Sunset at the Bend

Editing notesThis image is an HDR composite created from three bracketed exposures (-2, 0, +2 EV), with the photographer incorporated from a fourth photograph taken at the same location just minutes earlier. Sony A7R III with a Samyang 12mm lens, f/8, 1/80 sec, and variable ISO across the bracketed exposures. All HDR merging, editing, and retouching were performed exclusively in ON1 Photo RAW 2026. Multiple selective masks were used to independently adjust the sky, foreground rocks, central rock formation, canyon walls, and Colorado River, balancing exposure, contrast, and detail. Two Dynamic Contrast adjustments were applied: one selectively to enhance the texture of the central rock formation and another globally to improve overall detail and tonal separation. The goal was to preserve the natural atmosphere of the sunset while revealing detail throughout the scene's extreme dynamic range.

• ILCE-7RM3
• ISO 4000
• 1/80 sec