Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park

Yesterday morning I photographed the famous Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park. This was a fairly challenging scene to photograph because of the high contrast. I spent about 2 1/2 hours shooting the arch and had a particularly enjoyable time. Must be because I'm starting to settle into the trip and relax!

There were some other photographers there and one guy in particular cracked me up.... he was running around with his camera like a chicken with his head cut off. I half expected him to trip and fall into the canyon. Ironically he - and a couple other photographers - left before the light got really good. After that there were just two of us left photographing... me and a very nice guy (and good photographer) from northern Utah named Bob Hills. Be sure to check out his website www.bobhillsphotography.com .

Here are a few of the hundreds of photos I took at the arch.
All taken with EOS 1Ds mIII

Photo 1: Sunbeams through the arch.
24-70mm; Singh-Ray Gold n Blue polarizer & ND grad (can't remember which one)
ISo 200; Aperture Priority mode + 2/3 stops comp; 1/15s at f/18


Photo 2: Wide angle of the arch.
17-40mm; Singh-Ray Gold n Blue polarizer
ISO 200; Aperture Priority mode + 2/3 stops comp; 1/3s at f/22


Photo 3: Self portrait under the arch.
70-200mm; Singh-Ray LB warming polarizer; Canon remote cable release/timer
ISO 200; Aperture Priority mode + 1 1/3 stops comp; 1/8s at f/18


Stay tuned for more photos.... I'm in Bryce Canyon NP now and it looks awesome.
Happy shooting!
Ethan-

10 comments:

  1. Anonymous11:18 PM

    so nice..

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  2. Wow! Great stuff... I spent some time in the southwest too, love the mesa arch shot.

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  3. Anonymous8:06 AM

    First time I've seen you in a shot not wearing red. The self portrait is a great shot.

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  4. Very new to your blog and I am big fan of your work - & I happen to be super duper jealous of your road trip! Keep up the fantastic work!

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  5. Thanks everyone!
    Craig, I was so pissed off that I didn't put on one of my red shirts that morning. I have 5 with me!
    I may go back and shoot it again with a red shirt if I find my way past Canyonlands again!
    cheers,
    Ethan-

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  6. Anonymous3:16 PM

    Love the self-portrait, Ethan. After just a week on the road, you look like a mesa!

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  7. Anonymous11:05 PM

    Ethan!! Sorry we missed you before you took off. Lovin the shots so far. Can't wait to catch up with you! I have a credit with american airlines...maybe I'll drop in on you somewhere in your travels...

    Keep the great images comin!

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  8. Would you say you have unfinished business with Canyonlands National Park?

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  9. Anonymous11:32 AM

    Hey Ethan,
    Nice shots of Mesa. I was there not long after our time at the Subway, but the light wasn't the greatest. Gave me a good opportunity to work on HDR! Also made it to False Kiva which was fantastic. Safe travels. Russ

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