Arch Rock - Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park's Arch Rock dazzles day and night as the unique geological formation adapts to the changing sky. Arch Rock is easily accessed via...
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Joshua Tree National Park's Arch Rock dazzles day and night as the unique geological formation adapts to the changing sky. Arch Rock is easily accessed via a trail located in the White Tank campground. Get there early for sunset and star gazing as Arch Rock is popular with landscape photographers!
This image is the product of the seven image stitched panoramic.
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This image is the product of the seven image stitched panoramic.
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture f/8 ISO 160 Shutter 1/320 Focal Length 27/1 
Joshua Tree, California, US
Dec, 2019Views
720
Likes
Awards
Contest Finalist in Boulders Photo Contest 2019
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Virtuoso
Top Choice
All Star
Outstanding Creativity
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 1
Top 20 rank week 1
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
Arch Rock is my favorite formation in Joshua Tree National Park (California). Day or night it is a magnificent subject.Time
Traveling to Southern California in late November (2019) for a conference I set aside time to visit Joshua Tree National Park. I’ve photographed Arch Rock early evening and nighttime on previous visits. This trip’s objective was an image of the arch under the brilliant blue sky. This image was captured around 2:30 PM—2 hours before sunset.Lighting
A short hike and a bit of rock scrambling allows varied perspectives of the arch and surroundings. Take care to research sun angle and shadow tracks to plan your visit times.Equipment
Canon 5D Mark iv; Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8L II USM lens; 27mm; 1/320 sec; f/8; ISO 160; Manual; Really Right Stuff TVC-33 Versa Series 3 tripod; RRS BH-55 Pro BallheadInspiration
I was fortunate enough to shoot this scene on a crisp, clear starlight night in 2014. Unable to get a decent daytime shot I planned for a return to capture Arch Rock under brilliant blue the SoCal sky. I planned this shot as a multi-frame panoramic, allowing for large mural prints. Seven 27mm portrait images were stitched together to create this panoramic.Editing
I processed the seven raw images and completed the panoramic stitch in Lightroom. Photoshop and Nik Color Efex Pro 4 we’re used for minor tweaks.In my camera bag
After years of shooting film with Olympus equipment I entered the digital age with Canon equipment. I typically travel with my Canon 5D Mark iv and a 5D iii for backup and an assortment of lenses selected for the planned outings: 14mm Rokinon f/2.8, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM; Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM; Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM; Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM; Canon Extender EF 2x III. Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash. I use a Lee Filters system: my favorite filters include various graduated NDs, polarizer, &10-stop ND. Tripods, depending on travel requirements: Really Right Stuff TV-C 33 Versa Series 3 w/ RRS BH-55 Pro Ballhead; or, MeFoto GlobeTrotter.Feedback
Research and patience. Apps offer help with sun position and shadow lines allowing you to research the optimum time for your planned shot. Joshua Tree National Park and Arch Rock are popular locations. Patience is needed if you desire a tourist free capture. A simple please and thank you goes a long way toward getting a few minutes to achieve your planned capture.
