© 2020 Romi Boon All Rights Reserved
HDR image
Just west of Carefree, Arizona is Bartlett Lake, a reservoir lake formed by the damming of the Verde River. We had heard that the Arizona Desert poppies where bountiful here, so we just had to check it out! On our arrival, we noted these yellow-orange poppies covered the landscape and they were indeed beautiful! That said however I was most taken by the unique mix of saguaro trees and the soaring mountains in the background. Some of the key elements that I like in this photo include: -The darkest dark shadows (group mass), demands the viewer's attention, creating a strong focal point. -The strong vertical lines (the saguaro trees), adding contrast. -The color variety, that makes the depth of field stand out.
In Scottsdale, Arizona Finding and planning photographic locations takes time and physical effort but the reward can often yield some fantastic memories and photographs. That said, scoping out a location is never a chore, it’s a sincere joy! This photograph was taken on the Granite Mountain Loop Trail (north-east Scottsdale, on the Senoran Preserve). As we approached the park's entry gate we heard a beeping noise and discovered that the gate's automatic opener was malfunctioning. As we waited (along with other guests) for the gait to correct itself my partner graciously volunteered to wait and stay with his vehicle so I could cycle off. I had noticed this hillside scene on a previous ride but now (with the early morning sun and the passing storm clouds), it was even more stunning! The color version of this photograph is also a winner however I love how the de-saturated colors created a more powerful and demanding scene. When I’m engulfed in my passions (early morning starts, cycling, hiking and photography), it is truly my “happy place”. That said, what could possibly be more enjoyable then traveling and discovering such spectacular places like this!
