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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.... ;-)
Black and white photography; you either love it, hate it, or it depends on the shot. Some of the photography groups I follow ask, “Which version do you like, the black and white one or the color one?”, and the response tend to spit down the middle. Personally, I feel it depends on the shot. I ask myself does black and white help lead your eye to the subject, or does it make your eyes look harder for the subject? I also look to the darkest darks and the lightest lights and ask, am I taking away from composition or adding to it? That said however, there aren’t any golden rules in “art”. Although I love black and white, I love to see a hint of color (you’ve likely noticed) but again, there isn't a golden rule and personally, I feel it depends on the shot. Good friends, Jo and Lesli share a passion for vintage car restoration and while visiting them recently I snapped a few photos in their front yard. I took many photos of their truck but my favorites are the ones I took lying on the ground, looking up at the truck (as I did here). Thanks Lesli and Jo, for being so accommodating!
