Stob Dearg - Guardian of the Valley Photo

Photographer’s Note

"Great things are done when men and mountains meet." William Blake.

One of the most photographed mountains in Scotland is the first large mountain you see whilst driving towards Glencoe - it’s like a guardian of the valley trying to keep all impostors away. Stob Dearg, is the northern peak of Buachaille Etive Mor and is seen here from the coupall river.

I had to quickly capture this one as I found a safe place to park the car on that dangerous road that runs through this valley. I noticed this little still pool in the foreground revealing the rocks underneath by using my polarizing filter and my Grey Grad filters to help control the intensity of the sunset.

Sistercosmo, pauloog, Floydian has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Fransx (1453) 2009-06-01 1:50

Hello Stephen,
An amazing shot depicting sunset with the reddish clouds and still beautiful silver lighting on the water.
The little pool in the foreground is fantastic with all the stones visible in the bottom by the good use of the polarizer.
The running water has a wonderful effect.
A great artistic presentation.
Well done

Francis Xavier

coco (28266) 2009-06-01 3:34

Hi Stephen.

The filter and the low POV are two of main points of this photo.
Amazing.

Regards.

jonathan_hart (22737) 2009-06-01 4:00

great details in the foreground and beautiful landscape : your trademark !
jc

Sistercosmo (2777) 2009-06-01 5:20

Hi Stephen,
ah, yes, that's why you're one of my favorites! :-))
Fantastic!
Take good care,
Linda

pauloog (7079) 2009-06-01 6:13

Hello Stephen,
Well executed this view with the orzange glow of the sun so well rendered, and a fine composition with the still and flowing parts of the water well captured.
Regards,
Paul

gneufeld (15285) 2009-06-01 18:16

Hi Stephen,
I am most impressed with how you managed to control the light and evening sunset colors - a very challenging situation I would observe. The vertical perspective is good and the strong emphasis on the foreground does help image balance and draws viewers toward the distant sunset colors. TFs. Gerald

Floydian (30970) 2009-06-01 22:58

Steve,

A dramatic great sky, love it. Pity it's so bright in the center, but that's hard to avoid. But the scenery it self is absolute wonderful...i really need to go to Scotland..!!!

Take care,

Henk

Bruno40 (6442) 2009-06-02 1:08

Hi Stephen
As usual a top notch quality photo with great details in fg and wonderful sky. My favourite style.
excellent work
cheers
Jorge