The Wasteland, a photo from Utah, West

Photographer's Note

This is the northeast area of the Great Salt Lake salt flats. The lake itself is to the right of this photo (west) by several miles. On some maps, it says these are "mud flats", and they are that when wet. These flats are composed of salt, mud and other minerals.

The Bonneville Raceway, where land speed records are made, is exactly opposite this area; it is on the eastern side of the lake, and is a good four or five hours drive from here. There, the salt is much more pure and thick, and so makes for good racing.

The post seen here is a piling from the old railway system that was built here in 1905. This wooden rail system has since been replaced by a boulder and gravel causeway that is more practical, but not nearly as visually exciting.

The rocks in the distance are just that: a pile of rocks. I hope to hike over to them this fall.

The clouds are just that: clouds, but it is beginning to rain, and so you can see the curtain of rain beginning to fall--and perhaps evaporate before reaching the ground.

Thanks for looking!

padeg, nwoehnl, fijiphil, jmdias, ohe, Angelillo, Elaine_Blath, kebek, singuanti, berek, robiuk, rafelito, ChrisJ, john_c, Henryk_Bilor, plimrn, riclopes, Georges, FORJP001, jhm, isabela_sor, Didi, imrek, Cricri, kludwig20, veve, papagolf21, athos99, mdetay, Marche, brevbrev14, banyanman, arturo, cimcim, emjleclercq, nmess, xuaxo oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

prospere (701) 2006-07-23 13:43

Nice shot David !

Splendid mix of gray, blue and green colors.
We can imagine hell on the foreground and eden on the island in the background.

Nice work, I love your pictures !

Cheers,

Ludovic

Davidwh (3662) 2006-07-23 13:45

Hi David,
This really is an unusual and interesting image...the floating dust or mist in the background adding a real mystical feeling.I noticed you used a tripod (late in the day?) and also flash )please explain.Very good work...well done.
Regards, david

[2] +

nwoehnl (122) 2006-07-23 13:46

A balanced composition to illustrate this barren, yet richly-textured scenery, David. Good use of the foreground trunk to anchor the frame, and good contrast as the eye wanders towards the back where the layer of haze adds a slightly mysterious aspect. Good shot, as usual.

[2]

rhizomes (15343) 2006-07-23 13:53

Hi David,
Very nice colors and light on this picture ! I like the "surealistic" atmosphere, like in a dream...
Great work !
Christophe

[2]

fijiphil (1355) 2006-07-23 14:20

Excellent photo, wonderful use of the post here as foreground to give great depth to the shot. The clouds (dust clouds?) in the background give the photo a real menacing atmosphere.

livermore (1631) 2006-07-23 14:26

Bonjour David

Superbe composition.
Bravo

Vincent

jmdias (114360) 2006-07-23 14:41

david

beautiful work. The black & white is very well choose and the main shapes are very nice put

Jorge

ohe (2334) 2006-07-23 15:01

Dear David,
A very nice shot of Salt Lake.
I really appreciate your compostion with the old death tree in foreground.
Thanks for sharing,
- Olivier -

dolin (7369) 2006-07-23 15:07

Hi David.
J'adore les teintes de ton image, vraiment sympa comme tu as capturé cet endroit, et le cadrage est sympa aussi. Je trouve le côté épuré vraiment intéressant ici, ca donne une ambiance étrange.
Chouette prise
Fred

avigur_11 (22535) 2006-07-23 17:02

Wooow. It's hard to believe that this picture is a colour one. Only after a second and third look I can see some traces of colors. The white plain and the dusty sky are so dramatic, and I am really glad that you included the trunk in an excellent psition.
I wonder what kind of PP you have used here?

Wonderful, strong and excellent image, well done, David.

Angelillo (9374) 2006-07-23 17:28

Hi David. Really stunning this shot! I like the compo and the POV, that creates a big space toward to background. I like too the desaturated colours, it seems a world in gray tones, except for the intense blue bottom. Very nice! Thanks!

s10001in (0) 2006-07-23 21:08

David,
I like your shot..Since I love minimum composition.
You really pulled out the shot verywell placing the two objects at exact location..where it shoud be!!
I really can see the distance in this shot.
Clouds on background adding the mood.
But...I would prefer to have B/W look here..that really will make crack.
How do you feel?

Well done.
keep it up.
TFS,
Shailendra

[2]

rmatthews (945) 2006-07-24 0:41

Very nice...very well done.

Elaine_Blath (8471) 2006-07-24 3:52

Hi David,

wow amazing colours...so dry, so desolate it looks...well done, even the detail in foreground is superb!

take care, Ivana

feather (51130) 2006-07-24 4:01

Very good minimalist image. The fill flash has given the photo an extra unexpected quality difficult to define. It's not something I ever use, but I really must experiment more. The sky is very unusual - maybe dust?
Kath

PixelTerror (0) 2006-07-24 4:15

Hi David,
It looks... empty and minimalist, which enhances the importance of the two elements and their balance, and is a clever composition.
Have a nice day,
Jean-Yves

gebala (0) 2006-07-24 4:21

hello,

amaizing again photo from you
I admire mood here
so mistic:)
I think that you like such views so much:)
nice point of view
nice colours:)

well taken my friend
have a nice day
rgs

pablominto (53746) 2006-07-24 4:23

Hi David,
Simplistic... A composition that makes me think!
Not much will survive in an environment like this...
Well done on composition, fine textures and good details!
Greetings,
Pablo -

cbrman (21685) 2006-07-24 15:22

Hello,

Trčs belle ambiance dans cette image. J'aime beaucoup le jeu de couleurs entre le ciel et la merde sel !
Bien vu.
A+

Dominique

kebek (5438) 2006-07-24 16:34

Serwus David !
What a stylish Work this is. Out of this world, i would say. Absolutely amazing piece of dry and abandoned land. I especially like the classical use of the strong element in the forground and the way it echoes the distant rocks. Nicely chosen proportion for emphasizing the vast territory with a well contrasted heavy skies with pouring rain.
In fact, i'm absolutely impressed.
My deep respect.
Be well,
M.

[2]

singuanti (15250) 2006-07-24 22:53

Hi David. I like very much the surreal look here. The bright sand conrast so sharply to the sky. This would also work well as a b/w and I'm a little surprised you didn't go that route. Super work David!

berek (50518) 2006-07-25 10:19

Hi David,
I like light and soft colours. thanks for this simple and clear composition. have a nice day
Berek
Meaning Sense :-))
Framing :-))
Idea :-))

kensimage (8563) 2006-07-25 11:32

Fantastic sky here, David, that's what gives this so much drama. (And in your case, drama should be what you're trying to convey, right?) The foreground has great texture and the stump looks almost frosty. It may be a wasteland in some terms, but it has its own beauty, in your hands. Regards, Ken.

robiuk (10807) 2006-07-26 14:03

Hello David,
Your images are always at least for a class better than any other, here on TE!
I tend to think there's some serious PP-ing done here as these beautiful colours are just hard to except to be earthy - which they are (of course!) and this is one of the main quality, IMHO of this composition - pale washed-out colours and some really smashing light!
Hazy and dramatic act near the horizon gives a great touch to this peaceful and otherwise very serene scene.
Pure art and I therefore congratulate you!
Robi

[2]

rafelito (3648) 2006-07-26 23:56

Hi friend
This a master composition, every thing is great, is imposible to say any more.WONDERFUL !!
My best regards, Rafael

saguzar (862) 2006-07-27 12:16

Hello David,
Another great work of you. really looks a wasteland. The dark sky and the rain falling gives a strange magical sensation. The broken wood is in the right place and rest monotony.
You can win a photo contest with it!.
Hernán

ChrisJ (171340) 2006-07-28 10:43

Hi David

Fantastic lighting & mood, in this superb high key toned landscape. Congratulations!

john_c (24666) 2006-07-28 11:29

Hi David,
Outstanding capture of this remarkable scene. Ludovic's comment about hell versus Eden is most apropos. One imagines a thirsty, weary traveller trying to walk the last distance to the oasis in the distance...The rising clouds appear to the viewer as some dust storm and we learn from your note that we are not walking toward Eden at all, but just a pile of rocks. But the illusion is there. The post is well placed and the sharpness level just right. An impeccable capture, David. The unusual tones and hues here are quite remarkable, with the small slice of blue sky adding that extra zip and dash of colour needed. Great work.
John

[2]

Angshu (56760) 2006-07-29 3:46

Hi David
This is beauty in desolation..it's eerie & surrealistic at the same time...I learnt about your use of tripod & fill flash from the responses to David..I think I learn something from this.
Great work!
Regards
Angshu

[2]

Henryk_Bilor (20803) 2006-07-29 7:23

Hello David
Beautiful and impressing photo. Excellent composition of this painting - like image.
Regards

Fis2 (169847) 2006-07-29 11:50

Witaj Dawid!
Interesting composition. I like the colours and light. Curious place. Well done.
Regards
Krzysztof

plimrn (21344) 2006-07-29 13:53

Dear David,
You have illustrated well your title; this does appear to be a wasteland. I do like like the advancing rain squall moving on the horizon. I knew Salt Like was BIG but a 4-5 hour drive to get to the otherside is REALLy big.
Regards, Pat

[2]

Vato_Law (12732) 2006-07-29 19:29

Hello David.
As Ludovic says this is such a great mix of colours, on a photo full of contrasts. The sky is great, the thin horizon line goes very well on this one and the placement of this wood piece on the image gives it a very interesting point, full of nice patterns.
Rgds.
Paulo

ahmetgedikli (25609) 2006-07-30 3:23

Hi David,
Fantastic lighting and landscape... As well even the detail in foreground is interesting.
Greetings
Ahmet

riclopes (35577) 2006-07-30 3:36

Hi David,
This place attract me very much and I would love to go there one day. You made a great shot, as usual, with an amazing atmosphere. The composition is very good, with a nice interplay bettween this old trunk and the pile of rocks, giving depth and a nice feeling from the texture of the salt in FG. Very good work!
Ricardo

Georges (11185) 2006-07-30 5:54

Salut David.
Une image tout d'abord bien cadré avec un poste fort de ce tronc positionné a merveille sur la prise.
Ensuite j'adore ces teintes presque du monochrome qui donne beaucoup de mystere a ta photo.
Bravo David et a bientot

FORJP001 (3819) 2006-07-30 11:34

Hi David,

Superb picture and well choosen title for this desolation. This seems an aftermath nasty blasting operation which leaved fumes in the background.

Very instructive photographer's note.

Jean-Pierre

blue-velvet30 (6524) 2006-07-30 13:16

Hi David!
Wow! Excellent minimalist view and perfect composition. Great colors and POV. Brawo!
thanks for sharing
regards
Dorota

jhm (211734) 2006-07-30 13:22

Hi David,

A very spectacular picture through the very imminent clouds in background, the curtain of rain is very special, the dead tree in foreground lead my eyes near the small island in the background, very well done.
Thanks for sharing.

Have a nice week,
John

Didi (61589) 2006-07-30 13:24

Hello David
Very good indeed, looks like an iced lake.
Very nice POV with the foreground who gives a good depht with the piece of wood in the stong point.
Cheers.

imrek (4) 2006-07-30 15:25

Hi David,
it's look as great, minimalistic, modern painting...relly pleasant shot!!!
regards,
imre

isabela_sor (47748) 2006-07-31 3:35

This isn't my favourite kind of landscape, sandy, arid and desolate....but this picture is amazing. The sky and the threatning clouds announcing an approaching storm are awesome and dramatic. The colors and the light are very good.TFS
All the best
Isabela

rosaline (0) 2006-07-31 4:28

Hi David
An impressive and minimalist look at this salted lake. I can't help thinking it should be in black and white completely. The clouds in the distance add some nice atmosphere and enhance the feeling of emptiness and desolation. A good and well presented shot.
Aubrey

Cricri (176) 2006-07-31 5:46

Bonjour David,
Belles couleurs et lumiére qui donne ŕ cette belle composition un côté mystérieux et intéressant, compliment
cricri

veve (4189) 2006-08-01 15:33

Hello David!
Interesting light on this picture!
Very simple and very nice composition!
Excellent shot!
Best regards,
Veronica

cigdom (2594) 2006-08-02 10:33

VEry nice work ! Atmosphere is so beautiful in this photo.wonderful composition and good pov.
TFS
REgards,,
Cigdem>>

papagolf21 (152605) 2006-08-02 14:45

Bonsoir David,
De retour, je m'empresse de venir voir vos photographies. Terre de désolation ! Le désert ŕ perte de vue. Ce morceau d'arbre n'est plus que le triste souvenir d'un moment de vie !
C'est donc ici qu'ont eu lieu les célčbres records !
Excellente photo et parfaitement ŕ sa place dans TE.
Merci beaucoup, David.
Philippe

valdec (7367) 2006-08-02 18:59 [Comment]

Show Comment

klennon79 (0) 2006-08-06 22:23

Hi David.
Very nice composition. The colors are quite impressive! I like the various elements you have included into the composition- water, rock, etc. Great depth and sharpness.
Kirsten

athos99 (6894) 2006-08-07 2:51

Hello David
C'est une superbe composition. Ce paysage donne une ambiance trčs particuličre, avec cette île et cette bande de nuages.
Une trčs belle réalisation qui va dans mes photos préfées

mdetay (4929) 2006-08-21 20:07

Hi David,
Excellent shot of the Great Salt Lake.
Amazing composition. Excellent colors and framing. Splendid mix of white and gray colors. Good to have a tree! Well done.
Cheers.
Michel

russte (0) 2006-08-22 5:39

Hi again David, another breathtaking image. Once again, a simple but superb composition and a wonderful texture. Clever use of flash to bring out the characteristics of the wood and beautifully balanced. The quality of the blue in the sky is something else (as taken or with some very sympathetic treatment in post-processing?). I can't fault the photograph and another favourite of mine. Stephen

cam (9043) 2006-08-27 10:50

Hello David

I recognize here your trademark,in this simple composition,of empty and mysterious place,with an object of interest in the foreground as an intro. to the vast empty place that is the dry lake.
The rainy clouds adds a good mood and are giving a good contrast to the background.
Have a good sunday
Charles

Marche (4307) 2006-09-01 14:23

Bonjour David,
Tout simplement splendide.
Amicalement
Martine

Kenny10pin (19301) 2006-09-05 12:28

very ncie colors here, I like the deep dark sky and the wood in the foreground well done

brevbrev14 (140) 2006-09-11 5:34

Hi David, magic this shot!!!!for the colours, the tone, compo!!!!WOW!!!! I LOVE IT!!!i will put it on my favorite!!!!R E A L L Y G R E A T !!!!

CIAO!

VALERIA

banyanman (7797) 2006-09-13 15:48

I like the almost monochrome feel to this, David, and your composition is excellent. The fill-flash works well to bring out the texture of the post, and the clouds give this a surreal feel. Superb image! Cheers . . . David

jrj (34843) 2006-09-17 16:00

hi david
Good study of how to use few details, a simple compo to achieve interesting photographic results in a presentation. i guess the focus on the old root and the background mist is what does it. Good work as you so often present.

Don_Gusti (0) 2006-09-19 16:30

I would say WoOw &...

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication"

You got all the elements perfect, TFS.

Gusti

anavazao (5592) 2006-10-27 18:53

Hi friend, magnificent landscape:)
Wow simply beautiful .... colours ,the scenery,there is so much to like! Great perspective!
Take care Ana:)

arturo (31) 2006-11-03 17:04

Hi David,

all kept in this cold, bluish set of tones...quite inspiring to be frank...say no more...hell of a post...cheers, arturo

carod (364) 2006-11-11 23:43

Hello David,

L'ambience de la photo est excellente.

le point de vue est superbe.

trčs beau !!
Caroline

ORTZO (113) 2006-12-15 15:49

Good composition and choice of color....

I like it

capthaddock (28790) 2006-12-26 15:00

Hi David - eerie beauty, looks like the aftermath of nuclear war, I like the effect of the dust? salt? rain? in the sky, I will be going to Utah in a few weeks.

cimcim (3712) 2007-02-21 10:09

Hi David,
I am happy to discover your beautiful gallery, it's really amazing. Your all photos have wonderful composition and colours. You are really great I just want you to know it.
Thank you for sharing all these beauties...
Regards
Aycin

emjleclercq (15778) 2007-02-24 17:30

Excellent view of a different kind of desert. I like the blueish tones of the surface of the lake, and also in the background. The old wooden pole, torn and completely dried, makes a very nice foreground for this composition on the theme of desolation.

All the best,

Emmanuel

xuaxo (6854) 2007-06-11 4:58

Hi David,
Amazing view. It recalls me Badwater Basin in Death Valley, but it seems even more strange.
F

Stepan (27210) 2007-08-22 9:54

A strange world, almost unreal, well composed and shot.
I wish I could see such a place for real. Interesting.
Stéphane

azizbilgili (2111) 2010-08-10 6:19

Hi David,
A balanced composition to illustrate this barren, yet richly-textured scenery.

TFS.

rdalfovo (961) 2014-05-02 11:07 [Comment]