Alain Briot Print of the Month Collection
Print of the Month Photograph Number Seventy Two

Clouds Mesa
(copyright logo not present on actual fine art print)

Spectacular...I love this picture (Zabriskie Point). It's simple, colorful and artistic. This piece glows with its warming colors and draws me in.  The detail and light portray an almost three dimensional effect. Gary Stewart, Georgetown, Texas

The Photograph
The 72nd Alain Briot Print of the Month photograph is titled Clouds Mesa.

It was created with my Phase One P45 digital back mounted on a Hasselblad SWCM-CF camera with a fixed Zeiss Biogon 38mm. This image is a digital collage created from about 8 separate captures. The resolution of the final image is very high making it possible to print this photograph to mural size if need be. Needless to say, the detail is incredible. As always, the jpeg on this page cannot do justice to the final print which is gorgeous.

It took me 6 months to complete this image, between the work involved in stitching the frames, the color correction work and the image optimization. Part of the problem was that the 8 or more (I cannot remember how many precisely) captures were taken over a 30 minutes or more period and the light changed while I was photographing. As a result, different clouds and cloud shadows as well as light and dark areas on the landscape are present in the different captures. Merging them did not solve this problem, hence I had to do a lot of hand work to make all the different captures live happily together. I also had to clone part of the clouds at the top of the image because I somehow forgot to photograph that area... If you look carefully you will see that the top left cloud area is similar to the top right-center cloud area. That is because I cloned the top right-center area, flipped it horizontally, then used it to fill the top left area which was blank. I also had difficulties with having the colors match throughout the image. Finally, I was not sure if it was ready for publication until I decided there was nothing more I could do to make it better, something that I decided at the end of February while showing this image to one of my students and realizing I very much liked it the way it is.

The result is a unique photograph that can never be duplicated since going back to the location and taking the same photo would be impossible since it is not a single photograph but a merging of several different captures to which parts were added. The final piece is both beautiful and unique.

Most importantly, beyond all these technical considerations, this piece represents not only a place but an emotion. It stands for my emotional response to this scene. In my work, I find inspiration in the words that Ansel Adams penned in1979 in his Foreword to Yosemite and the Range of Light:

. . . I was casually making a visual diary - recording where I had been and what I had seen-and becoming intimate with the spirit of wild places.  Gradually my photographs began to mean something in themselves; they became records of experiences as well as of places.

The Print
This photograph is available framed and unframed. It is hand signed on the mat and the print. The frame is a handmade Mahogany Finish Frame. The moulding is truly magnificent and does emphasize the beauty of this image. The photograph I took of the moulding show very closely how beautiful this presentation is. However, these pieces looks much better in reality than a web photograph can show! You just won't believe your eyes when you receive yours. All the framing materials used are Museum Quality, archival supplies. All my work is guaranteed for life in regard to fading and damage caused by framing materials.

Framed pieces are delivered in a stunning mahogany finish frame.

A Unique Special offer
This photograph is priced at my special "print of the month price." Look at the table below and compare it to my regular prices to find out exactly how much you are saving through this incredible offer!

Shipping
For US orders, shipping costs are included in the Print of the Month price. US orders are shipped via US Priority Mail insured and trackable.

For International orders shipping costs are calculated based on destination. If you live outside of the US you will receive a shipping quote after you placed your order. International and overseas orders are shipped via US Airmail insured.

Packing
Each package is professionally packed and insured for its full value by us. We guarantee that you will receive your matted or framed photograph in perfect condition. If you receive your photograph damaged simply contact us and then return the damaged photograph to us. We will ship you a new piece right away upon receipt of your return piece at no extra cost.

One month, 100% Money Back Guarantee
All purchases are covered by my unique 100% Take one month to decide money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason just return it (in original condition) for a refund or credit. Take one month to decide. And, if your photograph fades, we will replace it at no charge!

Order Now
a) email your order form. Click here to download your pdf emailable order form, fill in your shipping and credit card information and email it back 24 hours a day. You can also return your order form by mail if you like.

b) Call toll free at 800-949-7983 or 928-252-2466 and place your order directly on our toll free hotline using any credit card.

c) Order with PayPal by using the Paypal buttons at this Link.

.