zion Archives

October 6, 2010

Spires of Fainting Light – Zion

I’ve been in the area in the Zion National Park the past few days. It’s an amazing place, but the weather has been lousy. Clouds, rain and stormy winds reign. Not that one could never make good photos in those conditions, but the light overall has been less than magical.

We went for a drive this evening. For a a few brief moments near sunset, a subtle but beautiful light struck these peaks near the main park. I stopped and spent awhile atop the roof of the SUV with my tripod, taking compositions from a few different directions. The monotone of this scene shouted for a good silver process to really focus on the subtle but beautiful light of these peaks.

For Photographers. How it was made…

October 4, 2010

f164, journal, National Park, travel

Here I stand On Top of the World (reference photo).

You can find this spot at coordinates: 37.267000, -113.176000 (view on map)

I am in awe. Tonight’s campsite is high on the Smith Mesa area overlooking Zion National Park. I believe this is the most amazing view I’ve seen in my life. You have to be here to feel the scope of it. We’re camped just a few yards from this bluff right now. No one else around, a silent expanse of dessert fading far below under watching stars.

This is just a iPhone reference photo I took as we set up camp, not a final. It was followed by a stunning sunset and I’ve made various compositions as the light changed. Is there any way to present this and fully show it’s beauty? I think probably not. With a place this amazing it’s hard to show it’s full beauty. Hoping I can nail this one… Gav