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There's nothing better than stumbling across an incredible and unexpected landscape, and "Burr Trail" (Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah) was indeed one of those amazing experiences! While travelling late we decided it was time find a place to boondock (dry-camp) so from "Scenic Byway 12", we turned on to Burr Trail road. It wasn't long before we found the most impressive and quaint spot in a ravine, it was captivating! That said however, the banner views were yet to come! As we drove down Burr Trail, the steep, red canyon walls closed in on us. Occasionally the sun crested the ridges far above us however the canyon was (for the most part) illuminated only by the bounced lighting from red canyon walls. That stated, you can well imagine how magnificent the warm/red lighting was; we were encapsulated in a photographer's dream! In this particular photo, I absolutely love the dark shadowed slope. It, combined with the other lines in this photograph, give you a strong sense of focal point and direction. Doesn't this shot make you want to know what's around the next corner!
No doubt the first thing that comes to mind when you look at this photo is, “cold”! That said however, Alberta's cold wintry days are usually sunny, thus so very spectacular! As the morning clouds were lifting, the sun cast its rays on the mountain slopes, and the shadows it creates helps to define the ruggedness of the range. The shadows of the foreground trees help lead your eyes along and up to the mountain peaks. Notice how the foreground shadow, the mountain range and the heavy clouds above, all contribute to the balance of this photo; each being one third of the field of view.
We visited beautiful Bryce Canyon (in the southern state of Utah) on a brisk and stellar February day. It was truly an amazing day to say the least, and having never been there before I was in utter “Awe”! We were lucky to not only arrive on a sunny day but after a fresh snow fall as well. Everywhere I looked the colours seemed saturated, especially in contrast with the shadow cast snow and the high altitude, deep blue sky (the rim is 8000 - 9000 ft. above sea level) . Albeit very cold (-5C, 23F) and very windy, we hiked to the valley floor below, were it was surprisingly warmer, we even peeled off our jackets! As we climbed back up to the rim, I happened to notice this view across the way, and I knew it would make an absolutely amazing panoramic abstract. With the "rule of thirds" in mind, I captured this shot and a few others of similar. What’s not shown in this photo are the trees above the snow line, but I chose to crop them out so your eye wouldn’t be drawn to them; instead, I want you to notice the the vibrant colors! The snow in the distance is a purple-blue color because it has absorbed the deep blue color of the sky, and the brilliance in the oranges and yellow sandstone is a result of the sunlight reflecting off the canyon wall falling away, below my feet. Notice too that the sun kisses the lip of the sandstone pillars, which helps to define the ridges by separating the two orange tones. This panoramic shot is one of my (all time) favorites, and it hangs on our family’s wall.
