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“Four Peaks” Four Peaks is a prominent mountain range and landmark that adorns the eastern skyline of Phoenix, Arizona (it’s located in the Tonto National Forest’ 40 miles (64 km) east-northeast of Phoenix). The highest of the four peaks is Brown’s Peak, with an elevation of 7,657 feet. In hoping to get a good shot of Four Peaks, I had (on a previous occasion) explored the Saguaro Lake recreational area but really couldn't find the view I was looking for; the mountain range was so far away. Then one day I was told about the Four Peaks Wilderness area and I was super excited to check it out. When I pulled off of the Beehive Highway I was immediately saddened by what I saw; the desert floor had been ravaged by fire. I was both saddened, and disappointed. Regardless though, I continued on a sometimes narrow, dusty and rocky road and as I did, my sadness grew by the enormity of the fire. I was elated however to come across an area that was untouched; “yay, greenery!” I exclaimed. There where saguaro trees everywhere, all around me but because I was in a ravine I couldn’t see Four Peaks anymore. So, I decided to stop and climb up a (cholla infested) slope in hopes I could get high enough to see over the opposite hill.... and I did! AND what a view! I absolutely love the three distinctive color layers (that nature created) in this photograph; along with the dark shadows of the rocks, which adds contrast. I love the variety in pattern; the vertical lines of the saguaro trees in contradiction with the roundness of the rocks. Importantly, there's a very strong sense of flow; the viewer’s eyes are easily led to through the photo graph and finally to a resting place, the Four Peak mountain range. All these things combined makes this an exceptionally composed photograph, one I’m proud of and feel very blessed to have. No matter where you are, any outdoor activity creates an adventurous life and many great stories to share! * The Four Peaks Wilderness fire was started by a vehicle fire in June of 2020 and is one of Arizona’s largest fires.
I called this image, “A Moment In Time” because it lasted for only a moment! After I parked my RV for the night, just east of Fountain Hills Arizona, I noticed a storm brewing to the towards 4 peaks Mountain range. I soon noticed lightning and took that as an opportunity to try my hand at capturing a lightning strike. I walked up a little hill to where there was massive view of the valley below and beyond. I put my camera on my tripod and faced the easterly storm when I noticed a hint of color developing over my left shoulder and within mere minutes the sky was on fire! It was truly unbelievable! Another photographer happened to be there trying to capture some lightning strikes too and when the fire in the sky developed we were both so busy taking shots that afterwards we exclaimed, “Did you see that!!” We were both so excited! I felt so fortunate to witness this view; I couldn’t have planned it! That said, one of the reasons I love photography is that I can now share this view with you!
The desert, is so much greener than you might think and when there's been a lot of rain it becomes exceptionally green, as in this photograph. On the morning of this photo shoot, I not only woke to this view but to snow on the desert floor too. Fortunately, even though it melted quickly it remained on the mountainside (the south side of Superstition Mountain, AZ). I was thrilled!! I had planned to travel south that morning but because of the unexpected snowfall, I decided to stay. That said, I'm so glad did because by golden hour my mountain view was absolutely breathtaking! I love how the clouds cast its shadows in this photograph, and how the sun’s rays highlighted only certain spots. Together the highlights (sun) and lowlights (shadows) help define the depth of field. If you want this view every day, be sure to reach out to me for enlargement details; I’m here to help. Romi :-)
