Double Arch, a photo from Utah, Ouest

Photographer's Note

Leaving Jackson we had a long drive to Moab: about 520miles. Something we are not used to seeing in the UK is an instruction on the GPS indicating next turn in 150 miles. More than likely we would drive into the sea! ;D

Next morning we were at Arches National Park bright and early, although this shot was taken a bit later. John Munro sent us over some publications called “Photograph America Newsletter”. The recommendation for Double Arch that you see here, is for “When the sun gets a bit higher”. You can see why, when you notice the shadows. Earlier it was in full shade.

I tried various compositions and struggled to decide which to post. I fully intended posting the one that is now in the WS, but in the end I thought this close view had the most impact, especially when you see the size of the people. I chose my POV to ensure the tall rock through the arch was visible.

Arches National Park, contains the world’s largest concentration of natural arches. The reason for their formation is due to the park lying on top of an underground salt bed formed 300million years ago. As salt under pressure is unstable, the pressure of the rocks on top caused the salt layer to shift and buckle, thrusting the layers of rock upwards as domes, and causing huge cavities. Faults in the earth and millions of years of erosion and weathering have done the rest. The red rock is both Entrada Sandstone (most of the arches) and Navajo Sandstone.

ISO200, FL18mm,

s_lush, avene, snunney, Wandering_Dan, bostankorkulugu, JCG, Royaldevon, Gerrit, zmey, fulvio52, trekks, josepmarin, Sistercosmo, Photo65Net, gunbud, shevchenko, cbrman, papagolf21, ChrisJ, riclopes, mark_mk, jlbrthnn, Cricri, Emile, John_F_Kennedy, holmertz, robiuk, UlfE, eska, Dyerco, alvaraalto, patdeph, syrus_persia, saylan-cb, rodgerg, axiotea, Angshu, Didi, pasternak, mzmehr, stego, subhendu_bagchi trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

s_lush (16602) 2008-12-17 7:09

Hi Kath,
What a unique natural phenomenon! It is very well captured in this picture and perfectly described in the note. Thanks!
Best regards,
Sergiy

avene (12675) 2008-12-17 7:26

hi Kath,
I agree with your choice to have this image as a main post, the feeling of presence is much stronger here than in the WS version, and the people allow us to appreciate the size of this natural wonder. the strong light brings out the textures, and the contrast between the saturated blue of the sky and red of the rocks is fascinating. superb work, my compliments.

regards,
Kristine

pat0500 (21561) 2008-12-17 7:27

Hi Kath,
Very good framing and beautiful blue sky..!
Good composition.
Well done,
Patrick

danyy (0) 2008-12-17 7:29

Bonjour Kath,
sans ces personnages sous elles, on aurait eu quelques difficultés à se faire une idée de la hauteur de ces édifices rocheux d'une superbe teinte orangée.
L'intensité du bleu du ciel permet les contrastes les plus fous.
Excellent POV et cadrage.
All the best.
Daniel.

snunney (130967) 2008-12-17 7:34

Hello Kath,
A great capture of these rich red rocks, which look perfect against the heavenly blue sky. Magnificent tones and textures. The people brings a sense of scale.

Wandering_Dan (3449) 2008-12-17 7:40

Hi, Kath -

Both shots have their merits, but I think the one you chose for the main post is the better one overall; it shows the strength of the rocks, and also the size of the arch, because of the people (the arch is so large that I almost missed noticing them!).

We may be visiting this area next October, and I'll keep the newsletter's suggestion in mind - though ignoring their advice can also produce some interesting shots!

Did you see any signs saying next services were 100 miles or more? (Services meaning gas, which you call petrol.) Those are fairly common in the inter-mountain West.

Best,
Dan

bostankorkulugu (42866) 2008-12-17 7:42

a good shot of those arches taken from a very good pov kath... they look monumental when compared to the tiny people underneath... beautiful pink tones on the rocks against the bright blue sky... all the best...

korkut

JCG (35153) 2008-12-17 7:46

Hi Kath,

One feels really very small in front of such stone monuments when we see the size of people on the photograph !!! Indeed I also prefer this photograph with that which you propose to us in WS, although interesting. This photograph shows us the imposing aspect of the place. I like much the blue sky which emphasizes well the colours of the stone. Pretty composition, thank you Kath.

With all my friendships and a very good end-of-day,

Jean-Charles

Royaldevon (85606) 2008-12-17 8:01

Hello Kath,

I can see your problem in deciding which shot to post. The one in the w/s has wonderful shadows which lead nicely towards the arches but if the arches are the main subject, then this one has the more impact. I actually did a double take on it! I viewed it with a certain perception in mind. Then I noticed the people and my mind shuddered as it reassessed the whole scale!
The textural details are quite stunning; add to that the effects of the light and shade, the holes and the sky, and shot is quite breathtaking!
You must have some quite amazing memories as you will have the sound ahd temperature memories as well!

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

emka (157280) 2008-12-17 8:09

Hi Kath,
Funny, very similar to mine , you had better weather and you have here more intensive colours. You were five days after our visit in Arches. Nice to see it again!
Warm regards

Malgorzata

Silverkey (1435) 2008-12-17 8:18

Hi Kath
An interesting place that you capture well
The POV is excellent
Mickaël

baba_flies (8829) 2008-12-17 8:22

Hello Kath! This says something to me :))) Love the inclusion of the "tiny" people. An excellent way to show us how huge the arches are. I was crawling to a point where I could not go back anymore, can you believe that, I was standing there, almost in tears :))) not knowing how to come back. Knowing me, I make a big thing and I am not sure if I am not in some photos, showing how crazy tourists can be ... all too funny. You have wonderful natural colors, very much how experienced them, how I have them in mind. Great photo from a to b ... yes I guess I want to go back there, one day. Have a nice evening ... Barbara.

Gerrit (62042) 2008-12-17 8:22

Hi Kath,
wonderful colorcontrast.
The wonderful stone shapes are gorgeous and the light control is outstanding,
Regards, Gerrit

npecanhuk (79329) 2008-12-17 8:25

Hello Kath!
This picture is impressively attractive and the reasons are many: the well chosen pov, the excellent management of the brightness (very good balance of light and shadow!), the beautiful colors and a superb contrast (rock and sky, for example), the composition (including people in it, for example, giving us the dimension of that site)! I specially like the blue shapes created by those rock formations seen against the sky!
Anyway, it really pleases me a lot!
TFS - congratulations!
Warmest regards,
Neyvan

zmey (7335) 2008-12-17 8:41

hi Kath
the REDS of the american west played out well against the perfect sky. i like the inclusion of the humans. i have seen this arch several times on TE, but only now i realize the scale of this place.

TFS
kristaps

trekks (14348) 2008-12-17 8:59

hi Kath

Very nice rock formation and natural structure that withstands the test of nature and time. Such massive rocks in comparison to the people underneath. Good capture to show the contrast to the blue sky and to show the scale of dimension.

I like your version of this shot.
tfs, bill

fulvio52 (8314) 2008-12-17 9:04

Good evening, Kath.
I see you've been trespassing into MY PARK! LOL!!! Well, this is always such an impressive and lovely view! We were standing here, AGAIN, a little over four months ago... Now, I must say I equally appreciate both views. They are both awesome and technically flawless. The WS is probably more artistic and certainly more comprehensive in providing a pretty good idea of trail and immediate surroundings, but your main post has all the striking impact of this absolute double marvel of nature. Angle, lighting, and textures are perfect. And those otherwise pretty damn useless obnoxious tourists FOR ONE TIME useful in providing us with sense of scale... They usually do nothing but spoil tons of good shots by standing fulltime under arches with relatives taking snaps of them 80 yards away with their 35mm $99,00 digicams. Which is like shooting ants making use of the Automatic Landscape Option, and of course that's exactly what they do...
GREAT EFFORTS, Kath! Thanks for bringing back recent good memories. Once again : have a nice evening, see ya soon.
Fulvio.

dta (98848) 2008-12-17 9:25

Hello Kath ,
Perfect light , perfect framing , we can admire the beautiful colors and textures of these fantastic rocks . Well done , with the walkers (so little ) who give the scale .
Regards
Denis

plimrn (21344) 2008-12-17 10:43

Hi Kath,
As usual, your judgment is impeccable!! This one really gives the feel of being there. One of the best arch shots I've seen for all the reasons listed below.
HLJ,

josepmarin (59385) 2008-12-17 12:38

Hello Kath,
this place is well known and we have seen it in many photos, but I think that your frame, the angle, and the control of the exposure makes that this capture is different, and very beautiful.
I like the light and the tones and textures of rocks, as well as deep the blue one of the sky.
The shapes of these arches and rocks are amazing.
A great photo.
Best wishes,
Josep

Sistercosmo (242) 2008-12-17 14:13

Hi Kath,
wow, excellent pov and a very beautiful photo! I love the little people and the single green bush - fine details. Lovely colors too. I love it!
Thanks and take care,
Linda

ahmetgedikli (25609) 2008-12-17 14:14

Hi Kath,
An impressive place and impressive shot! A very nice vacation location very well captured with good balance and very nice colors. Nice work!
Warm regards.
Ahmet

Photo65Net (43144) 2008-12-17 14:36

Hello Kath,
Wonderful colors here !
I like too the graphics you caught, and your idea to include the people into the frame.
Have a nice day,
JB.

stego (24132) 2008-12-17 14:36

Hi Kath,

What can I say about this one? It's absolutely gorgeous! Not only you show us clearly the unique and imposing beauty of the place, but you also made a masterful compo. It is also remarkably accomplished technically - the sharpness, exposure and colours are "spot on the money" like J. Munro likes to say.

The inclusion of the tiny human figures gives a great sense of scale. Without them, we could think that the natural monument is much smaller.

In this case I wouldn't hesitate about what to choose to main post: the two! The WS is as great as this one and beside that, it is a completely different vision of the place, perhaps more "photographic", in the sense that it doesn't explore as much as this one the overwhelming effect of the grandiosity of the rock formation, but imposes itself by the very accomplished compo.

Regards, José.

gneufeld (15890) 2008-12-17 15:39

Hi Kath,
I just love this shot - wow, the colors, the textures, the details of the rock set against the deep blue sky is absolutely stunning - man I'd love to be back there - such an amazing place to visit and photograph. Thanks for sharing this one. Well done and TFS. Gerald

jonathan_hart (21276) 2008-12-17 17:11

that's so impressive,
great deep colors,
scale with the human presence,
nice shot
jc

gunbud (34066) 2008-12-17 19:21

Hi Kath,
These beautiful red standstone arches look especially wonderful against this vivid blue sky.
The wonderful light here exposes beautiful lines and textures in the mangnificent rocks.
The scattering of tourist lends very effective scale to this breathtaking landscape.
Regards, Tom

shevchenko (20560) 2008-12-17 20:16

Hello Kath,
Interesting composition to show the spectacular geological feature, perfect pov to include walking people, blue sky and especially success to capture two arches within a shoot, good contrast and intensive of color, well done.
Ally

cbrman (21685) 2008-12-17 21:54

Hello Kath,

Grâce à la présence de ces personnes dans le bas de l'image, on se rend compte de la taille importante de ces arches. La nature a très bien travaillé et elle nous offre des beautés naturels incroyable, à l'image de ce qu'elle a fait ici en sculptant la pierre. Les couleurs et le contraste avec le ciel est superbe.
Bravo.

A+

Dominique

Graal (103040) 2008-12-18 0:04

Hi Kath,
very nice presentation of the famous place. Great colours and game of light with the shadows. Excellent quality. I like it.
Gr., Aleksander

papagolf21 (152605) 2008-12-18 1:05

Bonjour, mon amie Kath,
Il existe sur terre des sculptures naturelles fabriquées par la nature : comment ne pas s'émerveiller devant de telles beautés.
La présence de personnages donne la dimension de ces roches.
Quant à la qualité générale de la photographie, c'est une pure merveille, les détails, les couleurs, tout est magnifiquement rendu.
Félicitations.
Amitiés.
Philippe

coco (30439) 2008-12-18 1:30

Hi Kath.

This one is really better than the WS.

But both are good.

Here the colours and the contrast look great and I love too the low POV.

Well done.

ChrisJ (171222) 2008-12-18 2:10

Hi Kath

I visited this park in November & this is a superb capture of the arches, which almost seem 'animated' & 'holding hands'. Striking warm cold colour contrasts, with good sharpness & pov. The fg people add scale. Tfs!

riclopes (35577) 2008-12-18 2:33

I can see that you already used the formula for the link to open a new window :) I guess that the WS is a more classic view - it has a nice inclusion of the branch in FG and a very attractive polarized sky - but as you say in the note, this close view has much more impact and I think it's a more creative composition too, by the way you manage to include everything in the frame. And last but not least, the people so important for the scale. I would think that this is much smaller than it really is - these arches are huge!
ric

mark_mk (266) 2008-12-18 3:06

Hi Kath,
this is so nice! The small people really give us an idea of the enormous size of these arches and it seems like you chose the perfect day to take this shot since the sky is wonderfully blue and stands out well against the red arches.
I missed Arches N.P. the last time I was here, as well as Bryce, after seing your great image from there I just have to come back and see it myself! Beautiful shot, can`t wait for your next one!

Take care
Mark

jlbrthnn (76043) 2008-12-18 3:14

Hello Kath,
The colors blue and ochre function with wonder. Superb image in which the visitors give dimensions. A very pretty work.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël

mortijo (12828) 2008-12-18 6:03

Hello Kathe,
An excellent capture, the framing is absolutely perfect. Nice sharp contrasting colors.
Regards
John

Cricri (176) 2008-12-18 8:34

Hi Kath
En premier ce qui frappe c'est le contraste des couleurs, puis bien sur les formes, détails, et la hauteur de ces magnifiques arches que les personnes donne l'échelle, belle présentation en WS
Good evening for you
cricri

Emile (20352) 2008-12-18 8:39

Hola Kath.
Very good shot of a very impressive place, to wait a little bit longer for the light to cover most parts of the Double Arch and the tall rock in the back was a good idea, there is a fantastic contrast of beautiful colors enhanced by the strong blue sky. Your POV was a good choice to cover not only the arches and rocks but also the inclusion of people that give us a good sense of scale. Both shots are very good but you chose the right one for the
main post.
TFS.
Greetings.

John_F_Kennedy (43797) 2008-12-18 8:50

A lovely composition with excellent lighting on thiese impressive arches. Very lovely natural tones. Well done.
Best wishes,
Achim

holmertz (101988) 2008-12-18 9:16

Hello Kath,
The small, ant-like people are essential to give us an idea of the dimensions of this strange natural phenomenon. But the white dots also add life and some excitement of their own. Perfect, well saturated colours.
Best regards,
Gert

robiuk (10807) 2008-12-18 9:33

This one is stunning as it shows the arches in full, and
when one considers the FL this was taken at and sees the
little humans underneath, only then you get well blown
away by the size of it!
Actually, I've seen many photos from the location but have
never had an idea of how big the thing really is!
Wonderful colour contrast, too!
Robi

UlfE (14641) 2008-12-18 11:41

Hi Kath,

Another marvelous shot. What is most impressive here is how you could see the texture of the rock perfectly also in the shaded areas. I love the inclusion of people so you could understand the size of the arches. The tight framing is also very impressive. TFS and have a nice evening!

Cheers,

Ulf

eska (522) 2008-12-18 19:42

Wow! A true masterpiece, Kath. Extremely lucky with the way light is making your shot three dimensional (or nearly).Or maybe extremely patient you, waiting long hours for perfect lighting - no matter - FANTASTIC !
Congratulations
Chris

Dyerco (10185) 2008-12-18 21:21

Hi Kath
I have to agree that this version is better as we get more of a sense of size and grandeur. The people add scale and we can see more detail in the rocks. I like this POV and the fact that peak in the BG is fully visible and not blending with the arch. Did I mention that I like this shot;))

ps My wife says it's time to get over the man flu!! Damn.
Phil

fabio_ts (13696) 2008-12-19 3:15

I love the way how you have included the white dressed humam figures that add a great dimension to thisfabulous scenary, very well done Kath, compliments!!

Have a wonderful weekend,
Fabio.

zeynepe (0) 2008-12-19 4:07

Hi Kath,
The natural architectural :) details looks fabolous with your perfect POV.What I understand from your splendid photos is that I should visit the natural park.I like the contrast between the arches and the clear blue sky.
Congrats and have a nice weekend,
Zeynep

alvaraalto (42804) 2008-12-19 12:46

Hi Kath,

Impressive the double arches in the red stone.
The small figures at the bottom of the passage show the insignificancy of human being in this the overwhelming nature.
The combination of these red stone with a deep blue sky is always fascinating.

Groet Rob

devimeuxbe (58557) 2008-12-19 13:18

Hi Kath
Your picture is a very nice presentation of this geological curiosity. Excellent light and beautifull colors
Well done
Bertrand

patdeph (35750) 2008-12-19 13:23

hello Kate
wonderful!I like very much this close framing,and I like the people that help us to imagine the size of these rocks!The colors are absolutly splendid,with a strong and deep blue and its incredible contrast with the red stones!Magnificent!
Regards
Pascale

gilou530 (34) 2008-12-19 13:28

salut kath
un paysage qui me rappelle la libye avec ces couleurs ocres et des arches, un ciel d'un profond ici superbe, photo splendide
amitiés
gilbert

Waylim (25436) 2008-12-20 0:00

Kath,
A fantastic shot of this Double Arch, not an easy task to do, I was here and took a few shots, I don't have one this good. Great sharpness and clarity, even of the area in the shade a nicely visible with nice details. The saphire blue sky contast the red rock so perfectly. Very impressive. Thanks
Way

syrus_persia (2270) 2008-12-20 1:01

Salam Kath
Beautiful composition with nice colors.Very good framing and beautiful blue sky..!
Bravo
cyrus

batalay (41261) 2008-12-20 2:59

Hello Kath,

In photographing archaeological relics there is the simple practice of placing a calibration rod, even a lens cap, just to establish scale. Your inclusion of the Lilliputians in the photographs achieves the same effect. The American West does make Lilliputians of all of us, when you can drive on a highway and don't see cars for 10 or 20 minutes. Your note augments the photograph beautifully, presenting the contrasting colors, while presenting the staggeringly dramatic shapes and formations.

Have a good weekend, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Bulent

saylan-cb (12738) 2008-12-20 4:13

Hi Kath,
This is a beautiful image wiht great blue sky the light well capture are wonderful.
Have a nice weekend!
Şaylan

rodgerg (55767) 2008-12-20 6:13

Hello Kath,

A very nice composition in two beautiful colours: red and blue. This composition and the framing well selecetd give a beautiful graphic effect. The peoples gives an element of life nad especillay an interesting idea of the scale of this place. Good, nice and interesting photowork.
Have a good day,
Roger

axiotea (21651) 2008-12-20 9:05

Hello Kath
Although I do prefer the main post, I found both versions interesting! one allowing to see the details from closer while the other shows more a general view! Excellent contrast between the rocks and the blue sky (I like the polarizer effect!).
Marilyn

ysabaner (1069) 2008-12-20 13:25

Hello,
Very interesting picture, deffernt figure, colors and light wonderful, well done.
Yahya

Angshu (56760) 2008-12-22 19:46

Hello Kath
Amazing natural formations! True I've seen quite a few posts from this place, but yours, as always is still an original! I am in two minds regarding this & the WS post & the WS looks more unique with that wonderful inclusion of the dead tree & it's shadow from the corner. Of course the details of the arches are much better seen in this post, with excellent contrast against the deep blue polarised sky. The tiny people help in the scale...stunning work!
Best Regards
Angshu
Wishing you, Rob & your entire family a very merry Christmas!

jmcl (14535) 2008-12-25 14:20

Hi Kath,

the way the blues interact with the colors of this place is so tremendous .. and well presented by you .. the scale of the people .. wondrous .. beautiful image .. my best happy holiday wishes for you and yours. take care, John

PixelTerror (0) 2008-12-26 7:33

Hi Kath,
It's all about warm/cold contrast and exact PoV, full hit for both and a superb image, the people add that little extra scale information, it's huuuuuuge indeed !
Have a nice day JY

brandstaetter (15915) 2008-12-27 9:31

Hi Kath,
excellent, the enclosure of the small people shows the grandezza of this place...
Cheers Chris

Didi (61589) 2008-12-27 10:38

Hi Kats
That's a great and magnificient place and the characters give us an idea about the scale.
Wonderfull contrast of colours and lights.
Greetings from Orléans while waiting the new year.

pasternak (15185) 2008-12-28 11:27

Very elemental in its bichrome colour palette, pov is well chosen and the presence of people underlines the immense scale of the place. Have to go there sometime...

Cheers
A

cdmonson (5304) 2009-02-06 23:22

Hi Kath:

All these great shots of Arches have made me want to go back...someday... Beautiful colors on this one. The crop seems a bit tight, but then again, it shows the person up closer, giving a better sense of scale. Nice shot.

Clark

mzmehr (918) 2009-02-07 2:52

Hi Kath,
very nice shot with a greate detail and note.
people are the best scale to show the size of the site.

thanks for sharing
mzmher

subhendu_bagchi (26091) 2009-10-10 3:35

Wow, great capture of this double arch created by air. The sharpness, depth colour balance all perfect. You have chosen here a nice point of view. The orange stones really contrasting well with the deep blue sky. A great picture. Tfs.
Have a nice weekend.
Subhendu

macjake (98262) 2009-10-10 3:52

Hi Kath

What struck me the most about this photo, and it didn't grab my attention at first - was the SIZE !
it wasn't unit i noticed how small the people looked standing underneath!

Good light management with the shadows

Great shot!
Craig