Fake photos?

While some "purists" demean Photoshop-enhanced photos, I contend that it is just another form of "art". Do non-fiction writers accused novelists of "faking it"? In the end, you either like it, or you don't like it, just like any other art form.

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This original picture was both blessed and cursed at the same time. I actually didn't see anything through the lens, looking into the mid-morning sun. I didn't even know that the buck had stopped running to see what made that strange noise. He even posed for me with his best studly look. I think it still needs a little tweaking to bring out the deer somehow, as he almost blends into the background.

This photo I took of the "Diving Board", near Yosemite's Half Dome, was also flawed from the start. Shooting into the afternoon sun was going to be a problem but, I just had to capture the drama and impact of this amazing 3000 foot cliff. Ansel Adams once climbed all the way up here to take one of his most famous Half Dome pictures. I'm guessing that this picture will look pretty amateurish in a week or two. I will get better and better as I learn how to use the right tools in Photoshop.

The Last of Zion

One of the great joys of digital photography is the ability to take almost as many pictures as your heart desires. In fact, I noticed that my arms and back was sore from taking so many pictures. Another great joy is exploring through the pictures and finding some overlooked gems.

My last day in Zion included this morning shot of the Patriarchs. It was well worth the 20 minute stop on the way in, riding the shuttle bus.

Towering above the upper Emerald Pool, the cliff walls offer such great opportunities for "natural abstracts" that I am so fond of.

This has to be THE most unusual grove of trees I have ever seen. Pines don't like competition for sunlight but, THIS is ridiculous!

The loop trail back down the canyon had some surprises along the way. The trail went between two gigantic boulders and this tree decided it needed to be right in the middle.

Also along the way is this nice overhang complete with two waterfalls you can walk behind. I'll bet springtime is the best time for this hike, although the fall colors and perfect weather made this trip so great.