Slickrock and Shadow

Reflections in Death Hollow  Today I'll use a recent photoshoot in Death Hollow to discuss photographing reflections in landscape photography.  Reflections are a great aspect to landscape photography that come into play whenever water is nearby.  These reflections have to be accounted for when that body of water is especially still, such as an undisturbed lake or pond.  First things first . . . Q:  Do you want a reflection? A:  No.  Use the polarizer and you will see less reflection and see more what is under the water surface.   A:  Yes.  In this case, do not use a polarizing filter because it specially cuts down on reflection.  If the reflected image is especially interest or adds a desired symmetrical element, I want to include that.  Keep reading for other tips. Next you need to compose your photo to include the right amount of reflection.  Getting lower to the water surface can actually make your reflected surfac...

Temples of Zion from Coal Pits Wash Coals Pits Wash is a beautiful spot for anyone wanting to escape the crowds of Zion National Park.  This secluded area has a great trail into remote canyons.  The further you explore, the more rugged the scenery and trail.  As this follows a wash, the climb is pretty level if you come up from Rockville area.  Another shortcut is from Dalton Wash Road, passing a landmark cinder cone. I came here for my birthday during the pandemic and saw no one else.  My daughters accompanied me as we explored to the ends of two canyons:  Coal Pits and the next-north canyon, Jennings Wash.  Both have water in the Spring, making drinking water an easy thing.  This is not the case in the hot summer, FYI. Coal Pits Wash, typical views in the lower sections.   Waterfall and Plant Life in Upper Coal Pits Wash Water Slicing Through Sandstone Layer in Coal Pits Wash Creating a Series of Tiny Lovely Waterfal...

Steven's Arch high above Coyote Gulch is an excellent detour! Coyote Gulch has world-class photo opportunities and I'm here to show you the best spots to visit.  I'll share lens recommendations as well as time of day advice.  Coyote Gulch has so much to offer in scenery, relaxation, adventure.  I spent 3 days and 3 nights here and want to return again soon. Starting at the Escalante River and then going in upstream order , I shall list the sights and give you my 2¢. Stevens Arch: The most important thing to know about Stevens Arch:  it get better and better as you get closer.  The view from the Escalante River is very fine but if you climb and get up close, you will be richly rewarded. Like many days, the skies were clear in the morning, clouds gathers in the afternoon and then turned overcast.  Hiking up in the morning allowed me to have mostly blue skies and just a few clouds here and there to add interest.  I just waited a few minu...

Black Pool at Coyote Gulch, Utah:  a quiet campsite for single tent Here's my take on tent photography.  On a quiet morning after sleeping our first night at the Black Pool in Coyote Gulch, I got up while my two daughters continued sleeping.  The wind from the previous night was gone.  Nothing stirred.  The tree leaves, the tall grasses and the flat water surface each stood entirely still.  I was able to set up tripod and camera, shutter release and carefully focus.  A long shutter speed later, I had this photo. I carefully rotated my polarizing filter to remove reflections off the wet seeping rock walls, thus keeping the all wonderful colors.  But I also wanted to keep all those reflections on the water.  This ended up being an easy task, but one I did consciously. I have seen plenty of tent photography:  tents in lonely, beautiful places.  I think this shot is a worthy addition to this genre.  

Death Hollow beautiful landscapes in the middle section of this hike.  The stream, high canyon cliffs and lots of green trees are common in is awesome section.   This section of Death Hollow is easily the most beautiful.  The hard work we put in the first day and we would put in the last day was worth it because of this middle day in paradise.  After some small storms through the night, the morning was glorious with blue sky and some light clouds.  Our campsite was one of the more open parts of the canyon.  This yielded fabulous views of the cliffs and canyon.  One of my favorite shots of the trip was my wife and her sister drinking their morning hot chocolate with a fabulous view. Two campers enjoy the morning in Death Hollow. We began hiking and enjoyed some awesome scenery.  The trail itself was an inconsistent thing.  We'd have a traditional dirt path in some locations.  Then we'd have branches and have to push through...