I have struggled with producing an image from this location from all the files I took back in 2008. I visited this location 3 times in the time I was there and snapped away dozens of pics each time. All the area captures I took were for stitched panos. Once I came home I tried a few out but was never happy with the results, so much light and color variations that each stitched pano they just looked too busy.
In the end I just put it to rest and thought to myself, well that was a blown opportunity, how and when can I get back there to shoot it again. Thats the trouble with visiting new places, trying to come away with that KILLER shot. For me anyway it is always a struggle to understand the location fast enough to capture it in the brief time I am there.
Well today after not viewing these raw files for many many months I went in with a clear head and fresh eyes and tried again. So here are the results, finally happy with the selection of files I used and the end result … Am I still going back – you bet I now want a snow covered one 😉
Cheers
Neal
Landscape Photography 
Nice pano, Neal!
Very interesting light.
brilliant mate, very good indeed.
Thanks Ilya – I have seen countless images from this area some absolute stunners, maybe that was my problem, too much knowledge on what it can look like. Maybe it was the time year (sun position) as there was so many shadows and highlight spots. I have read of folks having the same problem at Mesa Arch Utah, unless that sun is under the arch your going to get shadows all over it most of the year.
Thanks Christian – Would love to let you loose on more than the 1 sample you had last year …. I bet you would blow my mind with the results …
Can’t understand why you were disappointed first time around, this a great shot and well processed.
Sometimes you just can’t see the wood for the trees eh.
Thanks Merv, have not forgotten your image, I tried making one of those movies folks do while as they are working in PS , but shit I could not fathom how it is done, will try and do a bit more research on it tomorrow …
Anyone have any tips ?
Nice shot mate I really like it looks like some nice light over there cant wait to head over to the states myself
Thanks Kirk – Me too 😉
Google it…….he he he.
Cliche shots are difficult. I mean what do you do, do you just take the normal shot or try for something different. Perhaps its just about being there and not worrying about getting the shot.
I have seen this shot so many times and I’m guessing you have too. Its a stunning location.
Videos, you need a screen capture program. I sent you an email.
Thanks James – Most if not all the images I have seen from this area are from a more direct front on pov. What I tried to do it capture he light from the right side and show it leading up the river towards El Captian but still try and keep that dead tree in view … I have a few more of the area captured quite a bit further to the right side, but with failing light those trees on the right side ended up being in shadows. In hindsight I should of gone further right first, but when I was there I tried to capture as many pov as I could.
Thanks for the software info, I saw a few online yesterday but was reading somewhere the mac os has an inbuilt one but for the life of me could not find it …. maybe I just need to go the 3rd party software route.
Cheers
Neal
very nice Neal, awesome scenery out there.
Thanks William …
Beautiful scene Neal. I hope to get there at some point while i’m over here. But once I do get there I don’t know where i’m going to start. Just have to wait and see what I am presented with I guess.
Thanks Luke … When are you thinking of going there? I am looking at late September/October … Will be in touch with Dean soon … Looking at a northern california shoot with a couple of locals as well for a few days, let me know if this works for you …
Wow, amazing shot, Neal. You’ve posted some beauties while I’ve been away! I’m just looking through them now 🙂
Thanks Beau – Hope you enjoy them …. Cheers
It is a stunning scene and I really like your take on this.
As I am always going for simplicity and then more simplicity and images that have no “boundaries”, I would be interested in seeing a version with the rocks in lower left and the tree lower right.
Thanks Flem I’ll get one of those In October for you ….