What's just around that next bend in the stream? Well... you're never really sure, but the answer in this particular case turned out to be each scene more fantastic than the last. Well worth trekking all day in thigh-deep water up Utah's Virgin River. This image is another of my once passed-over rehab projects; not quite as much "wow" factor as some other shots I have from this area, but worthy of a look, I think. Truly a dream location for texture and color lovers like me.The first hour or so on this trip I was diligent about hiking with my gear stored safely in a waterproof pack.. stopping to unpack and set up at each scene along the way. Way too much work under the circumstances and I found that I was passing up potentially good shots because of the extra effort involved. Eventually I had to say screw it... and took my chances walking with the camera around my neck and ready to pop on the tripod, even at the risk of stumbling and ruining the whole deal. Walking very slowly and deliberately through the water with the aid of a tall staff for support saved the day. Try walking on slippery rocks in cold moving water, with all your camera gear someday if you want to see what it's like:) Nothing to complain about in the end, though... got back in one piece with all gear intact and plenty of very cool images.
Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer - and often the supreme disappointment.
- Ansel Adams
18 comments:
Breathtaking image...
Well worth the attempt I'd say. Isn't Zion a great place? I have visited the area a number of times and enjoy painting it. I illustrated a guide book of both Bryce and Zion befor I ever made the trip and fell in love with the whole Slick Rock country.
i love the narrows, and i agree with you, around that bend each scene is more fantastic than the last. wish i can go there again someday.
oh, and i love your picture, the light and the water seem to be fantastic.
It's so beautiful there. I'd be trekking all day too to see the sites. It's so unlike Vermont and I enjoyed your beautiful photo.
Mark - this is amazing! love the colors! Utah is so beautiful! Glad you took your careful time... would have been a shame to ruin the film, no less the camera! Know how you feel though.... Sometimes in life you have to take chances {:-D
absolutely heavenly lighting and colours
OMG, that is just breathtaking. I'm at a loss for words.
Great image, very captivating!
This is breathtaking!
Wonderful, wonderful shots.
I take all mine without a tripod too...I just take more shots so I can throw out the blurry ones...but the spontaniety is worth it!
superb work. I love the colors.
Mark, this image is gorgeous and your story reminds me many spring river expeditions here :)
Instead of a waterproof bag i use some waterproof plastic boxes. They are not really friendly to carry but they are really waterproof :) Once or twice i had to swim with them and they were perfect.
Wow, a great shot, Mark. Those rocks on either side almost look like giant chunks of coal. The rock walls have a charred look. That was good imagery...I can see you steadily treading the waters with equipment in tow. And fingers crossed, though that was probably not do-able!
I have to say, I think it's your love off texture and colour that shows up in your shots and the way that you reproduce what you see that drew me to your blog in the first place! I'm very picky about what I like,(probably to narrow minded) hence my small blogroll don't ya know :) Another fine shot sir!!!
I'm currently facing the same dilemma about the safety off ones kit and missing shots because off packing and unpacking! Normally I'm as surefooted as a goat honestly no really! But I had the new camera on a tripod and I fell. While falling I thought damn the new camera (especially because off what I've been through off late) and and was able to twist spin midair to save said camera. Bruised knees elbow ribs but hey the camera is still pristine! From then on I made sure to pack away, and fell again two nights later bruised knees this time :))
Having said all that you do have to take the chance and walk about with the camera out because it can be the shot you do not think will work that does. Needles to say I watch more closely where I putting me feet honest:)
That is absolutely stunning! :)
Awesome scenery, brilliantly nailed Mark. The glow coming through at the top really caps off your composition well. A waterproof housing might be a worthwhile investment for situations like this.
ps regarding my use of the phrase "probably to narrow minded" that sounds a wee bit insulting without you knowing the background to my thoughts... it's not!
the wife likes to say that to me quite a bit:) just because I know what I like and when I like something it remains that way cast in stone.... possibly a flaw but a good one I say :)
Mark, your excellent sense of composition bring back the pleasure of viewing such exciting landscapes such as this one. Well worthy of bringing out of the old drawer and showing :)
I know what you mean about trying to protect your gear and the time involved getting in the way of the captures. I like yourself in somwhat similar situations found that dropping the guard down a bit was well worth the risk to the gear.
Your work is on a level of expertise and quality that i do not see very often in this cyber world of ever-infinite images flooding our screens.
Looking forward to your next postings.
Thank you everyone! It's really useful to find out what kind of images and stories strike a chord with such a varied audience.. I do appreciate it.
Some good suggestions on "waterproofing" equipment.. next time I do such a thing I may try a different way:)
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