The glow of the Phoenix metro creates a silhouette from the sharp, virtical rocks. Brent and I were hiking down the trail in the Superstitions last week about an hour an a half after sunset (took us a while to climb down the steep rocks with only flashlights). I got the tripod out and snapped two shots of the city lights. This rock is very unique, and makes a great subject. I took this photograph of the same rock formation on my hike on the same trail earlier this spring.
The trip to Sedona went quite well, although there were more clouds than I was hoping for. We didn't end up going on to Monument Valley, but decided to stay in Sedona and ended up getting some great shots. Both lenses that I rented were fantastic! The wide angle 10-22mm EF-S was a pleasure to shoot with and quite sharp. Too bad it's only EF-S and yet still costs so much. It looks as though I will be getting the 17-40 f/4L sometime soon. It's a wonderful, sharp, walk around lens.
I have made several prints (including a 13x19) from the Sedona set and they are amazingly sharp! It's amazing what kind of shots can come out when you combine a good camera with sharp lenses. It all comes down to the photographer, though. I have seen poor photographs from top of the line cameras and I have seen excellent pictures from point and shoots.
For anyone who is interested, I do make prints; see my about page.
categories: desert landscape night
November 28th, 2005 at 6:10 AM
Great shot, love the darkness.
November 28th, 2005 at 6:26 AM
I love the city lights in the distance, how they're distinguishable in the foreground and they blend into one huge streak on the horizon.
November 28th, 2005 at 12:54 PM
This is a great shot....the awesome peace of the sky and the stars contrast the city below.
November 28th, 2005 at 2:13 PM
Nice shot. I love the gradient in the sky.
November 28th, 2005 at 4:56 PM
Great shot, I've never been brave enough to stay on that trail after dark.
November 28th, 2005 at 6:56 PM
another gorgeous shot ryan. that glow is spectacular!
November 29th, 2005 at 10:42 PM
I hate to add this sorta simple comment, but "WOW"!
The placement of the shot is perfect.
November 30th, 2005 at 11:55 AM
I really like this shot. I think you chose just the right shutter speed to capture the sparkly-like star efects. The massive rock in the foreground creates depth that makes this shot different than just another expansive scene. The color of the sky is incredible. I particularly like the bright city lights in contrast with the rest of the foto. Nice use of thirds.
November 30th, 2005 at 9:16 PM
Way cool! The dark/light combination really works with the rock, and the light pollution makes for some interesting gradient light changes in the sky.
December 9th, 2005 at 1:00 PM
I am just entrawled with this pic :)