Pat Coble
July 2026 - Entering the cavern
About the Image(s)
R6II
24mm
f8
ISO 320
1.6 sec
3500 WB
Visited a cavern in the Texas Hill Country. I had to use a slow shutter speed to take advantage of the existing lights in the cavern, which are not intended for photography per se. Still I loved the light and shadow. The image is a bit ambiguous without a clear focal point. I disliked the resulting orange color, so I converted the image to black and white and cropped it. Also increase contrast slightly.
13 comments posted
This photo works for me-it is an interesting abstract. My eye goes to the upper left and the middle rocks. It can seem to be 3 dimensional at times. Black and white was a good choice. Good tonal quality. Posted: 07/04/2026 17:56:41
Thank you Sue for your feedback. I thought I had submitted my appreciation to you earlier but I do not see it posted. Regardless I had hoped to emphasize the 3D aspects and will work to improve on that. Posted: 07/21/2026 00:06:10
Excellent, brilliant abstract. I love the texture and the beautiful tonal range-deep shadows, balanced midtones, and highlights without any burn-out. This balance truly elevates the image.
Posted: 07/18/2026 21:55:45
Posted: 07/18/2026 21:55:45
Thank you Pinaki. Those are some of the same attributes I liked but could not figure out what I really want the image to convey.
Posted: 07/21/2026 00:02:28
Posted: 07/21/2026 00:02:28
Do you always need to? Can't the mere presence of beauty be enough? Posted: 07/21/2026 00:27:32
I love this question. I think that photography has given me a vehicle to the world that has nothing to do with the actual image as I have been given new eyes to experience the "presense of beauty" that I may not have paused for otherwise. Thank you. Posted: 07/21/2026 00:34:57
For me it's a very nice abstract monochrome image but I feel that in colour it would have given me a better idea of the subject. Two ways of looking at it. Posted: 07/19/2026 18:37:49
Thank you, I agree the "subject" is vague. I have been having difficulties with storage of images and accessing them or else I would share the color version. Posted: 07/21/2026 00:03:42
I love the silvery tones you achieved with your black and white conversion. Even more, I enjoy how this image is ambiguously both abstract and representational. At first glance it is textures and patterns, but then the 3D perspective emerges, a surprise! The features in the middle really draw me in to that part, but I also like the periphery. Posted: 07/20/2026 03:51:59
Thank you Ken. I think the ambiguity is what I struggled with. I want so much for this to be an engaging image but the perspective of being there can certainly highjack the interpretation of what it is. Posted: 07/21/2026 00:08:03
This is an interesting abstract, rich in tonal and textural detail. While I agree that colour could have given a better idea of the subject matter, I feel that's not the point here - I could almost dispense with the title and just consider it as Rock Abstract No.42382. It's the kind of image Ansel Adams or Edward Weston might have shot in large format and silver or platinum print. Posted: 07/20/2026 14:39:54
Oh my goodness. This is an incredible compliment. I know I can easily be filtering for that! I love the idea of renaming it the way you suggest. I am hoping to venture into competition some day but I know I am not there yet. Posted: 07/21/2026 00:10:26
I don't think there's a "not there yet." If you are "hoping to venture into competition some day", take the plunge and enter. You don't have to win a prize right away, but some of your images can certainly fetch you an acceptance or two. Posted: 07/21/2026 07:43:10