I haven’t actually counted where we are in our 11-week workshop tour, but I think it is somewhere in Week Six and quite a few thousand miles. It’s been fun, and after all, with an empty nest and being able to work with one’s spouse, we are our immediate family. This trip, we are getting to see all our kids and grandkids, so that is a treat.
As some of you know, we have been doing final scouting for our Zion & Bryce Canyon National Park photo workshop. As promised, here are a few shots I’ve done in the past several days…
We started off in Bryce Canyon and stayed at a wonderful B&B on the east side of the park. This shot is from the lesser-visited, eastern area. In fact, I think we saw a total of four people when we were here. The hoodoos contrasted with the river quite nicely.
It was late in the day, as we had driven down from Boise, so we didn’t have a lot of time in the Park that first late afternoon. As the sun set, and the light got lower and lower, I was able to make this photograph out at Sunset Point.
Thor’s Hammer is one of the signature hoodoos in Bryce, so we got up early one morning to greet sunrise and the wonderful fill light that comes with that time of day. By the way, the special light you see is not direct light, rather light bouncing off the cliffs behind my back.
I have always loved Ravens, and those who follow this blog know that I talk to them. We arrived at one overlook along the rim, and there were two of these magnificent and intelligent creatures. I started quorking to them in my usual way (don’t ask what Arnie says), and they came hopping along the rail to greet me. It made my day! We found out from our B&B hosts that these two are known as The Sentinels, a good name, indeed.
Another morning, we climbed down into the canyon a bit where I found this needle contrasting beautifully against the clear, blue sky.
We drove over to Zion National Park, taking the tunnel road. We knew there was road construction, but no one let on just how bad it was. That said, the road apparently was sliding into the ravine, so it’s a good thing that major rebuilding is being done! And lest someone ask, yes, we do have an alternative route for the upcoming workshop!
Yesterday (I think it was yesterday), we hiked up to one of the Emerald Pools that I had visited with my mother some 25 years ago. The reflections were lovely, and I set myself up low to the ground … er water … to get this photo.
As we walked out after our somewhat strenuous hike, we saw this wonderful light on one of the tall, sandstone monoliths and stopped to photograph.
Today, we started out at West Temple, and I was able to do a panorama in the early-morning light.
We went on to Weeping Rock, and I had fun giving this oft-photographed location a different look.
Finally, as day faded and the harsh contrasts abated along the Virgin River, Arnie and I waited out visitors crossing the river as they returned from their hike up to The Narrows. This scene is usually portrayed as a vertical, so I was determined to make a horizontal photograph of it.
We always enjoy comments.
We hope you will LIKE this blog (just above the blog title above) and SHARE it (below) with those interested in photography and travel along with the following:
I loved Bryce and Zion when I visited them in 1949. But have not been back. Too bad as your images shows how much I am missing. But I will see you both tomorrow for Canyon de Chelly. Looking forward to a great trip.
George, Wait until you see the student images. They did a fabulous job. Arnie and I were most impressed. Take care and see you on the morrow, TBC
Gorgeous images! I’m very much looking forward to being with you and Arnie, as well as alumnni, in Yosemite in December.
Arnie Berkman
Thanks, Arnie B. It is certainly a wonderful place to photograph, but then, why would we pick places that weren’t! We look forward to welcoming you back in December. Won’t this be your fourth?
Take care,
TBC
Thank you! Your photos bring back wonderful memories for me of both places. We had the good luck to be in Zion National Park the week of Nov. 11th, many years ago, and caught the aspens in full fall gold. Clear blue skies, stunning rocks, brilliant yellow aspens and perfect hiking weather (temp in the mid-70’s) made for a great few days. We were surprised when we then went to Zion, and snow had already fallen!
Pat, Thanks for writing. Keep checking in, as I am going to try to do several short blogs during this workshop. We are more than busy during the workshop, but I just stay up late and process the few images I get to do for myself. Take care, TBC
Absolutely stunning work. Great stuff. We loved Zion but didn’t get to spend a lot of time shooting there. It’s on the short list. Your workshop will be another huge success!
Thanks, Gary, for the kind comments. Next year, we are going to spend a week here and in Bryce. That would be a good one for Chris’ and your short list! Take care, TBC
As beautiful as I remembered. Can’t wait to get together with you and the group tomorrow.
Cheryl, Yes, indeed, it is a spectacular location. Arnie and I had a great time shooting today. We look forward to welcoming you back on the morrow. Meanwhile, take care, TBC
Great Photos Margo! Looking forward to visiting there with you in the future. John Singleton
John, Thanks! I had fun making them! You’d love it here with your eye, and we look forward to welcoming you back. Take care, TBC
I’m reading your lovely blog Margo!
Suzanne, So glad you are enjoying it! Send our best to the Movie Night gang! Take care, TBC
Zion is my favorite place on the planet. Wish I were there with you.
KC, Yes, I love Zion, too, almost as much as Canyon de Chelly. We are having a wonderful time. This morning, it was cloudy, and the patterns in those clouds was dramatic! I’m downloading them as I type this. Take care, TBC