Angel Peak

[BarryHamilton]

After shooting at Shiprock in the early morning, and on the way southeast along US 550 out of Bloomfield, I noticed a lonesome looking spire sticking up out of the prairie.
My atlas called it Angel Peak, a BLM recreation area. I took a turn off for the area and was shocked to see the striking badlands in front of the peak. There was no hint of them from the highway.
Anyway I thought it interesting enough to share.
I believe that's Harris Mesa behind and left of Angel Peak.
Amazing terrain!!

It was quite bright and hazy so I also made a quick b&w of the scene. I figure someone would suggest it anyway!

 

[AlanLichty]

I love the color version of this - that's some fascinating geology and I like the subtle hues to the strata in the formations.

 

[BarryHamilton]

I love the color version of this - that's some fascinating geology and I like the subtle hues to the strata in the formations.

Thanks, Alan! Yeah, it was quite a sight. Many, many subtle colors from yellows to deep reds, and shades of grey as well. Very cool spot!

 

[Ben Egbert]

Bad lands indeed. I can just imagine being the first to walk through there. Very nice find.

 

[Jim Dockery]

Nice. I see a bit of snow in the bottom - too bad there wasn't more over the badlands, that would have really made it dramatic.

 

[JimFox]

That's some cool looking badlands Barry, good job following your nose there.

2 suggestions.

1. Add more saturation to #1 and warm it up slightly.

2. Add more contrast to #2 to help the B&W pop.

Either suggestion I think will help these not to feel washed out due to the haze.

 

[BarryHamilton]

That's some cool looking badlands Barry, good job following your nose there.

2 suggestions.

1. Add more saturation to #1 and warm it up slightly.

2. Add more contrast to #2 to help the B&W pop.

Either suggestion I think will help these not to feel washed out due to the haze.

I already added quite a bit of saturation and clarity as it was quite hazy. But I like the hazy look myself, it adds to the sense of distance in the scene. It's a natural phenomenon and I tend to use it, not defeat it. jmho.
And, the colors in this place are quite subdued anyway.

 

[JimFox]

I already added quite a bit of saturation and clarity as it was quite hazy. But I like the hazy look myself, it adds to the sense of distance in the scene. It's a natural phenomenon and I tend to use it, not defeat it. jmho.
And, the colors in this place are quite subdued anyway.

Hey Barry, you nailed that look then and if you like it subdued that's great.

 

[BarryHamilton]

Just for giggles, here is a no adjustment jpeg, straight from the RAW. Just to show how far I did push it.

 

[Dean]

Barry very interesting looking place.
I like what you ended up with in the first, I thought the same thing Alan did after I read his post " I like the subtle hues to the strata in the formations".
Regards,
Dean