Multi Layered Vermilion

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is composed of resistant red sandstone beds, formed from deposited silt and desert dunes and cemented by infiltrated carbonates. The rocks are intensely colored by red iron oxide and other minerals, particularly bluish manganese.

 

This creates incredibly beautiful structures and hues. The most famous formation is The Wave in Coyote Buttes North. However, there are countless lesser-known spots with enough hoodos, arches, slot canyons, and brain rock formations to keep a photographer busy for a lifetime.

 

Paired with extremely dark skies, the area is a landscape astrophotography paradise, and since my first visit, in 2016, I have been waiting for my chance to return. In MayI plannec to spend one week in the area. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate, but at least I got one partially clear night.

 

This image, showing amazing layers of reddish rocks in front of some white brainrock formations beneath a perfect Milky Way, is one of my favorite compositions from that night.

 

EXIF

Canon EOS-R, astro-modified

Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 @ 15mm

iOptron SkyTracker Pro

IDAS NBZ filter

 

Sky:

Stack of 6x 45s @ ISO1600, unfiltered & 3x 105s @ ISO6400, filtered

 

Foreground:

Focus stack of 5x 2s @ ISO100 during twilight

Done