drewhendricks

Thanks Kim,

The storm had just reached the mountains and the valley was still in sunlight. I tried many times to get the sharp cactus against the soft etheral background. This was the best of the bunch. However, I agree with Anupam. I'm not too sure about the crop. I took a little off the bottom but the cactus was always cut off. I've got to go back and search through my images and see, if I have another one. The problem is that almost all of them have blownout highlights in the background. I don't know why I didn't bracket my shots or use the Graduated Filter that was in my bag. I guess I was too caught up in the moment.

Critiques Welcome!

Critiques Welcome!

Critiques Welcome!

Critiques Welcome!

Kim, I was there Monday as well. Of the many images I tried to capture this one turned out the best:

Moonrise over Anza Borrego

I went back today, Friday, as we had a storm blow in. I haven't had a chance to look at the images closely but they do not look promising. I find capturing images in the desert to be the most challenging of all. They either look completely flat, or are all blown out.

Kim, it looks like this everyday. The business center has moved closer to the I80 I93 crossing. In fact, last week, my wife and I saw the street featured in a documentary about Walmart. "The high cost of low prices" They used it as an example of how Walmart is making Ghosttowns out of tradition small town's downtowns. Although I have issues with Walmart, Front street has been a Ghost town since 1968. Long before Walmart came to Elko. Erin phoned her parents who still live in Wells and told them their town made into a documentary. They just laughed.

Thinking back I guess I too was amazed that no one had disturbed them. I think it was a combination of strict German upbringing and that it was about 110 degrees out. this was during the historic heatwave of 2003. It was simply too hot tom move.

Kim - The more I look at the two side by side I the more I tend to agree with you.

This is my wife's home town. Wells, Nevada. An hour east of Elko on the way to Salt Lake on I80. It is a town of about 1,200. I was married here last October. I have some great shot of us walking down this street. Our wedding photographer did a fantastic job capturing the scene. This image was taken in June earlier that year.

I kind of liked the compisite myself. As a small screen image the effect is lost a bit. I have a version on my wall where the inside from is 8X12. It is on heave backer board and stand out very subtly from the much larger image. the effect is incredible.

Kim - This image was captures this time last year after the historic rains. I went back this year and all the plants are struggling.

Kim - "Hospitals" is the name of the surf break / beach where I took this photo. I guess it was named that because the waves break in very shallow water and many surfers have to go the the hospital.

Erin,

 

Wonderful attempt at a difficult capture. Exposure wise this image is awesome. The clouds have definition and the moon is not over blown. Aesthetically I can tell you seized the moment before it disappeared. If only the foreground boats were not in the image. Kudos to you for capturing the light though.

Critiques Welcome!

Larry, you make me laugh.

Thanks, Bond for the critique. I agree getting that ear in there would have been ideal. I took some others, but had to stop when the goat tried to eat my camera. No damage was done just a bit of slobber on the lens. What I like about this one is the unique diagonal horizon that work well with the fish eye and the girl in the lower left part of the image. I've attached one of the straighter ones that captures the entire face.

Critiques Welcome!

Critiques Welcome!

Awesome perspective. Can't offer any adivise. Just wanted to comment since this image stands out far and above the last twenty image I have rated.

Critiques Welcome!

Critiques Welcome!

Dallas,

 

Thanks for the comment. I tried something new with selective sharpening. I sharpened the cliffs and the avalanche wash going down the mountain and left the rest untouched. I thought it gave the image an added dimension. I'm glad you noticed.

Critiques Welcome!

Nick, I'd like to wax philosophical about this one, but can't. However, a square crop might look kind of neat. - Drew

Critiques Welcome!