The Mittens Monument Valley

The day was overcast and the sky was quite plain with very or no cloud

demarcations. For the very same reason the contrast was also quite

low. The normal plus development perked things a bit but the sky was

still quite bland. I decided to soften the sky even more with a

Gaussian blur filter and used a gradient layer to darken the sky at

the top to about the middle. I also used the blur on the light area

behind the monuments to give them a soft glow.Each monument had its

own curves layer so that I could control the contrast on each

individually. The same went for the foreground rock and area in

between.With a dodging layer I also lighten and darken areas as

needed. The finished print was given a selenium tone and looked quite

good but I opted for the old Ektalure Cream look and I'm quite pleased

with the result. Your comments are always welcome.I will also share

any of my knowledge with you just ask!

Sublime perfection! There is nothing more to say. A 7/7, wish it could be more! Cheers! Chris

Outstanding,7/7. I love the tones. Isn't geology and the results of those forces that shape earth beautiful. You have a great gift for exposing that beauty.

Our planet is a wonderfully beautiful piece of work!

Gorgeous landscape. Nice job.

excellent image... what a place!! where is it?

Excellent work. Composition, tones and overall appearance. Regards, Ludvik.

Have to admit, Every time your landscape shot appears for my screen it will show me what true photography is. In every your shot has so nice b/w tone range, and the landscapes are too so awesome. Thanks again for sharing them. 7/7

Beautiful monochrome conversion.. and a great landscape too!!

beatiful shot, wonderful compotition and tonalities 7/7

Wonderful photography, the composition and the tones are excellent.

Superb tones...excellent rendering in B&W, but would like to see in colour as well.

Reuben this is in Utah, USA. I thought you might be interested in seeing the original scan before I worked on it in Photoshop. To see just double click on the link below.

Here is the selenium toned version. Which do you like better?

First, I am just amazed at what you did with the original scan to end up with this beauty. Second, I really do prefer the Ektalure Cream version over the selenium-toned version. They're both very good; but somehow this feels a bit warmer, reflecting the red-rock landscapes of Monument Valley. Thanks for sharing all of this wonderful information, it really is appreciated. Cheers! Chris

Outstanding pp! What a beauty you pulled off!Who said anything about getting it right in camera ;-D. I too prefer the original post (Eklature cream) over the selenium toning.

Leo. You just got a Photoshop convert! after Isaw your original shot I can't wait to learn. What a difference PS makes. I agree with chris like the E cream version..RAY

Great shot...regards Hamed