Zabriskie Landscape

This is another reworked image of Zabriskie Point taken in November of

2007. The difference being a greater tonal range and a more

dimensional feel by some selective burning and dodging. The roundness

of these mounds, due to erosion, I believe adds a sensual quality to

these geological wonders.Your views point is always welcome.

The sensual nature is apparent here, but I would also burn with a gradient from the bottom to move the focus to the areas of higher contrast. This is much better than cropping and I wouldn't want to crop this. Well seen, captured and presented!

Thank you for your kind words and suggestion. If you look closely you will notice that there is already a gradient at the bottom, as well as one on the right & left sides.

lacks something for scale - small human figure or a small tree...

This is what I had in mind. To lower the highlighted distraction from the bottom two folds, and provide a balance for the dark area at the top. Also, now that you pointed out, I find the sharp gradient on the right distracting, it needs to have a blended in look like the one on the left. You have a fine image, very gallery worthy, a little more work on it can easily make it so. I would have been proud to have made it!

Point taken and your rendition is a valid one. I too agree about the gradient on the right. it ended up being a bit too much. It didn't seem so noticeable in my original PSD but it is here.

Leo,  I choose to dismiss the discussion about burning this image and to applaud your excellent artistic presentation.  I agree that the folds are quite sensual as geology goes.  Nice tonal range.  Without being negative about your outstanding work, I wonder how the mountains or folds at the top of the image add to its artistic quality or impact?  Would the image gain or lose impact of you cropped the top about half way to the top of the upper folds?   This is a judgment for you to make, not me.   Great job here - Death Valley is on my list of places to go.

To me Larry, the inclusion of BG helps to add separation and adds depth to the image. This is purely a personal artistic expression and your suggestion is not without merit. Thanks for your input and kinds words.