An Iconic View

[AlanLichty]

I revisited a shot from Zion N.P. just to see what I could do with it given current generation image processing software. The scene is a highly familiar one overlooking the Virgin River with the Watchman looming above. Taken during a February visit so lots of bare branches along the river.

C&C always welcome.

 

[JimFox]

It sure looks nice Alan. That's a view that looks great any time of year.

 

[AlanLichty]

It sure looks nice Alan. That's a view that looks great any time of year.

Thanks Jim - its a view that got too popular for its own good. Last time I was there the bridge was almost impassable because of the number of people.

 

[Ben Egbert]

That’s great light on the watchman. I suspect the late season sun angle makes that possible

 

[AlanLichty]

That’s great light on the watchman. I suspect the late season sun angle makes that possible

Thanks Ben - I have to agree on the sun angle. I have visited this scene during a lot of different seasons but this angle was one of the better ones. Early November should have the same angle and maybe some fall leaves still hanging around. I did take more images closer to sundown on this visit but the clouds were gone by then.

 

[Jameel Hyder]

Nice light for this iconic scene.

 

[Ben Egbert]

Thanks Ben - I have to agree on the sun angle. I have visited this scene during a lot of different seasons but this angle was one of the better ones. Early November should have the same angle and maybe some fall leaves still hanging around. I did take more images closer to sundown on this visit but the clouds were gone by then.

Sunset usually reduces the area on the Watchman that is lit to just the top of the face. Earlier is not great sunset color. Being late in the season allows and earlier image. Sunrise also works here and you usually have the place to yourself.

 

[AlanLichty]

Nice light for this iconic scene.

Thanks Jameel.

Sunset usually reduces the area on the Watchman that is lit to just the top of the face. Earlier is not great sunset color. Being late in the season allows and earlier image. Sunrise also works here and you usually have the place to yourself.

Having the place to myself would be very welcome after my last few visits. I don't mind sharing the viewpoint with other photographers but mob scenes of selfie obsessed tour groups is not something I appreciate in the slightest.

 

[ProCaliberTraveler]

The only time I’ve ever been here in person was the morning after a snowstorm a few years ago. I laughed as I entered the park. My time there was too short.

 

[AlanLichty]

The only time I’ve ever been here in person was the morning after a snowstorm a few years ago. I laughed as I entered the park. My time there was too short.

Thanks - I’d love to shoot this same scene with a fresh coat of snow on the ground. There are a few patches of snow up at the top of the Watchman in this image but you almost have to look for them.

 

[Ben Egbert]

I found my morning watchman image, it was taken in May. I seem to recall that it did not get morning sun on other trips, which were usually in October.

 

[Josh Dye]

Awesome light Alan! I heard they’re not letting people take photos from the bridge anymore. Too much traffic or something.

 

[AlanLichty]

I found my morning watchman image, it was taken in May. I seem to recall that it did not get morning sun on other trips, which were usually in October.

I think sometime in early November would have the same sun angle as this shot from early February and you could get some fall leaves too.

 

[AlanLichty]

Awesome light Alan! I heard they’re not letting people take photos from the bridge anymore. Too much traffic or something.

Thanks Josh - from what I saw during my last visit they needed to do that. It was getting ridiculous to try to get over the bridge and that was 5 years ago.

 

[dan swiger]

Like this take on the Watchman a lot. For some reason, the bare trees seem to compliment the light on the Watchman face.

 

[AlanLichty]

Like this take on the Watchman a lot. For some reason, the bare trees seem to compliment the light on the Watchman face.

Thanks Dan - I think the bare trees are less distracting than a full leaf display with lots of foreground greens

 

[Jim Sanderson]

I like the color palette quite a bit. Fits the season nicely. Classic comp too.

 

[AlanLichty]

I like the color palette quite a bit. Fits the season nicely. Classic comp too.

Thanks Jim - hard to miss on the comp when you can just put your tripod feet in the holes that have been worn into the bridge

 

[Kurt Harrigan]

Nice image and processing on this, Alan. I agree with Dan about the trees - it seems to add character to the photo.

 

[AlanLichty]

Nice image and processing on this, Alan. I agree with Dan about the trees - it seems to add character to the photo.

Thanks Kurt - to be honest those trees weren't my favorite part about the scene but you and Dan made me look again. I think I do like them bare now.