Monday, 27th June 2011
Silent Effigy
by Brad Goldpaint
Double Arch in Southern Utah, was formed differently than most arches in the Arches National Park. It is what is known as a pothole arch, formed by water erosion from above rather than more typical erosion from the side. The larger opening has a span of 148 feet and a height of 104 feet. It lies atop an underground salt bed called the “Paradox Formation” which is responsible for the arches. The visible rock formation is the salmon-colored Entrada Sandstone and the tan-colored Navajo Sandstone. In this picture, color and texture of the stone was achieved by the rock momentarily illuminated by a light source and using a 39 second exposure. Visible in the background is the distant glow of light pollution from nearby Moab, Utah. The dark rock structures in the lower left are eroded monoliths deposited over 300 million years ago when seas flowed into the region and eventually evaporated. Visible in the night sky is the Milky Way Galaxy and its billions of stars and planets. While fending off mice from my trail mix, I framed the arches and the distant galaxy to create a connection between the unearthly landscape and the night sky.
Brad Goldpaint (Goldpaint Photography)
Two great passions of mine are wilderness travel and the night sky. As the images of other photographers have inspired me to explore different terrains, I hope my own contributions will inspire others to do the same. It is a privilege to show you my work of inspirational elements within our natural world. Photography became a passion for me while studying Architecture at the Southern California Institute of Architecture and the International Institute of Architecture in Vico Morcote, Switzerland beginning in 2002. Born and raised in Southern California, I discovered an escape from the concrete jungles of urban life while traveling throughout the Pacific North and Southwest. Last year, I decided to put on my backpack and experience Mother Nature’s pristine finest, hiking and photographing 1300 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. Travel along with me as I discover and capture nature’s most interesting moments from the desert floors to our highest peaks and beyond.
Many of you asked why I became interested in taking photos. For me, it seemed like a natural progression because there are many similarities between Architecture and Photography. Architecture uses visual representations of fixed patterns to evaluate things in real time. Likewise, visual elements within my photos, its design, how it is made, and what each photograph communicates, is my attempt at capturing meaning, emotion, and familiarity for you. I view the art of photography as the distilling of reality into a personal vision by using modern tools of the trade. The moment I trip the cameras shutter, my hope for you, is that my images crystallize your feelings in each captured frame…for a single moment in time.
Today, I license images for all manner of editorial use and sell fine art prints. If you wish to purchase prints, please contact me at info@goldpaintphotography.com for pricing and info. I specialize in landscapes, seascapes, and astrophotography ranging from high altitude wilderness areas and coastal ranges, to time lapse videos of the Milky Way. For more information, please visit my website at www.goldpaintphotgraphy.com.
Website: www.goldpaintphotography.com
Silent Effigy by Brad Goldpaint was photo of the day on Monday, 27th June 2011. It is tagged Arches, Night, Stars. You can leave a comment below.


27 Comments
Pat
This is a magnificent photo. Arches is my favorite national park and Double Arch is my favorite at the park. I never tire of looking at this one. Beautiful-you have captured the awe of the night sky and the arch!!
Mark
Stunning! Thank you for sharing both nature and your talent.
Brad Goldpaint
Thank you for your comments Pat & Mark!
Dean Tunberg
Very Nicely Done!
Antonio
really amazing, great atmosphere, good job!
Ruben Vicente
wow stunning image!
Laura Milholland
Breathtakiing! Every time I see an image of the Milky Way I am amazed, and especially so in your fine shot in such a glorious location.
Wanda Krack
An inspiring picture.
Richard Dart
An extraordinary shot that makes us realize how small and insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things. Deservedly here.
JimAtkin
WTG. Wonderful. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Rajib Singha
Wonderful image!
Roman Johnston
Wonderful capture. Looked at your gallery and your galaxy shots are very nice.
Marie Dunphy Harding
Stunning capture! that sky makes is evn more fatastic!
greenie
gorgeous photo! worthy of a serious prize. you should enter the latest energizer/nat geo photo contest!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ultimate
Jeannine
What an amazing photo…I am at a lost for words. So much beauty in this world.
Bill Bentley
Very cool capture. The sky is incredible. Well done!
Luis
Wow!fantastic shot!!!!
Brad Goldpaint
Thank you ALL for your kind words and support.
Tazmin A Shariff
stunning! thanks!
Deborah
Absolutely Beautiful and unique image!
Rashid Mukoon
Amazing shot.
Morkel Erasmus
Stunning perspective and exposure control
Lisa
If that photo isn’t straight from Heaven, I don’t know what it. That is PHENOMENAL!!!!
Philippe Sainte-Laudy
Breathtakiing is the right word!
Barbara
This is a very moving photo. It makes me feel very small . The beauty and implications of the subject actually made me kinda misty (even if I hate to admit it.) Thank you!
Russ Bishop
Love the combination of light painting and starry sky – fantastic.
Pauline Jones
Masterful picture; this is what photography was invented for.