Dante's View

Large view is available. This was taken from over one mile above the

desert floor at Death Valley at about 5:00 PM, in harsh light. I am

interested in your critique of how this worked out with the "sun star."

This time was our only chance to see Dante's view. As I post this, the

desert in the image is making headline weather news, as it is about

128 degrees F there. The desert floor is called Badwater Basin and is

282 feet below sea level, the second lowest elevation in the world.

The lowest is the Dead Sea in Israel. Your comments are

appreciated.

I think the "sun star" has worked out well, its adds a touch of drama to the shot as well as accentuating the high temperatures!  Some people might say that its "cliched"  as they do about sunsets, but the reason they become cliches in the first place is because that kind of effect is so popular.

Amazing scenery and a great perspective too!

Best Regards

Alf

Hi Alf,  I truly value your comments on this image.  I had some difficulty at this site because of the sun and glare.  You have much critical insight that I value; thus your indication that this image "passes muster" means a lot to me.  Thanks for the quick response too.   Larry

Stunning in its details as well as the overall effect it creates. I enjoyed this one.

Larry,

I think the "sun star" works well here and especially all the way up in the corner of the frame.

Stunning photograph with fine distinct details showing the "vastness" of the location as well as its majesty!

Regards,

Jim j.

Ranga and Jim,

I appreciate your visits and comments.  It was really difficult shooting into the harsh late afternoon light in trying to get a good image here.  The drama of the scene at Dante's View is breathtaking.  I look forward to viewing your portfolios.  Larry

Given the harsh light, I think the ray effects work well and help the image.  I also like the broad expanse of light-colored soil, almost like a river delta.  The blue of the sky is pretty deep, so much so that it is affecting some of the clouds. Is that the result of a polarizer, post-processing, or simply what your eyes saw?

Stephen,   Tnanks for your visit and comments.  Actually, I added some contrast to the sky, hence the darker blue.  I think this my cut down the harshness of the sun some, hence being a trade off.  I do understand what you are saying and appreciate your insight.  I will re-examine this.  Fortunately, the contrast was added in a smart object, making it nondestructive.   Thanks.  Larry

When I look at this I wonder what it would look like with more sun and with no sun.  I'm not sure if this partial sun star is helping the photo.

I really like when sun stars are clean and lacking flare.  This one has flare "blobs" at the four o'clock position.  For me, this sun star would look better if it was cleaner.  I know that flare is often tough to control, but blobs are sometimes caused by a dirty front element, a lens with many elements, and/or filters.

Re your point that Badwater is the second lowest point on land in the world, I don't believe that is accurate.  There are 7 places in Asia (including the Dead Sea), 3 in Africa, and one in South America that are lower. 

Nice open landscape with somewhat unusual colors.  One can almost feel the heat in the desert.

Juha,  Thanks for your visit and comment.  We surely did feel the heat, over 90 degrees F in March and over 120 degrees in July.  Larry

I like the Sun Star Larry. And I agree with Alf. I have found that so many shots taken in Death Valley have their own 'colour'. It is as if the heat and sun affects all that is in sight, (but I guess that is only natural). It truly is a fascinating place and almost seems like it is 'another planet'. Visiting this place must be an extraordinary experience and your memories must be very profound. Nice capture in extreme conditions!

Hi Gail,  Thanks for your visit and comment.  You know how much I value your opinions as an artistic photographer yourself.   You are correct. Light and colour (spelling for you) do have definitions of their own in this stark and extreme land.  An irony of nature here is that Telescope Peak in the Panamint Range, seen under the sun star, is at an elevation of 11,331 ft or 3,454 meters.  Badwater Basin, the ground you see in the middle of the image is at -282 feet, -86 meter, below sea level.  Dante's View where I was standing to take this image is approximately 5,200 feet above sea level.  Hope all is well with you.  I will keep looking for more of your great macro shots.   Best to you. Larry