These are the Wellsville Mountains, the steepest mountains in the world. To clarify: the angle from the ridge to the base is the smallest of any other mountain range. There were enough clouds, and the light was interesting enough, that I decided to shoot right into the sun.
Processing (Photoshop): I used autocolor, and added a bit more contrast, then converted to black and white using the channel mixer. I then cloned out some weird stuff on the bottom: fence posts were only half there, etc. I dodged the light cloud tips and burned the cloud shadows. I also dodged the mountain snow just a bit, perhaps too much--but I like it so nyah! I used the smudge tool at 30% and stroked inward around the sun to reduce its brightness width. I used ISOX-Pro for noise. Cropped, sharpened, added a border, and viola! I hope it does well. I like it a lot.
Statistics
Place: 1 out of 310 Avg (all users): 7.6984 Avg (commenters): 8.6757 Avg (participants): 7.5344 Avg (non-participants): 8.0690 Views since voting: 11682 Votes: 189 Comments: 83 Favorites: 80 (view)
I was just bored and browsing through some of the challenges and came across this photo and noticed that you got some 4's 3's and a 2 for it and it blew my mind. My only guess is that these people are extremely jealous that they couldn't have done this themselves. Anyway, just wanted to say what a great photo it is. I would like to see the color version though, I am not the biggest fan of black and white.
What, I haven't commented yet? Many congratulations on (yet) another ribbon David. Worthy of Brian Kossof, if it weren't for the aspect ratio: obviously your studying has paid off :-)
David... Congratulations on another ribbon. Once again your terrific landscape sits near top of my favorites for a challenge. We have GOT to get together for that Northern AZ photo safari. It will be a blast. If you haven't already taken Antelope Canyon it is a possibility.
I have very mixed feelings on this one leaning towards the negative. However I must give you credit for making me think about it as much as you did. Somewhere between this version and the original is perfection...]
Anyways, congrats on the ribbon! Like Pits said, the majority rules.
TC
Thanks for all comments, positive and negative. I really like the shot, and I like so many of yours too. I'm really kind of surprised this did so well when there are so many photos in this challenge that I admire.
Well, wel...I'm sharing your joy for the top finish again! This is an awesome shot. You necer run out of good shots and creativity. You hav ethe stamp of an outstanding photographer. My congratulations!
Goodness sakes - you went all the way to paradise for this image. Lovely tones - this would be great for use in any sort of inspirational context. Heavenly.
I may give quite a few 9s but I always only give one 10. And you're my winner this time! Great B&W. I can see to postprocessing, lots of dodging & buring here and it all fits in nicely. It's dramatic and well balanced. This will go in my favs! Keep on inpiring!
My interests lay in the lower half of this image wiithe clouds skirting the finely lit mountains....the source of the lighting and the top half I am not thrilled with but It is damn fine none the less.
Composition and light are beautiful. The flare around the sun came out particularly nice. The only thing I'm hung up on is that dodge and burn in the mountains looks a little too heavy-handed to me. (If that's not what's happening on the peaks, sorry for the interpretation.) (7)
I thought you were dead Ansel? awesome i liked it when i just saw the sky/sun/ then saw the mountains and lighting absolutely wonderful!!! love the frame too... what can I say 1st place bar none!!!! 11
I know the dramatic lighting of the mountains is artificial and brought out by creative post processing, but the result is stunning. This has got fine art print written all over it.
Cana't help trotting out the old cliche: "Majesticly beautiful." Once in a while"magestically beautiful" fits and this is one of those times. Perfect for b&w and all the technicals work well. Congratulations on a fine image.
Amazing picture, but it lookes heavily edited though. The lights and shadows look incredible, but not very real. If this is unedited, then you have a beautiful shot. If it is edited, then GREAT job with the editing. - 9
Absolutely stunning, B&W really enhances the atmosphere and adds more power to it. What more can I say about a perfect scene/photo? Can I give you more than a 10?
Mountain Light
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