Sedona, Arizona: Nature in Monochrome

[Mike Buckley]

These are my two best (and very different) monochromes from my hiking in Sedona last week.

Please click to view a larger display of the images.

[TonyW]

The word to describe the first is sharp. Re the second, I am envious of people who can dial up the weather to suit.

The image of the cactus is really clever. Getting the white thorns and their dark shadow against the mid-toned fruit (or is it leaf) is very effective.

[Shadowman]

Nicely done, one otherworldly the other out of this world.

[Mike Buckley]

I am envious of people who can dial up the weather to suit.

I got lucky, Tony. The combination of bright light on the subject with dark clouds in the background is my favorite natural-light scenario. It was clear to me that the dark clouds would be around for quite awhile but I wasn't sure the bright light on the subject would ever appear, at least in time. I waited about 15 minutes for that to happen, which is about five minutes more than I'm usually justified in waiting while I'm hiking with my wife. That was especially true in this case, as we were at the far end of the hike and needed to retrace our steps before meeting with friends for whom I was to cook dinner.

Getting the white thorns and their dark shadow against the mid-toned fruit (or is it leaf) is very effective.

Thanks! This is one of the few situations when photographing plants is best when the light is not the least bit diffuse. I believe the cactus leaf is also commonly called the fruit, though I have no idea if doing so is anatomically correct.

[Mike Buckley]

Nicely done, one otherworldly the other out of this world.

Wow! What a creative complement!

[Ziggy]

Both well taken. Hiked Sedona a few times, special place.

Did you encounter any vortexes out hiking?

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks, Ziggy. I wouldn't know a vortex if I tripped over it, so I really don't know about your question about that.

[Ziggy]

Thanks, Ziggy. I wouldn't know a vortex if I tripped over it, so I really don't know about your question about that.

http://www.lovesedona.com/01.htm

[John 2]

The second in particular Mike. An excellent example of the art of mono. Very Ansel Adams.

[IzzieK]

I prefer the second shot. It was near Sedona when I had seen the most beautiful sunset in my life so far. Nothing compare to it because it is like being embraced by God.

[Barbara Ponder]

Mike #2 is stunning! #1 is a little prickly for my taste

[Donald]

That is beautifully composed and finished. My compliments, Mike.

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks, everyone!

[bnnrcn]

I agree with John 2 that #2 is very Ansel Adams and it is my favourite

[terrib]

Love the composition in that second shot, Mike. Well done!

[Otavio]

Hello, Mike. Two very good images. I started to step back when opening the first one, to avoid the cactus thorns! Cheers,

[Mike Buckley]

Continued thanks!

Otavio: If you pricked your fingers on the first one, I'll provide medical recommendations...despite that I'm not a doctor.

[Digital]

Mike, very nice photographs.




Bruce

[rpcrowe]

That is beautifully composed and finished. My compliments, Mike.

I agree totally with Donald. Great capture. I have seen very few monochrome images of the Sedona, AZ area. I really like this one!