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I spent Christmas in Desert Hot Springs (with some dear friends) and although I wanted to travel home to my family I had to considered the implications; my tightening time frame (to the set up of the Arizona Fine Art Expo) and then of course, the threat of covid exposure. One of the most visually interesting things in Palm Springs are the 100's of wind turbines that cover the valley floor and hillsides; my objective here (besides Christmas!) was to get some "signature" shots of the Coachella Valley. It was late day when I noticed a sudden weather change so off I went, to my pre-planned photographic destination. With my tripod firmly anchored in the desert sand and my camera focused on a grouping of wind turbines, I suddenly noticed a change in overall color, and then I noticed why.... and you might say I changed my "focus"! The first thing I noticed was the complimentary colors of the hillsides and then I noticed the matching colors of the sky! "Really!" I exclaimed to myself! I was SO excited! It was (truly) so thrilling to witness this! I'm sure though, that most people wouldn't have noticed the colors of the hillsides but I'm so color intuitive that they "screamed" (lol) at me! With little time to spare, I removed my camera from my tripod, switched lenses and hand held this shot. I wanted a high quality panoramic shot of this scene so this photograph is actually comprised of three shots (that I later stitched together in post production). Sure, I didn't get the shots of the wind turbines I wanted but I got this shot instead; which made my day!
It occurred to me the other day, that I am a "weather chaser" (lol... just like storm chasers but I chase the "weather"). More specifically, I chase after the unique weather because it adds drama (and/or a mood) to my photographs. The downside of weather chasing IS the weather (lol); the cold, rain, snow and wind (along with early mornings and late evenings). When I get a shot like this one however, I reap the rewards! As I approached my destination for the day (Picacho Peak State Park, between Phoenix and Tuscan), I noticed a huge storm building and filling the valley in front of me. The storm was a sight to see, complete with lightning, rain bursts, rainbows and the sun was mixed in there too. It was so spectacular; I wished I was in the thick of it! By the time I stopped at the state park, all that remained of the storm was the rain. My decision to stop here was a last minute (weather) decision so I arrived without campsite reservation. Fortunately however they just had a cancellation (Yay!). I was set (and hoped the "weather" to return). As I detached my Jeep from my RV it occurred to me that park wraps around Picacho Peak (to the west) and that maybe there would be some "weather" on that side. So, with that in mind, off I went. I parked at the Sunset Vista Trailhead and noted a beautiful sunset forming (something I couldn't see from my campsite). With my camera backpack and my tripod in hand I ventured onto the muddy trail. The clouds still lingered behind me as I hiked and then suddenly a beautiful rainbow suddenly appeared. I was so tempted to turn my attention but because time was of the essence, I stayed focused on this composition. I love this photo's composition (it's one of my favorite compositions). The lay of the land, the greenery, sun, highlights, darks and clouds all help lead your eye into, through and out the photo. I also like the warm tones (the setting sun created), the lush colors of the foliage and rocks (thanks to the rain), and the strong vertical lines of the saguaro trees (in contrast to everything else). Although it's been chilly, windy and raining I feel so blessed to be here with my camera on this winter day!
Rightfully named because there's a bird perched on the bolder! This sunrise photo was taken from Scottdale's McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Tom’s Thumb trail. Looking south-east towards Weaver's Needle and Superstition Mountain (as seen in the distance).
