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Superstition Mountain is located east of Phoenix and Apache Junction. It was once volcanic but now this sleeping giant is a popular recreational area for bikers, ATV'rs, and horseback riders too. It's rugged and sheer sided peaks are well over 5000 feet and can be seen for miles. I camped at the Lost Dutchman State Park, which is conveniently located behind from where I took this photo. I left my campsite early; giving myself plenty time to find the perfect composition. It wasn't easy to get here; I climbed over boulders, around bushes and dodge the prickly cacti too (ouch!) and it seemed to never end (lol). As the mountain grew larger, I stopped to take a series of focus stacked shots until I eventually parked myself here. I stayed until it was dark and watched as the light changed, and took photos as it did. There is a trail at the bottom of the mountain that runs from left to right, and then into the shaded canyon on the right. Those that are agile climb to the top of the mountain on the far right. I did hiked into the canyon a few years back but I wasn't prepared to go that far on a hot day. Arizona is known for it's amazing sunsets which casts some amazing colors on the desert floor (just like this photo). I headed back after I got some blue hour shots but boy, was it dark and walking back in darkness wasn't fun! Oh well, I made a new memory and I chuckle at the new (more) scratches on my legs (which seems to go hand in hand to get the shots I want, lol).
The Grand Canyon is definitely both "Mighty" and "Grand"! Not only is it one of the most photographed locations in the world but it's also one of the most visited too. This photo was taken from the Desert View Point area (which is located near the eastern entrance to the Grand Canyon). I spent hours here, meandering the trails and taking photos as I did (I watched my step!). I had so much fun looking for a perfect shot, and when I came across this scene, I knew that this was it! It was mid-day however and the canyon was filled with sunlight, and as a result the canyon looked flat; lacked vibrancy, contrast and texture. Hmmm.... who wants to see a flat Grand Canyon!? (lol). So, I decided to return when the sun was about to set; I was determined to get the shot I envisioned! With the sun lower in the sky and some contrasting shadows, this image now has depth, and with the inclusion of the foreground, it it has perspective too. Notice too how the warm light from the setting sun make the colors of the canyon walls pop, and come alive. Now the Grand Canyon looks “grand” and the Colorado River below, looks “mighty”, as it should be! I’d like to give thanks to my many Arizonian professional artist friends whom have so openly shared their artistic principles with me over the years; including composition, visual flow and perspective; all of which I’ve applied to this photograph. Thank you all, for being such a huge part of my artistic journey.
To "be brave". I became very philosophical when I took this photo; I was moved to tears. This photo was taken on a country back-road in the middle of “Nowhereville” California, where birds were gliding between the towering cliffs above, and the sound of fast moving water echoed from below. It was so peaceful, and I was at one with the stillness. As I looked through my viewfinder, it struck me that the bridge represented the path to new beginnings and the blind corner represented the unknown that lie ahead. All alone, I cried.... then, with a sense of gratitude, I wiped my tears, pulled up my big girl pants and crossed the bridge. It takes courage to venture into the unknown but we can choose to be brave and "write" many amazing chapters in our book of life, if we choose. On to the next chapter.... ;-)
