When my first attempt at photographing Fire Wave didn’t work out because there were photographers everywhere, I decided to move on and I made a new discovery in a place where no other photographers were to be found.
And it was only 20 steps away.
Around the corner, the wave continued along the side of a cliff and led up to the massive Duck Rock which you can see in the background.
Please click the images to view larger versions.
It doesn’t look particularly massive in this photo, but bear in mind I made this image with a focal length of 24mm.
On the walk back to the parking lot I made another image of Duck Rock, this one with my wide angle lens at 10mm.
These two images of Duck Rock are very different but the thing they have in common is the leading lines that guide the viewer’s eye from the foreground all the way up to the rock.
Interesting trivia: The Valley of Fire is the place where Captain Kirk fell to his death!
That is Gibraltar Rock in your photograph actually, not Duck Rock – Duck Rock is further away, and does look like a duck.
I live in Las Vegas and Valley of Fire is one of my favorite places to visit. It is lovely in the fall.If you get a chance, visit Red Rock Canyon and Calico Basin. You may even see some fall leaves.
Thanks for the suggestions Carrie. I think I’ll be back down that way in the fall so I’ll have to check it out.
Awesome photos – what lens did you use?
Thank you very much Matt! In the first image I used my 24-105L at 24mm and the second image is my 10-20mm lens at 10mm.
Gotta love the detail in those stones. Great work as always!
Thank you very much Tim!
Such an amazing region! Your images capture the texture of the stone in such detail that I almost feel as though I can reach out and touch it!
Excellent, that’s the idea 🙂 Photographing textures is one of my favourite things. Thank you so much for your kind comments Mary, much appreciated.
Beautiful shots Anne! Love the perspective in both!
Thank you very much Rich! I really appreciate your comments.
Always look behind you. Just because everyone has their cameras aimed in one direction te new and interesting perspective might be behind you or in your case 30 feet away from the crowds. It’s always nice to get the shot everyone has but then move a little look for the one no one has.
Good job Anne.
Joe
Great advice Joe, thanks! I do like getting the iconic shots, but it’s even better to get a unique shot. I appreciate your comments.
Expertly composed Anne. The details and textures are great. Does Duck Rock actually look like a duck?
Hi Len, thank you very much for the kind compliment. No, it doesn’t look at all like a duck. I have no idea why it’s called that. Maybe there’s a duck in there somewhere and I just didn’t see it!