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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Twenty Nine: The Layered Image – accumulating meaning > Transition, Bryce Canyon, Utah, 2006
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19-SEP-2006

Transition, Bryce Canyon, Utah, 2006

I wanted to do more than just describe the brilliant scene before me as I stood over Bryce Canyon under the late afternoon sun. These “hoodoos,” formed by the rushing waters of ancient rivers over 65 million years, are actually in shadow, yet they are glowing like hot embers because of reflected sunlight. To put that glow into context, I bracket the glowing hoodoos with two other layers. The bottom layer, my anchor, is a massive wall that runs across the middle of the canyon. The lowering sun casts its light on the other side of that wall. It is the source of the reflective light that illuminates the hoodoos. The second layer, filling half the frame, is made entirely of the glowing hoodoos. The third layer, at the back of the image, shows the shadow of the canyon on the canyon’s far wall. That is how the hoodoos would be lighted if not for that reflecting wall. What we have here are transitions in both light and in geological history. Each band features different textures, colors, and shapes, and each tells a different story.

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Phil Douglis04-Feb-2008 20:16
Thanks, Vera, for seeing the importance of differentiation between layers. In your image, the variances were muted and obscure, so the layers did not work cumulatively. As you study my cyberbook, you will eventually reach this gallery and I think what you learn here can make a big difference in how you structure your photographs as expression.
Guest 04-Feb-2008 13:07
Phil,
I have not made it to this gallery yet, so I am very excited. I can absolutely see the difference between what I tried to do and what you have done. Each layer is so distinct. In my photo you had to work to hard to see the variance, which defeated the purpose. Thank you for pointing this one out to me.
V.
Phil Douglis29-Aug-2007 10:48
Glad you like it, Sandi. Layering is a very important part of my work -- you can create greater depth perception, and set up strong contrasts with layers as well.
Sandi Whitteker27-Aug-2007 17:29
Just love this shot. I am so into layers, but missed this one when I was there! Nice catch! V
Phil Douglis07-Feb-2007 19:55
Zowie, indeed, Ceci. Thanks for using this image as the focal point of your imaginary room. I'm glad this is one of your favorites. It is only appropriate that you have called this image, which I intended as an example of layering, "slices of geography." Some call it slices of geology as well, but your definition embraces a sense of place, and there are few places on earth quite like Bryce Canyon late in the day. It is, as you say, both a visual and tactile experience.
Guest 07-Feb-2007 06:47
I would love to hang this image somewhere in my house, and then create the room and furnishings around it. This is one of my most favorite pictures of yours, Phil, a fabulous abstract of the real earth, as though seen from space, yet easily recognizable as slices of geography. The textures and light are fabulous, inviting an outstretched hand to "feel" all this beauty. Zowie!
Phil Douglis03-Nov-2006 19:18
You are right, Zane -- I intended to build this image around contrasts and transitions in light and geological form and history. I thank you for appreciating this approach, and glad you enjoyed it.
Zane Paxton03-Nov-2006 09:26
Nicely done. This is truely a unique take on Bryce. I love the contrasts in forms and color in the image which takes a keen eye to see.
Phil Douglis01-Nov-2006 18:56
See what you wish here, Jenene -- that is the purpose of expressive photography. If I can stir your imagination, your emotions, and your intellect with this picture, it will be doing what I intended.
JSWaters01-Nov-2006 17:53
My goodness, this is stunning. I'm seeing opposing river banks containing a bobbing ribbon of bubbling hoodoos!
Jenene
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