© 2020 Romi Boon All Rights Reserved
928-821-1880
“Four Peaks” Four Peaks is a prominent mountain range and landmark that adorns the eastern skyline of Phoenix, Arizona (it’s located in the Tonto National Forest’ 40 miles (64 km) east-northeast of Phoenix). The highest of the four peaks is Brown’s Peak, with an elevation of 7,657 feet. In hoping to get a good shot of Four Peaks, I had (on a previous occasion) explored the Saguaro Lake recreational area but really couldn't find the view I was looking for; the mountain range was so far away. Then one day I was told about the Four Peaks Wilderness area and I was super excited to check it out. When I pulled off of the Beehive Highway I was immediately saddened by what I saw; the desert floor had been ravaged by fire. I was both saddened, and disappointed. Regardless though, I continued on a sometimes narrow, dusty and rocky road and as I did, my sadness grew by the enormity of the fire. I was elated however to come across an area that was untouched; “yay, greenery!” I exclaimed. There where saguaro trees everywhere, all around me but because I was in a ravine I couldn’t see Four Peaks anymore. So, I decided to stop and climb up a (cholla infested) slope in hopes I could get high enough to see over the opposite hill.... and I did! AND what a view! I absolutely love the three distinctive color layers (that nature created) in this photograph; along with the dark shadows of the rocks, which adds contrast. I love the variety in pattern; the vertical lines of the saguaro trees in contradiction with the roundness of the rocks. Importantly, there's a very strong sense of flow; the viewer’s eyes are easily led to through the photo graph and finally to a resting place, the Four Peak mountain range. All these things combined makes this an exceptionally composed photograph, one I’m proud of and feel very blessed to have. No matter where you are, any outdoor activity creates an adventurous life and many great stories to share! * The Four Peaks Wilderness fire was started by a vehicle fire in June of 2020 and is one of Arizona’s largest fires.
This photo was taken at Bartlett Lake, a reservoir lake located north-east of Scottsdale and slightly north of Rio Verde, Arizona. Popular with anglers and campers, it’s quite unique lake with rugged mountains surrounding it and saguaros growing along its shoreline. A photographer has to be very persistent to get the shot they're envisioning. That said, because it was a 45 minute drive from my RV, I left in the darkness of night so that I’d be there for sunrise. I chose to go on this day because there was snow on the mountain tops but unfortunately the combination of cloud cover, rain and the (icy cold) winds made it impossible to get any kind of (clear) shot. Although I was disappointed by the grey and dreary sky, I did manage to get this shot, which I love because of the soft lighting.
THE GRAND SUNRISE I’ve always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon when there was snow on the ground and as luck should have it, I had a small window of opportunity in the middle of December, 2022. I wanted to camp near the Grand Canyon but it was much to cold to park my RV (without winterizing it) so I boon-docked in Sedona instead, albeit below freezing there too. My goal was to be at the Grand Canyon before sunrise so I left at 4 a.m.; knowing that it was going to be a dark and slippery trip (especially Oak Creek Canyon). Wow, lucky me…. I arrived 10 minutes before sunrise with just enough time to set up my camera and count to 10 (lol)! The sunrise was incredibly pretty and the colors were colors I hadn’t seen in the Grand Canyon before; it was fun to watch the sun fill the canyon and the colors change as it did. There were approximately 40 other visitors watching the sunrise but because it was so cold (-15C/5) they all left, and I had the canyon to myself. It was nice to be the only one there but I was SO, so cold and although I was dressed for the cold my fingers were throbbing as I fumbled around with my camera settings. That said, I (almost) wanted to chuckle because my fingers wouldn’t work but sheesh, the pain! I was so very thankful for this opportunity that it kept me “focused” :-) on my photography passion. That said, what photographers will do for a photograph! I braved the cold until 1 p.m. (I was so done). I have now visited the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in all types of weather, so my next visit will have to be from either the canyon floor (rafting) or the North Rim (which is closed during the winter months).
