The Grandstand, Death Valley National Park

Canon 5dMKII ~ f/8 ~ 70mm ~ 1/160sec ~ ISO 50

Located deep inside Death Valley National Park lies the Racetrack Playa and this rock formation known as The Grandstand.  This rock formation rises suddenly from the floor of the playa.  It was difficult to convey just what this rock formation looked like especially in broad daylight.  The Grandstand just blended in the background with the Cottonwood Mountains behind it.  Again, I knew I needed another perspective and silhouetting it was the answer.  I had to wait for the sun to drop behind the mountains behind me so the Grandstand could fall in shadow.  I again exposed for the background and let the front fall into a silhouette.  I also needed to be above the rocks of the playa's edge, so, I stood on the front bumper of our rental jeep!  The photo conveys the size of the Grandstand compared to its surroundings.  I also chose this as a calendar photo because of the colors.  With the soft, golden, late afternoon light against the blue sky was just the right combination for a great photo!

Photo tip: Using complementary colors can add interest to a photo.  In the above example, blue and gold are complementary colors.  For more info...http://www.photographyicon.com/complementary/

Good light,

Bill

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