Santa Elena Canyon
Standing in between the impressively huge walls of Mexico and Texas, Santa Elena is a top attraction at Big Bend. I shot this during sunset, with the canyon poi...
Read more
Standing in between the impressively huge walls of Mexico and Texas, Santa Elena is a top attraction at Big Bend. I shot this during sunset, with the canyon pointing west the light filters at the end of the bend, absorbing the light to create a bright gold wall....its truly amazing.
Read less
Read less
Jul, 2015Views
468
Likes
Awards
2020 Choice Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Superior Skill
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 2Top 20 rank week 1
Top 20 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Categories
Betty_A
July 26, 2015
Gorgeous capture. I was there a few months ago and tried twice to get to this point. Unfortunately a flat tire forced me to turn back. I was within 1/4 mile of this point but had no choice. Your photo could be a painting.
Betty_A
July 26, 2015
Gorgeous capture. I was there a few months ago and tried twice to get to this point. Unfortunately a flat tire forced me to turn back. I was within 1/4 mile of this point but had no choice. Your photo could be a painting.
PRO+
TLien
August 04, 2015
I get down to Big Bend National Park fairly often, and I've been to this canyon a handful of times, but I've never seen the colors you brought out.
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the end of Santa Elena Canyon Trailhead at Big Bend National Park, Texas.Time
This photo was taken an hour before sunset, in December.Lighting
The lighting is key for the success of this photograph! As the sun lowers during the late afternoon in the winter months the sun flare is out of frame. Since the canyon bends to the west the light filters perfectly absorbing the warm golden light.Equipment
Canon 7D, 24-105 EF Lens, Oden Tripod.Inspiration
This is one of my first photographs that gave me confidence to become a photographer. My dad took me out to Big Bend with a camera in my hands for the first time and it completely changed my life. So nothing inspired me before I took this photo, I didn't know what to expect. It was only till after I took this photo that I was inspired to become a full-time photographer. This image is very special to me.Editing
Yes I always edit my photo's using Lightroom 5. But the complete editing is minimal. This is an HDR photograph, then while processing I had to bring up the shadows and contrast, turn down the highlights and whites. But no additional saturation is added. The lighting and color is natural you'd be impressed with the RAW image.In my camera bag
I'm a pretty big gear head. This is my oldest image so nowadays I use a Canon 6D. My lens usually consist of 16-35 and a 24-70 for landscapes. Then I always have my 7D and a 300mm ready in the car in case I see wildlife. Also multiple ND filters and a Polarizer for any waterscapes and a Rokinon 14mm lens for astrophotography.Feedback
No matter where you go lighting is key! Know what's the best time beforehand, in this photo it's not necessarily sunset or sunrise. So wherever you go research and know your directions as far as where the sun will be.
