Day 02- A Really Early Morning and Red Cliffs
Just as Delicate Arch is the iconic image for Arches National Park, Mesa Arch is for many, the one for Canyonlands. Sunrise is the classic time to visit, but one needs to get up early, and we did. We were in our cars and on our way by 4 am.
All the photographs make it looks so large, when in fact, there is not room for too many people. As it is, people tend to be elbow to elbow, hopefully polite enough to be respectful of one another, but alas, not always. What is more, one is at the end of a cliff, so for those who are wary of heights, this isn’t the place for them.
We got there in time to do a night sky while the pre-dawn horizon offered a glow to the underside of the arch.
So many people see the beautiful sunrises from under the arch, but Arnie and I are always looking for a different point of view. After helping our group and making sure they got help for the shots they wanted, I found a different vantage point for the sunrise. I love rim light, and this view gave me just that along with hints of detail in the still-dark canyon below.
And seeking yet another different view, I homed in on a portion of the canyon below, savoring the way the low light made the surfaces glow. The White Rim lit up, setting off the depths of the canyon.
We returned to our favorite breakfast place, Jailhouse Café, and enjoyed just relaxing after our inordinately early wake-up call. Everyone was pleased, and they all agreed that it was well worth it.
Back to our work room for imaging and critiquing, and Arnie and I helped our group realize the rest of their vision in post-processing, just as film photographers did back in the days of the chemical darkroom.
It was time to go out for our late-afternoon shoot. Go out too early, and the light is still too hot. We arrived at our first spot as the light was beginning to get interesting, then moved on. I always love the way these cliffs drip down into the valley, their color turning amazing as the sun fades.
Next: Another Overlook and an Old Friend
If you enjoy our blog(s) …
Join us in our Facebook Group where we have a weekly, What-Is-It? challenge, as well as a monthly assignment challenge. This month, we are offering a Hoodman loupe to the winner. Check it out.
Please SUBSCRIBE. It’s easy to do by clicking on the appropriate link at the top of the right column.
Comments on the blog are always encouraged and welcome.
We also hope you will LIKE this and SHARE this blog with those interested in photography by clicking on the buttons below. We also hope you will check out these links: