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It was with great excitement and enthusiasm, to arrive at Monument Valley National Monument; in anticipation of our long-awaited photo shoot (it was on our bucket list). That said however we were told our 25-foot RV would not be permitted inside the park. We were so disappointed! We were offered a jeep tour but we really wanted the freedom to roam and not be rushed; as most photographers do. Disappointed, we continued on our way, but imagine however how elated we were when we came across a country gravel road that was just outside the park! Without hesitation we turned in and we didn’t have to go very far before we found ourselves over the moon in excitement, “Oh wow”, we declared, “what a gift!”. We parked in (what felt like), our own, private cubbyhole and viewing area. It was here that there we enjoyed the entire day and we got some very unique shots, including this one (yay!). I intentionally included this gnarled cedar tree in this photograph. I felt it was needed to help create a sense of depth and to break up the vastness of the blue sky too. That said, without the tree in the foreground, this photograph would have lacked interest too. Now, with more substance to the photograph, it demands the viewers' attention and then makes them look deeper. We were ever so thankful for this spectacular day! “Pinch me!” Monument Valley is located in northern Arizona and on the south east border of Utah. It’s known for its towering sandstone formations that soar 400 to 1000 feet above the valley floor.
The Grand Canyon is most definitely "Mighty" and it's likely one of the most photographed (and sought after) locations in the world. This photo was taken at the "Desert View Watchtower" (located at the eastern entrance to the canyon) were we spent 4 hours (taking photos) as we waited for the golden hour (sunset). We knew that the warm casting light from the sunset would make the canyon colors come alive, and it did! I love the photographic elements in this photograph. That said, I must give thanks to the many professional artists whom have all openly shared their artistic principles with me; including flow, composition and contrast. All of which, I applied to this photograph.
Finding and planning photographic locations takes time and physical effort but the rewards often yield the best photographs. It never does however seem like a chore when I’m engulfed in my passions (early morning starts, cycling, hiking and photography), it’s then that I’m in my “happy place”! What could possibly be more fun than searching for spectacular locations and then later have a prize photograph. That said however, weather does play a big roll, and even with all the efforts I’ve made, sometimes sudden weather changes have worked against my plans or rewarded me well. This photograph has such a story. I found this location on a previous morning bike ride, and I made a mental note to return. What I loved about this particular location was the combination of darks and lights (the shadows and highlights), often referred to as the darkest darks and the brightest whites, which are complimentary in any photograph or painting. We planned the night before to be on the bike path before sunrise and then cycle out to this location. Our goal was to be there for golden hour, when the early morning rays of sun make the desert cacti come alive. That said however, the weather didn’t cooperate and even though it was an overcast day the sun did poke through occasionally; just enough to get this shot.
