Mesa Arch, Canyon Lands

New Journal 34 – Mesa Arch

When the alarm sounded, I knew it wasn’t time to get up. 3:30am is an ungodly hour. However, if we were to beat the hoards of tourists and photographers to the famous Mesa Arch, we’d have to get there early.

Driving in the dark, we entered Canyonlands national park and slowly headed upwards in our 4×4. It seemed like we’d arrived during animal playtime. little critters could be seen darting across the roads. At one point we had to stop the car for an elk. He sauntered across the roads and barely gave us a glance.

When we arrived, there was only one car in the car park – we’d beaten the crowds. We walked the path towards the arch. It was blue hour – torches were a necessity.

The arch itself is magnificent. No picture I’ve ever seen, or will ever create, will do justice to the incredible scene we were confronted with. The arch acts as an incredible frame for a vast backdrop, lit up by spectacular colours in the sky. The sun rises in an absolutely perfect position – no wonder a picture of this sits in the portfolio of so many a photographer.

The crowds began together just as the light became interested. finding a spot to shoot was difficult. In these situations you just can’t hog one composition. People are lining up behind you and it’s only fair they get a chance too.

I was, overall, happy with what I captured. I wish, however, that I could have had that scene to myself…just for 10 minutes.

As I write this it’s 8:45. I’m sitting outside our cabin, basking in the morning sun. But I’m not quite enjoying it fully since my eyes are half-closed and I’m giddy after only 4 hours sleep.

I’m going back to bed. Good morning!

Today’s Photo – Mesa Arch

Once, what seems like ages ago now, I published an image to flickr where I was shotting into the sun. Someone commented saying ‘Rule no. 1 of photography – never shoot into the sun’.

It was such a bizarre thing to say or believe. Of course you can shoot into the sun, it just requires a different approach. People are always to quick to limit themselves with false rules.

In the coming days I’m going to write a tutorial on capturing the sun while minimizing lens flare without the use of a filter.

Before the Joys of Post-Processing