by D.A. Edwards
Thanks for the comments on my previous posting! Here's a last one from this first camp in Zion, looking in the other direction at sunrise. In retrospect I wish that I had been able to find some special FG element but I overslept a bit and had to rush just to catch this first light. The sun cast a mesmerizing pink/orange hue over the already red rocks of the Zion landscape.
I could spend a few weeks just running around within the frame of this photo if I had the time (and some water sources.) So we broke camp, dropped our packs, went back to the truck for more water (and a couple of beers) and hiked back in to another location about a mile from this spot.
Looks like there's a southern Utah run here in the Landscape gallery 
Comments
11 commentsThis nicely shows the environs of southern Utah. You captured the soft morning light and a tranquil feel to the place.
A very pretty scene, Dave. That soft light is just wonderful.
Nick Bristol
The lighting here is wonderful, Dave, with the gentle orange clouds and the touches of sunlight on the highest ridges. I've toyed with cropping a bit off the bottom, but decided I like the extra sense of height that this version provides.
Excellent light you captured! There sure is a lot too explore in this scene, both in the photo and in real life. And oversleeping a sunset; been there done that, haha. Especially when I sleep in my hammock, because that thing is so comfortable that I sleep like a baby and wake up way after sunset. Bad stuff for a landscape photographer!
Very pleasing color palette presented. I like the mood it creates. Very nice layering in the image.
Glad you had a good time and made some very nice images in Southern Utah. I don't get to Zion as often as I should, the crowds really turn me off. But you have discovered the secret, and that's to get off the road a mile or two really in any direction. Beautiful morning light in an amazing place.
You captured some sweet light and nice colors.I especially love the soft morning light. Beautiful image
Thanks for the comments everyone. As a Californian, I've learned quite well how to escape from the crowds in a national park, Gary. As you said it usually involves just a little bit of walking (with uphill reinforcing the effect.) We spent zero time in the main valley in Zion other than to get our backcountry permit.
I could not believe how much Springdale has grown since my last visit there although I was glad that there is a good grocery store now. The same goes for Moab which we landed in during the week of the Jeeper's Jamboree. Yikes! We had to skip Arches entirely despite having planned on a couple of nights there due to a line of over 40 vehicles at the entrance station! No thank you.
This has a peacefulness to it that just draws me in. The light is beautiful as is the color pallette. While this image is technically excellent, the real attraction comes from the emotional response it evokes and that's what we should all strive for. Very well done!
A very atmospheric image, Dave.
I've been to Zion only once, over 20 years ago, and could not get out of there fast enough, because of the crowds. I promised never to go back. Ditto with Yosemite. Maybe I'll give them another try someday, but every time that I'm ready to reconsider I end up deciding to go to some of the dwindling number of (relatively) less popular places, or at least places that are so big that it is always possible to be alone, at least if you choose the timing right (Death Valley, Big Bend, Canyonlands come to mind, and a few other places). Sorry for the rant....
Gorgeous light here, Dave. Unmistakable Zion look in this backdrop. Just love those Utah colors, especially around Zion / Bryce.
I use to visit this park every year for 15 years straight, sometimes twice in a year, before it became so over run. At times the more the photos publicizing locales like Zion, the more the crowds start showing up. Still my favorite park to date.