Looking Behind an SJ Goosenecks State Park

[Martín el Escocés]

We were at San Juan Gooseneck State Park on our way to Monument Valley in the middle of a storm. I was looking around when a shaft of sunlight revealed what I never realised was was to be seen from there - Valley of the Gods in clearing, stormy light!

 

[Ben Egbert]

Beautiful

 

[JimFox]

Hey Martin,

That's an interesting shot of Valley of the Gods. That kind of light can lead to such wonderful images.

Jim

 

[Kyle Jones]

Wonderful scene!

 

[Jeffrey]

Beautiful image, Martin. Right place at the right time. I spend a bit of time around those parts. Looks like the buttes are not sharp enough in this photo.

 

[AlanLichty]

Nice one Martin - you got some really good light to bring that scene to life.

 

[Martín el Escocés]

Thanks Ben, Jim, Kyle. It was a complete accident; as I didn't realise that there was a view of Valley of the Gods from Goosenecks State Park. It was the drama of the stormy light combined with the mantra "always look behind" which revealed this dramatic scene.

 

[Ryan10]

That's an awesome perspective. Looks like you used 85mm or longer focal length. Is that true? Something about the small strip of grass in the foreground that's making me think the focal length is more telephoto.

 

[Martín el Escocés]

Beautiful image, Martin. Right place at the right time. I spend a bit of time around those parts. Looks like the buttes are not sharp enough in this photo.

Thanks Jeffrey! It was a touch of good fortune. I agree with you about the sharpness of the buttes and would like to improve them!

 

[ckcarr]

Only one way to do that Martin! Get out the wallet...

Very nice. Back in 2012 I positioned myself on top of Muley Point for the eclipse. Under the interesting eclipse light I turned my camera toward Monument Valley with a 200mm lens and got some really cool images...

Thanks Jeffrey! It was a touch of good fortune. I agree with you about the sharpness of the buttes and would like to improve them!

 

[BarryHamilton]

Wonderful scene, Martin! That light is what we hope and plan for!

 

[Bart Carrig]

Very beautiful Martin; you've captured some sweet light on this trip. A real beauty.

Bart

 

[Martín el Escocés]

Thank you Craig, Barry, Bart.

Craig, I think it is always a good policy to turn and look behind and around for other possibilities when you are out shooting a particular scene. Also, I agree, it's very useful to have longer focal lengths with you on a landscape shoot.

That's an awesome perspective. Looks like you used 85mm or longer focal length. Is that true? Something about the small strip of grass in the foreground that's making me think the focal length is more telephoto.

Yes, Ryan, you are right. The shot was at 106 on a 70-200L f4 canon lens. I cropped out quite a bit of grass for this particular view.. Glad you enjoyed it!

 

[Martín el Escocés]

Nice one Martin - you got some really good light to bring that scene to life.

Thanks Alan. I was really lucky. It looked doubtful I'd get anything at all there was so much overcast and stormy sky!