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Canyonlands - Mesa Arch
This scene is best captured just prior to sunrise, and in the winter when the sun is far enough to the south to reflect off the massive red cliff wall on the north side of the arch and reflect on the underside. This means one must rise early in the pre-dawn morning to arrive and set up the camera gear. A flashlight may come in handy walking in the dark but the trail is relatively easy and not too long. The worst part may be finding an open spot to shoot among all the other photographers gathered there on any given morning.
This image has been used as a publisher’s double page background and the print is on Fuji Crystal Archive paper.
I have photographed this scene many times. Each time is the same ritual, early morning wake-ups, loading up equipment, grabbing a cup of coffee for the one-hour drive from Moab and heading north past Arches still in total darkness. As I turn west toward Canyonlands National Park and gain a little elevation I can look back toward the horizon and maybe get an idea if the clouds will obscure the sun or if, even worse, there are no clouds, making for a dull sunrise. I pass the Canyonlands entrance station, still far too early for anyone to be checking passes. I go through the esses and reach the parking area, looking to see if there is any competition. On this particular morning there was none. I had the place to myself. Yippee!
This particular morning also had some low-lying clouds floating in the valley. As the sun rises the sunrays were dispersed through the cloud layer creating a nice warm glow above the arch and in the valley. Every time I go back I look for this same type of condition but I haven’t been able to duplicate this scene in seven years. Oh well, I think this one is pretty good. I hope you like it as well.