For this week’s Member Monday, we’d like you to meet Carla Farris. We love the vibrant colors and warping rock formations that you can see in this shot. From what we hear, Valley of Fire State Park truly lives up to its name—reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit this time of year!

Read on to find out what Carla has to say about the creation of this photograph!

About the Photo

Location: Valley of Fire State Park
I had seen photos of this feature in the park and have photographed it before, but I was never satisfied with the results.  Then I read more information about the area, figured out the best time to get the colors.  I went back at the right time (morning) and used my GND filter to control the light coming through the opening on the right.

Gear and Software

Camera: Nikon D500

Other gear: Nikon 18-135mm lens, Singh-ray GND filter 2 stop soft, Tripod (it was before I had my Platypod), and knee pads to kneel down on the rock and get down low.

Photography Preferences

I like to photograph landscapes and wildlife the most.  Those are my favorites but I enjoy the challenge of all types of photography from macro, and airshows, to rodeos and dog portraits.

Photography Inspiration

KelbyOne classes definitely helped me understand more about the processing of the image and how to get the most out of my shot.

Favorite KelbyOne Class

Kaylee Greer’s classes on dog photography.  

If you’re interested in viewing more of Carla’s work, give her social media accounts a look and congratulate her on being featured! Her website and Instagram showcase her work with wildlife and various landscapes of the American West!

For the opportunity to be a featured Member, submit your best work to us!