Sunrise, Court of the Patriarchs, Zion National Park, Utah

Great light happens when you least expect it. Well sometimes that is. The fact is, great light rarely happens. Believe me, I know all about it. In fact, I’m an expert on this topic. I spend around 180 days a year in the field either working on personal shooting projects or leading workshops and tours, and while the light is often good it is rarely ever spectacular. I’m also standing with one foot in the past and the other in the here and now. On more than one occasion, workshop clients have made comments to the tune of “well, we could just add a dramatic sky, right?” Yeah, you could, by would you want to I ask. Would that feel right to you? Maybe so. If so, go for it, but please for the sake of full disclosure, label it as such.

That’s just my thing I guess. yeah, I use digital technology and technique to it’s full effect. I blend exposures, adjust the white balance and often times blend focus for unlimited DOF. Is that cheating. I don’t think so, but some old timers might disagree. I don’t really care to be quite honest. I’m an artist and I I use my tools and craft to convey my vision. That being said, I will not do certain things to an image like add a sky, or a cougar or even a space craft. I prefer to work with what Mother Nature provides. It’s a challenge! It makes it all the worth while spending so many just OK days in the field for when that magic light happens.

Image details: Nikon D300, 12-24mm, Singh Ray LB Polarizer
2 exposure blend (manually in PS4) 15 seconds for the land and water & 4 seconds for the sky.

Fall in the Virgin River Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah

From my hike last week into the Virgin River Narrows of Zion National Park. One of the greatest slot canyon hikes in the world!! The color and reflected light was amazing that afternoon. Many more images and notes from the field when I return late next week.