Valley of Fire Part V

Carol Freshley February 18, 2015

Part of any road trip are side trips, pullout photos, and maybe, even a map and a list of planned places to stay and eat. This is my wrap-up for our Valley of Fire photo trip and some of the photos I took on my return trip the following week. Up first, the images that I went back to get.

Windstone Arch.  This is the one I really wanted. — Windstone Arch. This is the one I really wanted.

Far wall of Windstone Arch.  You get this by 'scooching' in slowly, careful not to damage any walls or floor, or camera or your head!  No, just changing your lens will not work as you cannot see, for example the right side texture, from th… — Far wall of Windstone Arch. You get this by 'scooching' in slowly, careful not to damage any walls or floor, or camera or your head! No, just changing your lens will not work as you cannot see, for example the right side texture, from the back of the space. I was very mindful that these elements are fragile and too many careless photographers can ruin it for all of us.

I think this is the front view of Three Fins.  Talk about dynamic range and shadows.  This is an exposure blended image. — I think this is the front view of Three Fins. Talk about dynamic range and shadows. This is an exposure blended image.

Fire Arch (from the western side).  This is an afternoon shot to allow the sun to reach in and under the ceiling and eliminate an otherwise dark shadow or black cave look.  You have to get close and low to create the clear opening for the … — Fire Arch (from the western side). This is an afternoon shot to allow the sun to reach in and under the ceiling and eliminate an otherwise dark shadow or black cave look. You have to get close and low to create the clear opening for the sky. This is a small arch and I stayed away from the opening altogether.

Fire Arch from the front or south facing side.  I had to laugh as I walked around.  You would not see Fire Arch if you thought this was the place.  You have to walk around, be amazed at the many faces, shadows, looks . . . changes in … — Fire Arch from the front or south facing side. I had to laugh as I walked around. You would not see Fire Arch if you thought this was the place. You have to walk around, be amazed at the many faces, shadows, looks . . . changes in light can make such a difference as well. As I walked the short distance back to my car I was humbled by the sheer magic that was around me.

This rock formation is called 'The Piano".  My mother wanted to know how big the bench was!!  You can actually see this from the road.  Like the Fire Arch, this rock formation only looks like a piano from one angle.  This would p… — This rock formation is called 'The Piano". My mother wanted to know how big the bench was!! You can actually see this from the road. Like the Fire Arch, this rock formation only looks like a piano from one angle. This would probably be better as an early morning shot to open up the shadows underneath. Ah! So many morning shots and so few mornings! My lament (just kidding). This image requires that you move in real close to avoid a lot of scrub brush. I used a wide angle lens and crouched low to the ground to get a clear sky through the opening. Stand up and you get brown mountains in the background that sort of takes away the clean look of a plane.

Below are some additional photos I took while moving from one specific site to another. Pretty amazing stuff.

Our side trip was to the pedestrian bridge that overlooks Hoover Dam. Not a good place to be if you are afraid of heights or hate photographing electrical power lines!! Tom's computer blew up as he kept trying to use content aware fill in Photoshop to get rid of all those lines!! Just kidding, of course. The lines are as much a part of the dam scene as the dam and lake. You can do some research about Lake Mead . . . a pretty impressive landscape. A note here: Depending on the route you take from Hoover Dam up to Valley of Fire, you will pass through the Lake Mead Recreation Area. Unless you have some sort of pass such as America the Beautiful, you will need to pay $10, even if just passing through.

There is our mascot, Lefty.  He gets around. — There is our mascot, Lefty. He gets around.

This shot and the one below give two very different perspectives of the same scene.  My first thought was that this was a long shot.  Yet, the metadata suggest otherwise.  ISO 200 at 16mm, 0.67EV, f/11, 1/500 with Canon EOS 5D Mark II… — This shot and the one below give two very different perspectives of the same scene. My first thought was that this was a long shot. Yet, the metadata suggest otherwise. ISO 200 at 16mm, 0.67EV, f/11, 1/500 with Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L IS USM. Rick mentioned that he was intent on getting the shadow of the pedestrian bridge. With the proper settings he managed to get his composition, the detail that almost makes it seem longer than it is. Hmmm . . . a portrait orientation? By the way, a challenge here was to get the detail in the shadows and not clip the whites in the dam.

This image, to me, on the surface, is a wider shot than above.  But, the metadata suggests otherwise.  ISO 100 at 24mm, f/8, 1/250 with Nikon D600 and an AF-S Zoom Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens.  The more I thought about it the more I… — This image, to me, on the surface, is a wider shot than above. But, the metadata suggests otherwise. ISO 100 at 24mm, f/8, 1/250 with Nikon D600 and an AF-S Zoom Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens. The more I thought about it the more I am thinking one aimed straight and the other aimed a bit down. Then Tom pointed out that this is a stitched panorama!!! Two shots with the above metadata. I cannot see where it is stitched! (He is really good at this).

The metal power line suspension towers really are crooked!! They are angled and hang out over the water!  Very weird looking as I expected one to crash into the canyon below just any time!  Just appreciate the detail here.  … — The metal power line suspension towers really are crooked!! They are angled and hang out over the water! Very weird looking as I expected one to crash into the canyon below just any time! Just appreciate the detail here. The clock on the rounded building, the brown cables held by the pulleys on the right side. These cables are readily seen as they cross the whole photo (see above).

OK, I have no idea where Barbara stood to take this photo.  Part mountain goat?  You can see the angled towers here as well. — OK, I have no idea where Barbara stood to take this photo. Part mountain goat? You can see the angled towers here as well.

One of the best parts about this particular trip was the many photo opportunities along the way. Tom took shots from the car, there were many pullouts, especially along Highway 166 in Nevada between Hoover Dam and the entrance to Valley of Fire.

Maybe the most photographed spot between Wickenburg and Kingman.

On the way to Valley of Fire we saw them putting these huge spurs in place.

The large dark rock mountain in the background is called the Rock of Gibraltar.

Tom took this from the car as I drove up a steep incline with "No Parking, Don't Even Think of It" signs and no pullouts for one of the best shots in the Park.

The rest of the images are taken along Highway 166 between the dam and Valley of Fire.

We stayed at the North Shore Inn located on the main road in Overton, a peaceful little town with not even one traffic light. The Inn is owned by a couple and is not easily found when doing an internet search as it is not listed as some national chains. Its address is 520 North Moapa Valley Blvd. You can call 702-397-6000 for reservations. The rooms are spacious, clean and the hot free breakfasts are better than the average fare. They are accustomed to photographers from all over the world who come to shot at Valley of Fire. In fact we had breakfast listening to two other groups that were there. Prices are very reasonable. There is one other small hotel in Overton. I would not recommend it.

There is a McDonald's in town. We chose, instead to eat at Sugars, where the food is pretty dang good, very reasonably priced and we found that most every order would feed two people! There is an ice-cream restaurant that also serves sandwiches and breakfast, but I personally preferred Sugars. A Chinese restaurant about 5 miles from Overton was recommended and not bad for a break if you want one. One thing to think about ahead of time is lunch. We chose to take a break during the harsh light of midday and travel back to town for lunch.

I subscribe to a quarterly newsletter called Photograph America. Robert Hitchman travels extensively and puts the newsletters together to give photographers some great tips on the areas he has travelled. We used his newsletter on Valley of Fire to get the best shooting times and ideas for how to approach a particular rock formation. You can check out his website at www.photographamerica.com. You can buy individual newsletters for $8, go for the annual subscription for $25 or get the whole collection for a whole bunch more $$.

I have three (maybe more) rock formations that I want to photograph. So, I will be going back. Will probably be in the fall.

This wraps it up. I loved Valley of Fire and I hope that you have come to love it as well. If you go you will not be disappointed.

Valley of Fire Part III

Carol Freshley February 10, 2015

We rose early and ate breakfast pretty quickly. We knew that the sun was up! I, for one, got really excited each time we turned right into the park. Early and late sun illuminates the rocks in ways that you cannot imagine. Enjoy it quickly as it changes by the moment.

Seven Sisters shot early in the morning as we entered the park.  We are on a slight hill looking down on them from the road.  If you look very carefully you can see a bit of black pavement winding past them. — Seven Sisters shot early in the morning as we entered the park. We are on a slight hill looking down on them from the road. If you look very carefully you can see a bit of black pavement winding past them.

Would you stand under these rocks?  For long? — Would you stand under these rocks? For long?

I will tell you, this Lefty kid shows up EVERYWHERE!  Just in case you did not know, (I made the mistake), this is a wolf. — I will tell you, this Lefty kid shows up EVERYWHERE! Just in case you did not know, (I made the mistake), this is a wolf.

OK, am thinking that this is an evening Golden Hour.

Near the east entrance, up on a hill, is a rock formation that reminds people of an elephant. To get the best photo you have to hike a short, somewhat steep trail. It is not difficult, even with a tripod. Light really affects the elephant's appearance.

We were still just checking out some photo opportunities near the east entrance and Ann had already scurried to the top of the hill and captured this shot of the elephant.  She also climbed higher than most people would and got a full view of b… — We were still just checking out some photo opportunities near the east entrance and Ann had already scurried to the top of the hill and captured this shot of the elephant. She also climbed higher than most people would and got a full view of body, panoramic mountain range and the road!! She almost ran back down, excited to have her first iconic image!!

Greg gets the left side of the elephant.

Now that I am home, I look at some of these photos and think, "Is there anything that looks like this is stable and safe to climb around?"  When you are there you can see how massive these rocks are.  They do fall, of course, but not … — Now that I am home, I look at some of these photos and think, "Is there anything that looks like this is stable and safe to climb around?" When you are there you can see how massive these rocks are. They do fall, of course, but not often.

This is what looks like a baby elephant.  It is across the street, an easy flat walk, from the larger one. — This is what looks like a baby elephant. It is across the street, an easy flat walk, from the larger one.

Close to the Visitor Center and down an easy hiking trail is a rock formation called Balancing Rock. Unlike its Arches counterpart, this rock is NOT held in place by a cement collar. It does look precariously balanced! You can see it clearly from the road heading back to White Domes and Fire Wave and you can look up at it from the trail. It also changes its appearance throughout the day.

The small piece of blue on the left side is a person.  Balancing rock is taller than it might look when photographed at this angle. — The small piece of blue on the left side is a person. Balancing rock is taller than it might look when photographed at this angle.

I am not sure, but this image appears to have been taken from the car as it is looking down, much like I saw it from the road.  Nice job Barbara! — I am not sure, but this image appears to have been taken from the car as it is looking down, much like I saw it from the road. Nice job Barbara!

This is a different perspective of Balancing Rock.  It is taken from the side that does not show off its balancing prowess but rather an 'eye' that from a bit of distance makes the rock formation look dragon-like. — This is a different perspective of Balancing Rock. It is taken from the side that does not show off its balancing prowess but rather an 'eye' that from a bit of distance makes the rock formation look dragon-like.

An interesting loop hike takes you about an hour to finish and has a really steep uphill or downhill section, depending on which way you hike it. If I were to do it again I think I would start the same way I did (easy) and when I got to the really steep rocky climb to get out I would simply turn around and go back the same way. It would take longer, but would be much safer for me. I think the images below are all from the area of White Domes, but I am not absolutely sure. Many photos from this area have been included in earlier posts.

A different perspective.  The climb out is the rocky incline on the right of the center rock formation!!  Fortunately, Ann had come back down looking for me and was there to guide me safely up to the top.  This is an area that has bee… — A different perspective. The climb out is the rocky incline on the right of the center rock formation!! Fortunately, Ann had come back down looking for me and was there to guide me safely up to the top. This is an area that has been featured in movies, including Star Wars.

This was the only area where I found what I would call a true slot canyon.  It was short and not as colorful and interesting as Antelope Canyon. — This was the only area where I found what I would call a true slot canyon. It was short and not as colorful and interesting as Antelope Canyon.

As I sort through the many photos taken, there are many that I have no specific idea where they were shot, including some of my own!! It is not fair to say that one weird rock looks like another, although that came to mind! Enjoy some more photos that just give you a better idea of this fabulous place.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Ann gives us a heart rock.

I was still going through my photos yesterday. A have deleted about 68 percent of them! I found two that I had missed earlier that with some brush work in the highlighted areas were decently recoverable. The first image was taken at 21mm with the Nikkor 14-28mm f/2.8 and the second one with the Sigma 15mm f/2.8 fisheye. I am putting in both so you can see the difference the focal length, seemingly tiny, can make in a small space.

All for this post. There are more photos to come and I am going back to Valley of Fire tomorrow. Yep, missed some. Thanks for joining us.

Valley of Fire Part II

Carol Freshley February 9, 2015

Valley of Fire is Nevada's flagship State Park. There is a lot of information about its geological history available from very good sources so I am not going to cover that in these posts. Almost all the National and State Parks have some section that discusses the natural evolution of the current geology as a combination of wind and water erosion, land upheavals, even volcanoes, the coming and going of oceans, people and animals. What is so amazing to me is the difference these same words can make in different parks. When it comes to Valley of Fire I can think of no other that is remotely like it.

Approaching the main area for Fire Wave.

The trail to Fire Wave is short with an estimated hike time of an hour. That might be true if you are NOT a photographer!! The challenge is that along the way everything is photo-worthy and then you get to the wave and it requires some careful attention. Then the light changes as you shoot and the way back it is another new opportunity. And so our visit went. We had a lot of fun. A note here . . . there will be many shots of the key iconic places we hiked. That is good for two reasons. If you are really interested you can take your time and thoroughly get into it. If you tire of any area, just move that cursor or down quickly knowing that you can always return.

This is a dome-like hill just across from the Fire Wave.  Layers and swirls.  Colors and shadows. — This is a dome-like hill just across from the Fire Wave. Layers and swirls. Colors and shadows.

From the trail looking down. By now I was stripping down, jacket wrapped around my waist.  Still in awe. — From the trail looking down. By now I was stripping down, jacket wrapped around my waist. Still in awe.

I turned around to look back.  Incredible view.  I just wish the shot did it justice. — I turned around to look back. Incredible view. I just wish the shot did it justice.

How about some more shots of the area before tomorrow's post of Elephant and Balancing Rocks?

This is one of those 'glance to the left' and there is something there!!

All for this post. More to come.