More Zion

These are from the canyon pass; where you drive through some massive rock formations, and feel really, really tiny. We were coming back from Monument Valley, and the sun was setting, lighting the rocks on fire.

I hope you enjoy!

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Noni

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And this one. I was happy I was able to capture the shadows; we were in a moving vehicle.

Enjoy!

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Noni

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(well, I thought they were neat. Especially the last one...guess not...)

Noni

Nice shots. Don't worry, no one has commented on my Waimea Falls shots either and I posted those yesterday.

Don't be so sensitive, Noni. It happens to all of us. I think your shots are good, but not spectacular like some from Zion. I am not commenting much these days, as I am traveling and don't have much time for POTN, also have only slowwww connections.

Good is fine by me; I've had the camera for about 2 months (with no previous experience, and no instruction...)...and this was my first attempt at serious landscape stuff. So I'll take good.

That being said, how do I make them spectacular? What's missing?

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Noni

You ask "what's missing?"

I think the viewer can't get a sense of scale from your photos. For someone that has never been to Zion they look like just some rocks. I am sure they mean a lot to you because you remember the context of where these photos were taken, but it's different for a viewer that has no idea of what zion is all about. You said the canyon made you feel "really tiny." You need to have something in the frame that shows scale. Also you said the rock glowed red. They don't look to be glowing in your pics. To capture glowing red rocks you need a tripod and to wait till just the exact moment at sunset.

Zion is a difficult place to photograph. You need to slow down and really think about composition and lighting. I have been to zion twice and so far I haven't gotten a great picture of the park. Don't feel bad.

I have the problem that Dave mentioned - fail to convey what i saw to the viewers of my pictures. I admit it, i don't have good photographer eyes.

cfcrebel,

I can't claim to have "the eye", but I think it is something you learn rather than a talent you're born with. I've been lurking around this forum for a couple years and I've watched as photographers improve over time.

Dave, thanks for that. I do appreciate it. And it's something I can completely see now that it's pointed out. I'll do better next time. As for being red, they were more orange than red, and in the canyon, it's hard to catch the sunset because the Court of the Patriarchs blocks the sun for about 3 hours before actual sunset.

Let me look through some of the shots with an eye on seeing what I have which **might** convey the scale of the place...

I **really** appreciate the help. Thanks so very much.

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Noni