© 2020 Romi Boon All Rights Reserved
Sedona, Arizona Sometimes, luck plays a major component of capturing that “spectacular photo" and this is one such a photo! "Luck" was definitely with me on this day; not only did Boynton Canyon (Sedona) receive snow, on this day (that I happened to be hiking), but my timing and perspective was spot on! That said though, I had to lie down on a red, sloppy, mud covered hillside to get this shot but it was SO worth it! I love the dark foreground; it anchors the photograph. I also love the weight of the clouds and the hints of blue sky. Notice that the mountain tops are defined by the dark clouds, yet another “lucky me”. The Enchantment Resort is nestled in these Sedona’s mountains, hence this photographs name.
We arrived at Lees Ferry on a sunny and warm day in January. Upon arrival, we happily set up camp at the local National Park Campground that overlooked the Colorado River and the rock canyon walls; not far from where this photo was taken. After some exploring by foot, we set up a couple lawn chairs and poured ourselves a few (lol) glasses of wine, enjoyed a charcuterie board, reminisced and giggled as we watched the setting sun. Very quickly though, the evening air grew cold and we called it a day. As planned, the next morning we got up early to hike Cathedral Wash Trail, which we had passed as we drove in (only 5 minutes back). I was excited; I remembered visiting Lees Ferry before and saying, “We just have to come back and hike in there!”, and here we were; pinch me! The sun was just cresting when we arrived and the temperature was well below freezing. Just as we started out, I looked back and noticed the road we had driven in on and how the curb caught the cresting morning light; it creating a very defining line through the desert that demanded my attention. I instantly loved the way the road appears and then disappears and the way your eye follows the road to where the slopes and road join, creating a strong focal point. Although I had set out to capture Mother Nature’s beauty, this photo turned out to my shot of the day. What I love about this photo is the blending of the lonely modernism in the middle of the desert’s solitude. Lees Ferry, is a tiny settlement on the Colorado River, 6 miles north-west of Alt. Highway 89 (near Page, Arizona), which is also known as Marble Canyon. It’s here that the mighty Grand Canyon begins and is called, “mile zero” of the 277-mile canyon. It too is where most of the Grand Canyon river boat expeditions start.
“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.
