Delicate Arch Sunset

[Kyle Jones]

I hiked up to Delicate Arch twice during my recent trip, with promising conditions on both days. The first was on a Friday evening and there were a few dozen people (nothing like the summer or even during the Christmas break) enjoying the scene. Unfortunately, a thick bank of clouds formed on the western horizon causing the light to go flat before sunset. I went back up Monday night, and this time we had the arch to ourselves for a while and ended up with about 10 people at sunset. That made it easy to pick out spots and move around. These images were taken right at sunset. The clouds in the background were a little thinner earlier, allowing the mountains to show through much better, but the sunset light is just so nice. I'll probably post some of the earlier shots in a week or so.

Here are landscape and portrait compositions. As always, any thoughts are welcome.

1) Landscape

2) Portrait

3) Just for grins, here is a twilight version.

 

[JimFox]

I like the twilight view!

All 3 of these are very nice! It's amazing how the landscape and vertical images are the same image, but they look almost completely different. I thought I would pick #2 as my favorite, but #1 with it including more of the La Sals in the background and that extra space makes it feel totally different then from the vertical that focuses so much on the arch.

How was the trail up there? When I was there a month ago, the trail was so icy at the top, I am surprised a couple of people who slipped didn't fall right on off the side. They might need to make ice cleats mandatory in the winter.

 

[Jameel Hyder]

Very nice - I like all three. Each one stands on its own.

 

[Ben Egbert]

Great series Kyle, but the vertical composition takes the prize for me.

 

[Kyle Jones]

How was the trail up there? When I was there a month ago, the trail was so icy at the top, I am surprised a couple of people who slipped didn't fall right on off the side. They might need to make ice cleats mandatory in the winter.

The ice near the top is definitely sketchy. There is a sign at the bottom telling people to bring traction control. I've been there in the winter before, so I had my cleats with me. It seemed like a lot of other people were wearing them also, but of course many were not. I wouldn't want to hike it, especially in the dark, without them. Here's a picture of the trail.

 

[AlanLichty]

Neat set from this visit. I kind of like the clouds covering the La Salles as they add a sense of mystery to the backdrop. The portrait orientation really stands out for my eyes.

 

[sweetgrass]

Beautiful set Kyle, #3 is definitely my favorite but are sweet!

 

[BlackRockArt]

I hiked up to Delicate Arch twice during my recent trip, with promising conditions on both days. The first was on a Friday evening and there were a few dozen people (nothing like the summer or even during the Christmas break) enjoying the scene. Unfortunately, a thick bank of clouds formed on the western horizon causing the light to go flat before sunset. I went back up Monday night, and this time we had the arch to ourselves for a while and ended up with about 10 people at sunset. That made it easy to pick out spots and move around. These images were taken right at sunset. The clouds in the background were a little thinner earlier, allowing the mountains to show through much better, but the sunset light is just so nice. I'll probably post some of the earlier shots in a week or so.

Here are landscape and portrait compositions. As always, any thoughts are welcome.

1) Landscape
View attachment 56451

2) Portrait
View attachment 56450

3) Just for grins, here is a twilight version.

View attachment 56452

Kyle, gorgeous, the first shot checks everything, light, snow, mountain, love it.

Oliver

 

[MonikaC]

Nice set, Kyle. The trail on the soft sandstone is so worn in (or was however many years ago that I last went), I shudder to think of the impact of people wearing traction devices on it.

 

[Kyle Jones]

Nice set, Kyle. The trail on the soft sandstone is so worn in (or was however many years ago that I last went), I shudder to think of the impact of people wearing traction devices on it.

People only wore them over the icy part. But yeah, it probably has an impact

 

[Beth]

you captured some really vibrant red tones in the rocks. great framing with the arch.