The word tinaja originated in the American Southwest and is used to describe pockets that form in the bedrock as a result of waterfalls, surface water erosion or sand/gravel scouring. I mentioned in previous posts that I had the opportunity to spend a few days in Big Bend National Park with some of my photography friends earlier this year. Day two began with a trip to the Ernst tinaja campground and trailhead. The campsite is located at the mouth of a limestone canyon famous for its vibrant orange swirling rocks, giant oyster fossils and the Ernst tinaja itself, a 13-foot natural rock pool known as a “kettle”. The water in the Ernst tinaja is not safe to drink as it is contaminated by animals that fall in during low water season and are unable to get out. The pool in the image below is not of the Ernst tinaja itself but from another tinaja nearby. The rock formations in this area are amazing. I highly recommend this hike to anyone visiting BBNP.
This image was taken with my Canon EOS 5D Mark III using my EF16-35mm f/2.8L USM set on 21 mm. The camera was set on Aperture priority mode with the aperture set at f/18, shutter speed at 1/2 second and the ISO at 100. I took five bracketed images (-2, -1, 0, +1, +2) and brought them together in Photomatix. Final work was done in Photoshop.
Click on the image to get a better look at it. Also, you can access My Big Bend NP Gallery by clicking here. Please use the section below to post your comments, questions or suggestions.
© 2015 T. Kahler Photography
I really like this image. I like how you got tight on the pool to highlight the nice cloud reflection. Best image of the Tinaya Pools so far that I have seen. Beautiful image.
Thanks Rick! Looking forward to going back this fall.