Sandia Sunset Clouds

Gorgeous clouds are lit up by the last rays of the setting sun; a rare occurance that I was lucky to be able to photograph. NOTE: A one stop soft GND filter was used to darken the above the horizon portion of the image and more closely bring it in line with the scene that evening. Other than that no major adjustments were made, contrast was increased slightly.

Red Dawn

I was treated to a Red Dawn with particularly amazing clouds at dawn overlooking the Rio Grande Gorge just west of Taos, NM. NOTE: A 1.5 stop GND filter was applied to achieve the observed ballance between the above and below the horizon light levels.

Needles

This photograph was taken early on a cloudy morning in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. I really enjoy the composition of this photography. Take particular notice of the tree line in the lower right hand side of the photography. This gives perspective. Each of these trees are full grown, 15-25 ft trees. The rock formations are truly impressive. NOTE: I applied a one-half stop GND filter to the above the horizon portion of the image to more acureately reflect the scene as observed on the day the photograph was taken.

Blastoff at Shiprock

A long exposure, 5 minute, photograph of Shiprock taken at astronomical dawn as a set of whispy clouds flow over the formation. The light source for this photograph was the light of the full moon. Note: A one stop GND filter was applied to the below the horizon portion of this photograph to achieve the desired light balance above and below the horizon.

Shiprock Dawn

First light falls on Shiprock and the grasslands surrounding it. NOTE: A polarizing filter was used to deepen the colors of the sky.

A Lady's Profile

A closeup of Lady in the Wind in Lower Antelope Canyon. NOTE: No major edits were made to this photo in post.

Reflective Wave

Early morning light hits the upper portion of a wave formation as it is reflected in a temporary pool of water. NOTE: A two stop soft GND filter was used to darken the portion of the photo where directed sunlight hits the sandstone.

Rainbow Wave

Reflective dawn light illuminates the southwest portion of The Wave in Coyote Buttes North permit area. NOTE: No major edits were made to this photo. Contrast was adjusted.

Classic Wave

A mid-day photograph taken inside the Wave formation in the Coyote Buttes North wilderness area. NOTE: No major edits were made to this photograph, contrast was adjusted.

Serenity Dawn

This six second wide angle exposure was taken prior to sunrise, during astronomical dawn, a couple of miles in to the heart of the dunes at White Sands National Monument. The early morning aura of the sun can be seen off to the east. NOTE: A half stop soft GND filter was used to lighten the below the horizon portion of the photograph as optimum exposure was set for the sky. Contrast was also adjusted slightly.

Curves

The forever changing curves and lines of the White Sands National Monument's dunes are breathtaking. I partiuclarly enjoy the contrasting curves between the top of the dune and the rutted bottom of the dune bed. NOTE: A one half stop soft GND filter was used to darken the above the horizon portion of the photograph.

Las Cruces Nightlight

The waning moon lit the gypsum dunes during this 30 second exposure. The light of evening a half to quarter moon on a clear night was enough to want to walk without a headlamp. The city lights of Las Cruces create a yellow glow on the horizon. NOTE: No major edits were made to this photograph.

Sunrays

I couldn't have asked for better light on this particular evening. In addition to that, while dust is usually bad for visibility, in this case it created two effects that I absolutely find amazing. First, the sunrays. They are absolutely endless and amazing. Second is the seemingly endless supply of peaks that fade into the dusty distance of gold as the viewer peers down the Grand Canyon. This photograph was taken from near Desert View Point on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. NOTE: I exposed for the clouds with a 2 stop Hard GND Filter at the time of exposure and later lightened the under the horizon portion of the photograph by one half stop. This replicates the view as seen that evening and is necessary to more closely recreate the dynamic range that one could have seen with the human eye at the time.

Afternoon Grand

To me this is the view that most folks associate with the Grand Canyon. It is a daytime view from the South Rim's Mather Point, the quintesential Grand Canyon. I find this scene of particular interest because of the clouds and singular break in them in the center of the exposure. NOTE: I used a polarizing filter to depen the colors and contrast of the sky. I also used a 2 stop Hard GND filter at time of the exposure to keep the bright sky in check and be able to exposure for the canyon.

Desert Pallisades

The 30 second exposure was taken after the sun had set and only diffuse reflected light was hitting the Pallisades of the western Grand Canyon. The tone of light and hue of blue created that was cast on this evening down the canyon was very pleasing to the eye. NOTE: At time of exposure I used a polarizing filter and a handheld 2 stop Soft GND to even tones between the above and below the horizon portions of the image.

Battleship Moon

I wish I could say I planned this shot, but I was actually on my way to Plateau Point with another view in mind at the time. We departed the South Rim around 3 int he morning, and as dawn approached I could see the waning moon trying to sneak below the horizon of the south rim. This forced me to increase my pace. Then, just as the first rays of dawn hit the south rim I was able to make this exposure that encompasses battleship rock, the moon, and three distincly different layers of strata as I looked up toward the south rim of the Grand Canyon. NOTE: I slightly increased contrast on this photo, but otherwise no major edits were made.