This was actually taken with a point and shoot while backpacking in the Tetons. I know I could of improved this 10x by using a polarizer, not having as much sky in it, and shooting it at sunset/sunrise or on a day with interesting weather. But, I was backpacking, didn't have that much time to waste, and I didn't quite want to lug another 20 pounds of photo equipment. I still love this picture, it's just so beautfiul...

-- Martin Ceperley (martin@ceperley.com), April 29, 1999

Answers

I like it--when I'm gasping for air out there with a big pack, I like my T4. Where was it taken--the back side of Cascade Canyon?

-- Ron Goodman (rgoodman@albany.net), April 29, 1999.

I really liked this place ... looks like Sweden ... I imagine some white and black cows ... I would do the same think you did ... a good photo isn4t an excelent photo but it4s a photo, better than any.

-- Charles Dias (deepblue97a@hotmail.com), April 30, 1999.

Martin, I'm glad this image is an inspirational reminder of your Teton experience. However, the technical faults that you pointed out keep it from inspiring others (at least myself). Since I'm just an happy amateur, much of my own work falls in the "personal snapshot" category. But part of the reason I photograph is to share the experience with others, and this purpose requires more effort, imagination, and technical skill. While us amateurs often fail to achieve this "inspire others" goal, it's a fun learning experience to try.

-- Larry Korhnak (lvk@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu), April 30, 1999.

Thanks for all the comments! In response to the location, I beleive it is the backside of death canyon (I may be wrong). If it means anything to you (probably doesn't) the previous day we ascended static peak, right next to buck mountain, and that night we camped in Alaska basin. For a few more pictures from the Tetons (theyre not great) go to the webpage I made.

-- Martin Ceperley (martin@ceperley.com), April 30, 1999.

I think you're underselling this picture. I like it. There may be a couple technical flaws, but the subject bulls through. If you think there's too much sky why didn't you crop some out?

-- kirk nelson (nelsonkk@gte.net), May 01, 1999.

Sorry Martin, but I don't see anything special in this picture. I am not sure what the subject is. The lighting is poor and looks hazy, and there is too much sky with absolutely no intersting clouds. Of course, you have already pointed out most of the problems yourself.

If this image brings some good memory to you, great. But this is the Image Critique Forum and IMO it is fair to point out what I think.

-- Shun Cheung (shun@worldnet.att.net), May 01, 1999.

Martin, this is a very nice photograph. No need to make excuses, it stands very well on its own.

In this commercialized society, people want to see more of everything in a photo: more clouds, more effects, more drama... Unless the picture SCREAMS at you, it is not considered successful. From here stems the proliferation of cliche advertising-type photos. Sometimes I'm glad that I am a simple backpacker out in search of freedom, who just happens to carry camera along, and not a pro photographer looking for more spectacular places to sell.

I like the atmospheric haze, and the calm skies. Polarizer would not have necessary improved the shot, as it would get rid of the haze, destroying distance perception. I would personally prefer it with 4x5 cropping (about equally from top and bottom).

This photo resonates with my memories of happy days spent in the mountains. I would rather have it on my wall than some usual "golden hour" poster. In fact, it makes me want to be there right now. What more could one ask? Let the art critics do their talking, and let us do the walking...

-- Andrei Frolov (andrei@phys.ualberta.ca), May 04, 1999.

Just a note on the location, looks like it was taken from Death Canyon Shelf.

-- Kurt Warner (kew3@mindspring.com), May 06, 1999.