’t need to tell you that I

paid my second fee to enter the Res. After giving my new friend some

food and water, I continued on my way, only to notice that my little

buddy continued his pursuit of me. I wondered if it was just for the

food or the human touch that made him burn up all the calories he just

received to pursue me further. Yes I did pet him, even though I had to

wash my hands more than once to get them clean but I just couldn’t

help myself. I wanted to let him in the car but I’m sure he was

covered with ticks and fleas. I can never look at my photographs of

Monument Valley that I don’t think of that little dog. Was the Indian

the “real toll taker” and did that dog work every car that entered the

valley? I don’t know and it really doesn’t matter, I would gladly pay

both fees again!

 an excellent story, and an even better work of art from your day out im Monument Valley. Interesting post work Leo! The result is a very different looking image that could easily hang in a modern art museum. Just curious though: Is there a new Wallace and Grommit filter in CS5 ;-) It just kind of reminds me of that a bit is all. One of my favourites ya see.

All the best,
Neil

Leo you are a busy guy and this is the first time I have dropped in on our Pixel Bender folder. This is very interesting work and use of tools. The qualities of being a photograph still shine through but the painterly effect is right there and it withstands close view. I am impressed with your command of this process. Great story to, yes, ya gotta pay the fee. Years ago I slipped down into the res land early in the morning but now I don't even know if that is possible. Best regards.

Thank you very much for your kind words, Neil. This a filter called Pixel Bender from Adobe Labs. It is a free download but can only be used with CS5. Your summery was spot on, in that it combines a painterly feel with all the qualities of your original photograph. My buddy Chris Harris says it makes the image look like the works of Hudson River School artist Albert Bierstadt. Always good to hear from you, Neil, thanks for stopping by.

Thanks for the encouraging words, Craig. You're right, nothing is free any longer. I use to go to Antelope Canyon and stay for as long as I wanted. I hear now that you have to go with a guide , your time is limited and you'll be with a group of other photographers. Their is also a fee involved. Free roaming is becoming a thing of the past. Good to hear from you!

You're getting really great at this Pixel Bender technique.  It's the kind of thing that in the wrong hands could be way overdone. But this is tasteful and beautiful.  I particularly like the composition itself.  The viewer gets a real sense of the depth of the scene.  And the colors are beautiful pastels of early morn.  How early were you there?  I didn't think they'd let you in too early.  Yes, I agree that it's a real racket out there now.  It was so frustrating when we saw Antelope Canyon.  Our group was herded in with all the other groups, and although they try to stagger them, it really didn't work very well.  I'd pay big bucks to someone who would let me go in there and stay at my leisure.  I wonder if there is a way to do that.  Oh well......keep up the great work, Leo!

I was here quite early but it was an overcast day that gave me an early morning feel for most of the morning. When I visited Antelope you were completely on your own and could stay as long as you wanted without a fee. The only problem was you were very alone most of the time and on my last time there, I was confronted by some drunks who scared my female companion so bad that we had to leave. I must admit that I was in fear of losing my equipment and physical harm to both of us. It was also harder to get to in those days and required a four wheel vehicle.I would hate to try to photograph under the conditions you experienced. The Indians have found a new way of making money and unfortunately a lot of them don't won't you to get your money's worth.Thanks for your kind words Christal and it's always nice to hear from you.

Wonderful composition, perfect depth. Ciao.

Beautiful interpretation and treatment of monument valley. The dirt road leads you well into the picture. Best regards!

Thanks Lester, I do appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.