Sunrise, Mesquite Dunes

I added detailed information about making this print to Daniel Lin's "Interpretations of a negative" thread at the following link:
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum41/47768-interpretations-negative-6.html#post836312

I know what I am going to say is going to create a bit of controversy , it's really a question more then a statement .... Do you think getting rid of the sky would be for better or worst? To me that makes it more abstract ...What about you?

It is beautiful as it is , but? Sorry Shawn for this , it is with your permission that I ask this question, PM me if you want me to take it back

Beautiful! What amazing tones, it's like a chocolate tsunami! I love it.

Dark and Beautiful.
G.

Wonderfully sumptuous photograph, Shawn. I see you've put the donated paper to great use!

With regard to Ilya's cropping suggestion, I can see his point about emphasizing the abstract qualities, but offer a counter argument. I like the jagged outlines of the distant mountains because they offer a counterpoint to the smooth sweeping lines of the dunes and balance the craggy features of the cracked mud. The layers of complexity in the image are rewarding to my eyes.

All the best,
Daniel

Very nice Shawn! Love the tonality

Wow!

PhotoBulley said:

it's like a chocolate tsunami!

Click to expand...

I like that. Chocolaty is how I thought of it as well. Thanks everyone.

ilya, I welcome thoughts about my work. Thank you for taking the time to consider it so seriously.

I had plenty of time to think about it, compose and recompose on the ground glass as I waited for the sun to come up and light the scene properly. I struggled with the same questions you raise. In the end I found the relationships between the mountain peaks, dunes and mud were the most compelling subject matter. Even in printing I considered raising the overall contrast and removing the skyline but came again to the same conclusion. Thank you for your insightful thoughts about my photograph!

Daniel, your thoughts echo mine. I hope someday to print with the subtlety and control you've achieved. Thanks for sharing your prints with us this weekend!

I hoped, after seeing your recent post, that you might like this one, G.

Shawn, I really like this and think the composition is best as shown. Love the tonality of the dark tones and think this would be a wonderful print to be viewed off the computer. Where is this...I like the dried earth in front of the dunes. Where is this...not the normal Stovepipe Wells??
Best,
Jim

Thanks, Jim. It is indeed the normal Stovepipe wells location. This was taken right at the edge of the footprints =) Shawn