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Elephant & Skull

© Marty Straub

Elephant & Skull

Uploaded: August 25, 2010

Description

Colorado River between Moab and Potash, Utah. Many of the petroglyphs I've posted were on a cliff wall to my back, so this is what the Indian writer saw as he chisled his story.
The title came from what I saw in the distant rocks: an elephant on the left and a skull on the right. Crops of those features are in the Comments. I know, I know. I should stay away from the peyote.

f/14, 3eHDR, 70-200mm at 70mm, tripod

Exif: F Number: 14, ExposureTime: 1/30 seconds, ISO: 100, FocalLength: 70.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Comments

Marty Straub August 25, 2010

Exercise your imagination, or it will get weak. #1301716

Julianne Bradford August 25, 2010

I see the elephant, but I'm not a seer of skulls Marty :-) I'm glad of that and also of your wonderful imagination and photographic talent! No peyote needed to see that:-) #8860816

Mitch Spence level-classic August 25, 2010

Well, I have to admit that I did immediately see the elephant but not the skull (although with my penchant for thrillers, skulls would be right up my alley). I see it now though. What strikes me so about this scene, in addition to the rock forms, is the somehow disconnect I always feel about such landscapes that show both water and the extraordinarily arid landscape around it. #8861049

Monnie Ryan August 25, 2010

Perhaps if you sent a little of that peyote over this way my imagination would take a turn toward elephants and sculls (and who knows what else). But for now, I'm delighted to see such a beautiful, colorful, well-composed scene! ;-D #8861069

Marcel J. Fernandez August 25, 2010

Beautiful composition and color. A very inviting scenic capture, Marty! #8861152

Val Feldman level-deluxe August 25, 2010

Well, it sure helped Carlos Castaneda come up with some best sellers in the 60's and 70's... :) I had a harder time discerning the elephant but saw the skull right off the bat...now, I'm wondering if there's some deep-seated psychological significance to that! :) Wonderful capture, my friend..frames within frames, wonderful reflections, beautiful color. Long may your wonderful and well-exercised imagination reign..it's a delight to us all! #8861305

Ron McEwan August 25, 2010

Marty, I know exactly where you are here and this looks to be an evening shot. Oh how I would love to be back there. Did you go on up to Corona Arch, there is many formations that have faces and animals. Well done my friend. (I saw both at the same time. Good eye and captured well to show the Elephant and the skull. #8861366

Jeff Robinson level-deluxe August 25, 2010

What a great collection of images from this place Marty!! Thanks for sharing! Jeff #8861395

Carol L. Fowler August 25, 2010

Heck- I didn't see either but saw a grinning demon with humongous teeth for that one instead of the elephant. No peyote! The skull, I see after a lot of peyote. Beautiful capture! #8861444

Jack Ryan August 25, 2010

I see them both...and I haven't touched "peyote" in several lifetimes...??? Beautiful photo...excellent work as always. #8861715

frank w. degenhardt August 25, 2010

Marty- Well you sure got the folks wondering and some who see both, some who only see the elephant (me to) and some who dont see anything. But I think we all agree that we do see one beautiful picture and a place where we would all love to spend some time. Gorgeous colors, a scenic beauty my friend.
Have a great day and enjoy. #8861866

Ellen Hodges August 26, 2010

Gorgeous capture of the elephant, and I will take your word for it on the skull! lol. Outstanding pov and everything, Marty!!!! #8862276

Marty Straub August 26, 2010

Good game, crowd. Yeah, the elephant was weird with his eye somehow coming out his ear. The skull was a stretch. I didn't say HUMAN skull. It's more like some kind of alien creature with a flat forehead and humungos teeth. Today's game will be easier. Page ahead. #8862475

Maria A. Gonzalez August 26, 2010

Hi,Marty...
I see both,it is so interesting you posted this,since I have been in Utah and seen and photograped with very interesting shapes that remind me of something.
While in Zion at Emerald Pools,I saw a rock that look like a face laying down.Talked to some people next to me about it,but they couldn't see it.
Then I showed them a close-up in my camera and some could see it,but some couldn't..A kid said it looked like a monkey..
Very cool find and beautiful landscape,colors and light,great composition too.
Thinking of you,Mia. #8862822

Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna August 26, 2010

They are ALL just GORGEOUS, Marty! :-) k #8863207

Denny E. Barnes level-deluxe August 26, 2010

Marty, you need to pass some of that peyote around so everybody can see what you see..LOL..Very beautiful image of the canyon and the Colorado!! When we were there the river was much lower and very brown in color with all the silt in it. #8863602

Randy D. Dinkins level-classic August 27, 2010

Great capture of this spot and wonderful seeing (w or w/o mind altering compounds :-).... #8864248

Dianna Murphy October 11, 2010

What a great series Marty. I love seeing hidden objects in every day life and most people pass up. Great eye and what fun. Beautiful images. Gotta get there some day!!! #8960905

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