Almost There by Kevin McNeal

Monday, 18th May 2009

Almost There

by Kevin McNeal

This was an image from another trip to Death Valley. I spotted this couple at the bottom of the dunes and I guess they caught my attention because she was really having a hard time making it up. The husband kept encouraging her and finally she made it to the top as he lend a hand out to pull her to the top. But what really caught my eye on this was the sun just over the horizon hitting the top of the dune and putting the couple in the spotlight. The spotlight hitting the couple really makes a huge shadow behind the couple adding to the play of light. This was first thing in the morning and I saw this spot from the road and made a mad dash to make it here for sunrise.

Equipment: Canon 5D 17-40L

Kevin McNeal

Kevin McNeal is a Washington St. photographer focusing on grand colorful landscapes that reflect the most unique places on earth. Capturing moments of magic light and transferring this on print, images behold a combination of perseverance, patience, and dedication to capture the images in ways unseen before. The stories of how these images are rendered come across in the feelings the images convey. Traveling all over North America with his wife by his side, shooting diverse landscapes and finding remote places to bring the message to the public that this Earth is worth saving.

kevinmcnealphotography.com

26 Comments

Jim Atkin Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 1:50 am
Kevin McNeal you do GREAT work and you are a gifted photographer. This one is superb. What an eye to capture this scene.
Katherine Lee Strassburg Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 4:24 am
Death Valley is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. The colors, lighting, and graceful lines in this photo are absolutely perfect! I especially love the zipper effect made by the shadows on their footprints.
Kirk Jordan Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 5:20 am
The story makes a splendid image that much more splendiferous!
Anurag Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 7:18 am
A spectacular, stupendous stylish image!!
Hats Off to you Kevin!
su Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 7:51 am
One of the best shots I have seen of Death Valley, wonderful Kevin, I like to read the text of the why and how you reached that point, it adds to the scene you have portrayed.
Paula Heelan Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Can’t beat that really. Wish I could go there.
Pauline Jones Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 8:34 am
I love the clean lines, and of course a picture is always much more interesting when it tells a story.
Ariel Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 9:48 am
What an amazing picture! LOVE the colors and curves, as well as the attention to detail.

You got them with their hands connected, their shadows to the left, and the dune they’re standing on not going over the mountains in the background.

Thanks for sharing the story as well. It adds yet another element of depth to the image.
Örvar Atli Þorgeirsson Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Brilliant image Kevin. Looks like every little detail in this image has been well thought of, from the small steps visible on the rigde to the sweeping forground arch the leads you through the image.
wanda krack Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Wonderful, beautiful almost beyond words……light, color, lines, and human interest. Thanks for sharing and helping my spirit soar today!
planet lover Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Capturing moments of magic – light and human. You have certainly accomplished that and more with this photo. It’s glorious!
Marie Dunphy Harding Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
The lighting is magical! This is one spectacular shots, Thank you.
Did you find the couple to give them a copy?
mike Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
The sand is so smooth. Looks like a lot of fun to climb those.
SPAIN Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
a spectacular image:-)
SPAIN Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
XD
SPAIN Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Catrin Hinrichs Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Beautiful image and story ! Keep on going !
Renee Says:
May 18th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Simply Stunning!
SérgioLuísSilva Says:
May 19th, 2009 at 8:32 am
Great photo!!Excelent lines and colors!!
Malta Photography Says:
May 19th, 2009 at 9:28 am
great shot. moody but very intriguing.
kevin mcneal Says:
May 19th, 2009 at 9:45 am
I just wanted to thank everyone for the wonderful comments. I appreciate the feedback. Thanks Kevin Mcneal
michael anderson Says:
May 19th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Kevin,

This is a KILLER shot- One of the best M&N shots I’ve seen in a long time. This has real sales potential IMO- It really captures the essence of sharing adventures with a loved one. I love everything about this one!
Derek Dobbie Says:
May 20th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Lovely shot and well composed
Cris Says:
May 20th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Beautiful scope!
saurabh Says:
May 21st, 2009 at 2:51 am
great image..!! the shadows and the sunlight come up so nicely in this… Nice work..!!
Meera Says:
May 22nd, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Love the colors. been there couple weeks ago..and realized how far that center sand dune is to get this kind of a shot. great capture!