They seem when experienced separately to be completely different worlds – the twisted sedimentary red rock of Arches National Park and the volcanic-spawned heights of the La Sal Mountains and Manti-La Sal National Forest – but they are so much more related than you might imagine. The sedimentary layers of this portion of the Colorado Plateau range in age from 250+ million years before the present (BP) to 66 million years BP, while the igneous uplifts of the La Sals date to a mere 25-28 million years BP; yet it seems obvious that the rising igneous blister sent warping waves through the surrounding sediments that can still be seen in the directional cant of the red rock. In the late light of the setting sun, the La Sals take on a warm glow that is echoed tonally by the roseate hoodoos in the Windows District of Arches. A long telephoto focal length allowed me to pull the mountains closer to create a relationship separated, in truth, by miles of red rock. A focal length of 405mm allowed the magnification and angle of view I wanted. An aperture of f/22 provided depth-of-field; and a shutter speed of 0.5 seconds at ISO 100 gave me a medium exposure. A gathering storm set the mood.
Absolutely beautiful! I wish I could have been there to experience it firsthand.
Beautiful. I appreciate your images and sharing information about how it was taken. What a delight each week.
You did bring those two worlds together! Great contrasts and DOF. This was only possible because you were at the right place at the right time with the right tools, knowledge, experience and thinking like a telephoto lens. The gathering storm was your reward for showing up. Thanks for being there, capturing and sharing it.
Good morning Everyone. Thank you all very much for joining me for this Image. Ron, it’s good to hear from you. Thanks for your kind words. I had not thought about it until just now, but telephoto images seem to be the way that you typically “see” the visual world. Over the years I have known you, most of the images you have shared with me from your travels and elsewhere have been telephoto focal lengths of one type or another. Don’t misunderstand, there’s nothing “wrong” with this. It simply acknowledges that your most creative work will probably fall in this category, just as mine falls in the wide-angle realm. Anyway, I’m glad you enjoyed this Image. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Hi Nancy K., thanks for joining me and for your kind comment. You are quite welcome. I’m glad you appreciate the things I offer. Be well. Hey Nancy T., it’s always good to have you join me. You have certainly expressed what was in my mind as I stood in that place: “There is an amazing contrast here; how can I achieve sufficient depth-of-field to express it?” And you know how important it is to be able to “think like a lens.” I really appreciate your pointing out all of these aspects that went into this Image. To be there to see it was a true joy. Thank you all, again. Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving.