La Sal Mountains, Utah

[Stan Z.]

Here's a shot of the LaSal Mountains near Arches National Park in Moab, Utah.

My question to folks is: Have I included too much foreground?

Somewhere in OP there was an article that said landscape photography was very dependent on how well you did your foreground. that was what I had in mind when I shot this. Opinions please?

( I sure wish there was a more interesting sky that day, but- you get what you get)

[Robin]

I think it is beautiful. And, since you specifically asked, I would have cropped it at the point that the green grass begins. I scrolled down slowly on your photo and that was the point that the photo looked most pleasant to my eye.

[bob_r]

Stan,

I think the problem is that the horizon cuts through the middle of the pic. Just by using my scroll bar to cut out part of the sky, the picture looks better (to me). It also looks better (again, to me), to use the scroll bar to cut off part of the forground. Either way, it seems to improve the picture.

Bob R

[Stan Z.]

Thanks, Bob and Robin-

My wife and I took similar shots....and I've played around with them, (this one's mine) but never thought about the sky..............

I think I agree that there is maybe too much sky. I'll have to go into Elements and "play"....

Thanks again.

[Southern Wolf]

If you are willing to try.... Id make a Pano out of it. That would look great.... cut off most of the forground... and just a part of the sky.... put the distance hills more towards the top of the photo.

[bob_r]

If you are willing to try.... Id make a Pano out of it. That would look great.... cut off most of the forground... and just a part of the sky.... put the distance hills more towards the top of the photo.

I thought about that too, but I kind of like the different textures leading up to the mountains. I do think the pano would work though.

Bob R

[Stan Z.]

Here's a try at cropping the sky a bit....

Robin, I really liked the "green stuff", so I left it where it was....

I also tried a pano, but wasn't thrilled.....

I think this is better, but I'll continue to "play"......

[bob_r]

Stan,

I like your reworked shot much better. Your eye doesn't wander off at the top looking at the different shades of blue sky. I agree with you about the grass. The grassy texture offers a contrasting element to the barren mountains and I wouldn't crop it.

Bob R

[Southern Wolf]

The rework does look better. The Mtns are no longer centered in the frame. Now its almost like your walking to those Mtns.

[Stan Z.]

Thanks for the suggestions, all. They sure did improve the photo.

Have a great day!

[Tom B.]

Um...beautiful mountain shot with a very warm feeling...Here in Indiana more snow and rain/ice mixture expected tonight...wanna trade places?

Nice shot...

Tom B.

[Stan Z.]

Thanks, Tom......ummm it's 79 degrees and sunny here in Arizona....

I think I'll stay here

[bob_r]

Thanks, Tom......ummm it's 79 degrees and sunny here in Arizona....

I think I'll stay here

Maybe he should ask you this summer.

[Stan Z.]

Well, I'll tell ya- I'd rather have 108 degrees with 2% humidity than 90 degrees with 90% humidity -as in Atlanta, Boston, etc.....we just have to drink a lot of water on the golf course.....no one will believe us, but it's better than you could imagine.....but- PLEASE stay away! We have too many people here as it is....

[bob_r]

Well, I'll tell ya- I'd rather have 108 degrees with 2% humidity than 90 degrees with 90% humidity -as in Atlanta, Boston, etc.....we just have to drink a lot of water on the golf course.....no one will believe us, but it's better than you could imagine.....but- PLEASE stay away! We have too many people here as it is....

Stan,

I moved here from Phoenix so I'm familiar with AZ, it's temps and it's humidity. I know the humidity is tough here, but every car I see doesn't have the dashboard fried. I also know that when our heat index hits 105, it's not as bad as being in 116 degree actual temperature....either way, you're miserable though.

Once while I lived there, the temp was supposed to hit 115. I decided to go golfing since I knew that no one in their right mind would be out there. I never saw such a crowd. People even brought their dogs. Since everyone thought no one would be there, they thought it would be a great day to teach their girlfriends, wives or kids how to play. The temp was over 116 and it took me over 6 hours to play, and this was a small executive course with a par 59. When I got home, I just jumped in the pool with all my clothes on. I thought I was going to die.

Bob R