johnknopf
FollowA few months ago I had the opportunity to shoot one of the most unique landmarks in Utah called the "delicate arch" located in Arches National Park. H...
Read more
A few months ago I had the opportunity to shoot one of the most unique landmarks in Utah called the "delicate arch" located in Arches National Park. Here is the story: Hiking miles through canyons covered in Ice in below freezing weather was all worth it for this experience. Standing next to this arch in the middle of the night with nothing but blackness around for miles, I snapped a few shots. I decided to camp out for a bit and wait for some clouds to arrive. The light hitting the clouds and the bright stars lighting up the sky made it feel as though I was in another world. This is just another unique reminder of how amazing our planet really is.
Read less
Read less
Views
2372
Likes
Awards
Featured
Contest Finalist in Nature By Night Photo Contest
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Superior Skill
Genius
Top Ranks
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in Moab, Utah. We hiked about two miles into the middle of Arches National Park.Time
We hiked into the park late at night. We got lost, we met some people who were lost as well. We all finally found the arch and camped there all night.Lighting
I wanted to light up the arch while leaving the night sky viewable and not overexposed. We took multiple flashes and torches and painted the Arch for 28 second exposure to get the lighting right.Equipment
I used a Canon 5D Mark iii with (2) Speedlite 580 EX ii flashes and various strong torches. A manfrotto tripod to hold the camera and a Canon L Series 16-35mm lens.Inspiration
I've always loved this spot. There are some places in the world that really take you out of your element and onto another planet. This is one of them.Editing
Basic Adobe Lightroom highlight and shadow techniques. No extreme post processing.In my camera bag
Normally I carry quite a bit of equipment. I carry a Hasselblad H4D with a Phase One IQ 280 digital back. I also have a Canon 5D MK iii as well as a 5DRS in case any of my other systems fail. I always carry my prime lenses 24-105mm and a 16-35mm. I like the diversity of the 24-105 compared to the 24-70 and I think the sharpness difference is subtle enough that is not worth the extra weight to carry both lenses. I also always carry a few GoPros and two Manfrotto tripods, carbon fiber, and metal for weight in case it gets windy. I have been trying to carry less and less with each trip but its hard because you always want to be prepared.Feedback
I recommend going to this spot in the middle of winter. It the best way to avoid the "crowds" and having other people in your shot. I personally like to get to a location and have it all to myself, which is why I mostly travel and do my photography in the winter. I recommend not doing what I did, go during the daytime, not the night time. Getting lost in the middle of Arches National Park by yourself is not always the best idea. Happy shooting!