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Gates of Splendour
2nd PlaceGates of Splendour
mpeters


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Free Study 2008-12 (Advanced Editing)
Collection: Portfolio
Camera: Canon EOS-5D
Lens: Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
Location: Yosemite, CA, Gates of the Valley
Date: Dec 17, 2008
Aperture: f20
ISO: 50
Shutter: 1s
Galleries: Landscape, Water
Date Uploaded: Dec 19, 2008

 I wasn't exactly poking any new tripod holes here! ;) But how could I pass this up. Fresh snow, clearing sky, and fog hanging over the water and meadows. Special place. Enjoy.

[Jan. 6th, 2009 03:41:07 PM]

****
Looks like a highwater mark of 7.45; maybe I'll finally ribbon in a Free Study!

It had just snowed the day before and the road were still icy/slick. But I was close to the valley and couldn't resist the drive in to take a look.

Used my trusty 3stop hard edge grad ND with my polarizer. The polarizer was to lengthen my exposure time a bit. Ended up shooting at f22. It is hard to appreciate the detail at 720pixels but I have a large print all worked up and ready to go. I feel honored to have been at this place at such a special time.

***
Wow, thank you for the votes and comments! This was one that looked good on the LCD and even better on my computer.

Note to self: Prepare to wade around in knee deep snow before going the next time! My running shoes and jeans didn't dry out until about 2 hours later.

It was taken a little after 4 p.m.

Statistics Voting Breakdown (your vote is highlighted in red)
Place: 2 out of 404
Avg (all users): 7.4702
Avg (commenters): 8.4167
Avg (participants): 7.4825
Avg (non-participants): 7.4444
Views since voting: 7247
Views during voting: 368
Votes: 168
Comments: 86
Favorites: 76 (view)
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AuthorThread
MemberIWhispered
 Canon EOS-1D Mark III 		06/07/2009 10:15:57 PM
Wow! Stunning!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered Usersonyalphausr
 Sony DSLR-a200K 		01/14/2009 08:40:21 PM
man, this would have been great for ansel adams
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered Userhaveblu
 Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D 		01/14/2009 05:39:37 AM
Technically perfect. I can't see anything wrong with this beautiful landscape. The subject matter, or how popular it is, doesn't matter. You've made a wonderful, fresh image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered Usertleble 01/11/2009 09:57:43 PM
nice...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberStructor
 Canon EOS-5D 		01/11/2009 07:44:40 PM
Congratulations on a well deserved ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberjeger
 Canon EOS-5D 		01/11/2009 02:58:48 AM
Inspiring.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered UserIsi79
 Canon EOS-5D Mark II 		01/10/2009 01:43:15 PM
oh beautiful! love the colours and the light! perfect timing.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberace flyman
 Canon EOS-5D 		01/10/2009 01:36:45 PM
Beautiful landscape....Congrats!!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered Userunscene
 Nikon D60 		01/10/2009 11:45:36 AM
A spectacular image. I can't stop looking at it. It makes me want to return to such a photogenic location. Congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered Userjlanoue
 Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT 		01/10/2009 11:33:38 AM
How's a poor astrophotographer ever going to get a FS ribbon with shots like this? Couldn't you have waited until next month? :-) Breathtaking, absolutely beautiful. My girlfriend looked at this shot and snickered and said "you're never going to ribbon on this site!"
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Membertwmax
 Nikon D300 		01/08/2009 11:42:54 PM
What an incredible photographs of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Congratulations on you ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Membernjsabs2323
 Canon EOS-5D 		01/08/2009 11:03:58 PM
You were one of my few 10's. Gorgeous image....plus one of my favorite places on this earth to visit.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered Userdarnold
 Canon EOS-40D 		01/08/2009 09:28:25 PM
excellent! congrats on the red!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberpearlseyes
 Canon EOS-20D 		01/08/2009 08:32:08 PM
Stunning. Well deserved ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberAgaricus
 Canon EOS-5D 		01/08/2009 04:37:27 PM
Congrats Mark!!! Simply beautiful...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Membersrugolo
 Nikon D700 		01/08/2009 03:49:32 PM
Simply marvellous.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered UserMick
 Canon EOS-5D 		01/08/2009 03:28:54 PM
Well done Mark! Congratulations on a wonderful photo and a well deserved ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Membertrain
 Panasonic DMC-FZ30 		01/08/2009 01:49:53 PM
I gave you a 10
I think this is simply stunning.
Beautiful
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberLydiaToo
 Canon EOS-40D 		01/08/2009 01:32:26 PM
Beautifully done, Mark. I hope you're all warmed up by now. :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberhihosilver
 Nikon D40 		01/08/2009 01:03:36 PM
Oh Mark...a lovely rendition of this spectacular view! Congrats on your ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberThingFish
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1K 		01/08/2009 12:19:59 PM
Proficiat on a very good 2nd place. Beautiful image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberAnn
 Nikon D300 		01/08/2009 11:42:13 AM
I think I have some pictures from this same spot. But they don't look like this! Beautiful job, and congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberdigifotojo
 Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT 		01/08/2009 11:33:29 AM
You definitely captured the true essence of this scenic place. This is truly a masterpiece. Congratulations on your second place win.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberSandyP
 Canon EOS-5D 		01/08/2009 10:41:19 AM
Wow, Mark! Wow! You know. . .lots of people can take pictures of the same spot -- but they sure can't all turn out photos like this! When you think about it, all photos have probably been done lots of times before, but the very few are able to take what's been seen before and make it stand out, heads and shoulders above all the rest. This is one of those photos! Congratulations on the ribbon -- your fourth highest rated photo -- and just for having another fine art piece of magic in your portfolio!

  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberbergiekat
 Canon EOS-40D 		01/08/2009 09:47:51 AM
Another well deserved ribbon for a gorgeous photograph!!
This is just mezmorizing! Congrats!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberdavid_c
 Canon EOS-450D Rebel XSi 		01/08/2009 09:35:16 AM
This is beyond awesome. Congrats on a FS ribbon, but even more so on such an amazing image. I love the play between light, steam and sky.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Membertrevytrev
 Canon EOS-5D 		01/08/2009 09:00:59 AM
Great pic Mark, congrats a beautiful pic and ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberPennyStreet
 Canon EOS-5D Mark II 		01/08/2009 09:00:45 AM
Gorgeous! and Congratulations
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberMAK
 Canon EOS-1D 		01/08/2009 08:48:39 AM
Ahhhh Mr Peters, how marvelous, muchos congratulate. x
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered Userjonpink
 Panasonic DMC-LX2 		01/08/2009 07:57:56 AM
perfect - just perfect.

My #1
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberBrin
 Canon EOS-5D 		01/08/2009 07:39:09 AM
Stunning shot, congrats on the second place!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberIvory
 Canon EOS-300D Rebel 		01/08/2009 06:57:31 AM
Congratulations on your red ribbon, I was sure I would see this on the front page!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberAlexSaberi
 Canon EOS-5D Mark II 		01/08/2009 05:25:43 AM
wonderful. knew this was a ribbon, and also suspected it was yours
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberjomari
 Canon Power Shot SX10 IS 		01/08/2009 04:50:45 AM
Gorgeous shot. Congratulations on your ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered UserCaravela
 Canon EOS-5D 		01/08/2009 03:32:45 AM
Splendid! Congratulations Mark. First ribbon in a free study? I'm suprised at that...and what an absolute splendid image to break your duck! Keep it coming :-)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered UserShecoya
 Nikon D70s 		01/08/2009 02:59:49 AM
Stunning view.. :) Congratulations
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberbryanbrazil
 Canon EOS-20D 		01/08/2009 02:54:58 AM
Wow, I ribboned with a photo taken in the same place, but this is so much better! Awesome photo...makes me want to visit Yosemite tomorrow!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered UserAP
 Nikon D2H 		01/08/2009 02:09:28 AM
man i wish i live near here! The trip I took to Yosemite this summer was not nearly enough. True, this is a well-worn spot, but this is no ordinary image. The exposure, and the silkiness of the water... just awesome. Congrats on another ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered UserArt Roflmao 01/08/2009 01:51:22 AM
*gasp!* Yeah, this took my breath away! Un-freakin-believable! Congrats on a super spectacular image and the ribbon. ...but mainly the image. Did I mention it's spectacular? Uber-Spectacular.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberBrent_S
 Canon EOS-5D Mark II 		01/08/2009 01:01:24 AM
Such a beautiful shot of one of my favorite places on earth. I so much miss the annual visits to Yosemite when I was living in California. I never made it there in the winter but would love to some day. Congrats on your ribbon- very well deserved!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberLevT
 Nikon D700 		01/08/2009 01:01:22 AM
magnificent shot, Mark! Congratulations!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberDrAchoo
 Canon EOS-5D Mark II 		01/08/2009 12:58:59 AM
Awesome shot. Who cares if it's been done before? This one is yours.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberIreneM
 Nikon D70 		01/08/2009 12:46:15 AM
Wow! This is...stunning! Can't stop looking at it. Excellent, excellent work, Mark. Congrats on the ribbon.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberryand
 Canon EOS-5D 		01/08/2009 12:29:43 AM
Incredible man, absolutely stunning, should've scored even higher than it did, really really incredible, adding to faves right now.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberandrewt
 Nikon D3 		01/08/2009 12:22:55 AM
Beautiful shot Mark!! Congrats on a fantastic finish
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberMelethia
 Canon EOS-7D 		01/08/2009 12:22:46 AM
Would love to see this large but it carries well at a small size, too, which is an excellent tribute to your skills and knowledge. Congratulations on a Free Study ribbon!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberBear_Music
 Canon EOS-5D 		01/08/2009 12:22:45 AM
I knew this had to be you! One of my high scores, and I figured it would ribbon. From my years in Yosemite, this lovely vantage has special meaning for me (I may have had a view camera set up exactly where you were more than once), and your conditions, the conditions in which you shot, are perfect the scene. I'm glad you made the drive and congrats on the ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberroz
 Canon EOS-40D 		01/08/2009 12:22:04 AM
very beautiful .. it's a mind blowing scene .. i cant imagine this scene being photographed or processed any better .. amazing work ..
congratulations on the red .. :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberbanmorn
 Nikon D200 		01/08/2009 12:20:34 AM
Great shot, Mark! Lots to view. Just stunning. Many congrats on your red!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberbspurgeon
 Canon EOS-5D Mark II 		01/08/2009 12:12:37 AM
Lovely scene and time of day. Congrats on the finish.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberjbsmithana
 Nikon D300 		01/08/2009 12:10:26 AM
Nice capture of a classic scene! Congats on capturing a FS ribbon in the process.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberCJinCA
 Canon EOS-40D 		01/08/2009 12:09:25 AM
Beautiful image and the lighting is outstanding! Well done and congrats on your red ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberVenom
 Nikon D40X 		01/08/2009 12:05:32 AM
Congrats; You're a gooober! What an excellent shot.

And congrats that your last 10 entrys have all scored a 6.1899 or better!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Site Councilnshapiro
 Nikon D90 		01/08/2009 12:02:29 AM
Fantastic! Congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered UserLMA128
 Canon EOS-40D 		01/08/2009 12:02:20 AM
congratulations on your ribbon! beautiful shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Membertalj
 Canon EOS-40D 		01/08/2009 12:02:10 AM
One of my absolutely favourite spots in the world, STUNNING! Congrats on the red, very well deserved :o)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
Memberriversong
 Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi 		01/07/2009 11:44:40 PM
Wow!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberJa-9
 Nikon D80 		01/07/2009 09:14:47 AM
This is really pretty, just a little to much foreground...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Membersidpixel
 Canon EOS-40D 		01/07/2009 05:34:42 AM
A beautiful, well executed shot, lovely colours and reflections and foreground interest, well done
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberhotpasta
 Nikon D300 		01/07/2009 05:24:17 AM
beautiful! has to be a contender...sheer majesty and perfection 10 from me
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberVenom
 Nikon D40X 		01/07/2009 12:37:55 AM
Very cool colors and lighting. The snow is just AWESOME! I also like the fog over the water on the left hand side, nicely done. -BB
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberIvory
 Canon EOS-300D Rebel 		01/06/2009 11:36:32 PM
Beautiful scene, love the perspective.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberTecho
 Canon EOS-20D 		01/06/2009 09:50:20 PM
This has my pick for a ribbon. My favorite of the natural landscapes in this challenge. No nitpicks. Wonderful composition, exposure and PP. Perfect.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Membergliphix
 Canon EOS-5D Mark II 		01/06/2009 09:37:16 PM
Spectacular... I'm green with envy.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberEstimatedEyes
 Pentax K200D 		01/06/2009 01:09:09 PM
Beautiful morning light on the Merced. Good luck!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Membermacrothing
 Fujifilm FinePix 2800Z 		01/06/2009 08:04:59 AM
8 - Wow. Wish the clouds weren't 'chopped', but.. still easy to get lost in this image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberGallatin
 Nikon D700 		01/05/2009 11:35:22 PM
Beautiful shot
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberbauerfan71
 Canon EOS-50D 		01/05/2009 11:17:40 PM
Majestic. That's the first word that I thought of... 9!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered Userullage 01/05/2009 09:36:40 AM
Fantastic. makes me shiver!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberOmanOtter
 Canon EOS-5D Mark II 		01/05/2009 02:49:18 AM
Easy Ten. Instant favorite.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Membercaba
 Nikon D300 		01/04/2009 11:27:01 PM
Awesome image, well done
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered Userkibbs
 Canon EOS-5D Mark II 		01/04/2009 01:56:33 PM
Could sit right there for hours...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered UserLadyStarstruck
 Sony DSLR-a200K 		01/03/2009 08:19:06 PM
Love this shot. Great location... where is it?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberKarenNfld
 Canon EOS-40D 		01/03/2009 06:32:50 PM
Winner? I hope so!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberbmartuch
 Nikon D300 		01/03/2009 01:26:08 PM
Fantastic scenery.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered Userojardon
 Sony DSC-F717 		01/03/2009 01:22:27 PM
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  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberELLIPS
 Canon EOS-5D Mark II 		01/03/2009 09:41:07 AM
The place, the hour, the talent and the technique. Masterpiece !
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberButterflyGirl
 Canon EOS-5D 		01/03/2009 06:08:59 AM
Just beautiful..has to be in the top 5
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Registered UserShadowfax23
 Nikon D40X 		01/02/2009 04:14:50 PM
very nice
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberdigifotojo
 Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT 		01/01/2009 05:49:11 PM
Spectacular! 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberfarfel53
 Pentax K100D 		01/01/2009 03:51:41 PM
This is great, a lovely place, well captured. Might be just a little bit oversaturated...almost unreal looking. The water is beautiful.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberMelethia
 Canon EOS-7D 		01/01/2009 03:20:52 PM
Can't beat that for an awesome location to photograph! You did a great job of it, too.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberJollyMah
 Nikon D90 		01/01/2009 10:48:14 AM
Beautiful! Simply beautiful!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberWeJay
 Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi 		01/01/2009 08:34:07 AM
Splendour indeed! 9.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Memberhesitant
 Nikon D90 		01/01/2009 07:59:38 AM
wish you were here? I'll say so!
great stuff
  Photographer found comment helpful.
MemberDr.Confuser
 Apple iPhone 		01/01/2009 12:33:26 AM
Terrifically beautiful landscape. Love the sunrise lighting (or maybe it's sunset - doesn't matter - beautiful.)
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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