Fractured Earth by Kevin Pieper

Sunday, 23rd March 2008

Fractured Earth

by Kevin Pieper

This is from one of the less photographed areas of Badwater. Taken well after sunset.
During this 90 second exposure, I briefly used my headlamp to highlight the main area of this photo. It provided a light source of a completely different white balance than the ambient light. I then used some layering methods in photoshop to tone down the light-I found that I liked just a subtle effect. Another photoshop trick I used was to process another version of the image at a higher white balance. I then used “color” blending method and a mask to paint some of the color into the clouds.

Kevin Pieper

Landscape photography recharges my soul. I hope that in the shots I’ve taken, you are able to experience some of the emotion I had when taking the shot.

www.pieperphotography.net

19 Comments

Azu Says:
March 23rd, 2008 at 2:09 am
Fantastic! Very impressive….
Cheri Says:
March 23rd, 2008 at 5:47 am
I have been to Death Valley and your photograph is an absolutely beautiful representation of the mood and texture of that environment–your ability to use ambient light and Photoshop to enhance this image is impressive! I can certainly understand why landscape photography of this magnitude recharges your soul!
John Harrison Says:
March 23rd, 2008 at 6:26 am
Nice leading lines and cloud detail! Looks like it goes for miles! Nice use of layering and getting to color and tone detail!
Cheers,
John
Linda Jones Says:
March 23rd, 2008 at 8:25 am
Your work is just gorgeous, Kevin. I really like your processing ideas. I’m a fan of long exposures and yours is top of the line with depth of field and subtle colors. I missed the Badlands this month while in Death Valley. Now I am really sorry! ;~)
Pauline Jones Says:
March 23rd, 2008 at 9:39 am
Considering all the work you put in this looks pretty natural.
Andreea Teodorescu Says:
March 23rd, 2008 at 9:57 am
Very impressive….
reza Says:
March 23rd, 2008 at 10:19 am
nice shot . good luck
Pieter -sAner- van der Horst Says:
March 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 am
Very impressive photo indeed … your pp-skills sure paid off in this case. I have been in this area in May 2007 but the RV rental organisation didn’t allow us to go through dead-valley if temparatures were above 90 degrees … unfortunately it was hotter than that.
Lynda Lehmann Says:
March 23rd, 2008 at 3:15 pm
You have used these techniques very well in this stunning photo!
Reuben Chircop Says:
March 23rd, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Very nice Kevin. I like the balance between light and darkness in this shot. The background looks pretty much in silhouette but the closer subject looks in detail.
lauren Says:
March 23rd, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Very impressive depth of field.
James Says:
March 23rd, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Very well done Kevin. I use CS2, but obviously have lots to learn! I like the depth of field! I must try a similer shot in Death Valley soon!
Dennis Says:
March 23rd, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Great PS technique! I need to hone my skills one of these days. The textures and use of depth of field make this photo work for me.
Sparts Says:
March 23rd, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Don’t usually like any photoshopped pics, prefer au natural, keeping it real etc.
This is ok.
Anurag Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 6:32 am
You are getting better by the day Kevin!!
Absolutely top notch.
Would just like to know the efective 35mm focal length u r using
Kevin Pieper Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Thanks everyone for the comments. This image is definitely required more post processing than I normally do, so I’m glad it turned out well.
@anurag, this was shot at 16mm on a full frame camera (5D)
Renee Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Really like the colors on this photo! Very good shot Kevin!
Sue Gagnon Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Interesting shot! Nice colors.
a. Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Interesting clouds. They have a very unique texture. Well done!