Desert Illusion Photo

Photographer’s Note

On the road from Great Sand Dunes National Park to Mosca, I was facing the San Luis Valley, which is little more than a scrub desert. Ranch land, with lots of cows, cattle guards, and the occasional "bison crossing" roadsign. I glanced at the side mirror as I drove away from the dunes and saw the Sangre de Cristo Mountains behind me. The road extended perfectly into the mirror to create the illusion of mountains where there are none, in sharp contrast to the flat-as-flat-gets valley floor. The side mirror shot is quickly becoming a cliche, but I couldn't resist getting my own version in this moment.

The only modifications are a minimal crop to exclude a stray spot near the photo's edge, +10 contrast, and very light sharpening.

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Critiques | Translate

jujudum (192) 2006-03-26 19:23

Hi Rebecca,
Wonderful picture, I like the mirror effect but the moutains added ! Good composition and goods colors as well.
Well done
Julie

paulw (2014) 2006-03-27 5:33

Lovely image. I like the way the mirror seems to just extend the road. Good framing. Well captured image. TFS.

Zueco (128) 2006-04-03 8:53

Wonderful picture Rebecca, because of the snow-capped mountains that contrast beautifully with the desert it turns a cliché into a fata morgana. Well spotted! It is only a pity that the road in the mirror has the white stripe to the right, which distorts a bit the illusion that it is actually a continuation of the real road next to the car.
Frans

fritzi007 (2469) 2008-09-20 5:01