The Grand Finale
After a strenuos 45 min hike to the top of cathedral rock in Sedona,AZ we were not disappointed...we had to wait an hour and by the time the sun descended to th...
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After a strenuos 45 min hike to the top of cathedral rock in Sedona,AZ we were not disappointed...we had to wait an hour and by the time the sun descended to the horizon everyone left..we waited patiently enjoying the silence and watched the grand vista as it unfolded in front of us..
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May, 2015Views
475
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Awards
Fall Award 2020
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Emotions
Impressed
Happy
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken top of the Cathedral rock hike in Sedona, AZ. It was a strenuous 40 min hike over bare rocks and the rain 2 hours before didn't help. Climbing along the slippery slopes with your camera bag and tripod in hand (no tripod holder for the camera bag), we reached the end of the hike on a late, rainy summer afternoon.Time
We reached the end of the hike late afternoon, the sun still a few degrees away from the horizon. I set up my tripod and waited for another 40 min as the crowds dwindled and finally it was just me and my partner on the ledge. The warm afternoon breeze has been replaced by gusts of cold wind and I was without a jacket and I had put in my hands inside my partner's jacket hands in regular itrevals as we waited for the sun to step down to the horizon.Lighting
Finally the right time was there when the sun just hit the horizon. The solar flares become distinct and the brilliant sunset light reflected from the red rocks of the cathedral rock.Equipment
I used a Nikon D610 with a 24mm F2.8 Nikor lens. The setup was on a Dolica tripod.Inspiration
The towering cathedral rock spires made a natural frame for the sun to set. It was like watching a grand climax sitting on a theater made by mother nature especially for the two of us with not a soul around. Also the clouds and the light from the setting sun added that extra drama for the set up.Editing
I played around with the highlights and shadows to bring out the details in the clouds and the trees below. Also used a graduated ND in post as I didn't have a physical filter at that timeIn my camera bag
From the time I shot this one, I have added a 14mm F2.8 Rokinon and LEE graduated ND 0.9 and the big stopper to my equipment. I wish I had the graduated ND when I had this shot.Feedback
Just wait for the right time. You'll know which the perfect light when you see it, when the world around you glows to tell you take that shot.
