Slickrock and Shadow

Leeds Waterfall  The locked gate forced me to walk up the dirt road to Oak Grove for my hiking exercise this day.  Walking allowed me to SEE things that would overwise whiz right past me in a car.  Walking allowed me to HEAR those things too. So I HEARD falling water, I looked off the roadside and I SAW this lovely gem of a waterfall.  It's certainly worth a skinny dip to cool off on a hot day.  It's also worthy of a landscape photograph too!  

Darwin Falls with the reeds on the left.  What a beauty! I found myself passing Darwin Falls trailhead this past summer en route to the Sierra Mountains.  As cool as they would be, Death Valley was roasting at 118° F.  Though I'm no stranger to triple-digit temperature, this was a new record for hiking conditions.  I was literally passing through in the middle of the day, with the sun directly overhead.  One step out of the air-conditioned Subaru and I was uncomfortably hot.  I felt like I was standing too close to a roaring campfire the whole time.   2 miles and I could see no sign of shade.  Taking only my hat, water bottle, camera and tripod, I marched off as efficiently as I could.  Marching in place in a sauna would be the best training for this hike.  After 20 minutes of hiking up the wash, water and trees appeared in the canyon.  Grateful for the shade, I hopped over a few puddles and then water flowed slowly down the sh...

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...

French Canyon:  The Jungle in Zion that nobody knew existed As I kid I'd watch Indiana Jones movies and wonder at the world's most exotic and adventurous locations.  I'd imagine hacking my way through the jungle to discover an amazing secret spot.  I felt like a kid again this month as I hiked up French Canyon, a branch off of the East Virgin River, also known as Parunuweap or the Barracks. French Canyon begins mysteriously as a slot canyon immediately off of the Virgin River.  A gorgeous tree obscures the view into this narrow slot canyon, yet the clear water flowing over the sandy stream bed invite further exploration.  The canyon remains narrow for 1/3 mile.  In that short distance, you will trek over trees and through vines all the while in a pleasant 2-6 inches of clear water.  Nothing is really difficult.  The obstacles really create a special feeling of mystery and excitement.  Hiking here is fun, beautiful and Indiana-Jonesish....

Sidewinder curves in the depths of Crack Canyon Crack Canyon in Utah's San Rafael region is another of Utah's less-known gems.  Down a dirt road in Central Utah, this trailhead is not even listed on maps.  The canyon makes for a pleasant stroll on a clear or cloudy day.  A short slot section resembles the "Subway" of Zion but I liked the impressive rust-colored walls and Swiss-cheese holes in the sandstone.  This place has more holes in rocks than any other location I've seen.  It's quite "holy".  Here are a few pics from this wonderful little location. Cave-like Crack Canyon with light at the end of the tunnel A glimpse of the amazing holes, cavities and caves in this canyon -- and the namesake "Crack".

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...

Tuckup Canyon:  Highly Rewarding for the Landscape Photographer Tuckup Canyon is a true adventure that can go on and on depending on your bravery and daring.  From the Colorado River, Tuckup Canyon goes back about a mile or less.  The canyon walls start out like thin brown shale.  Then the sandstone walls are more of a greenish block-like boulders.  These boulders litter than canyon floor and present the first obstacle to hiking.  Most hikers will find this no big deal.  Past these big boulders, a curved labyrinthine canyon runs back another half mile.  These canyon walls are knobby but smooth.  This is a most beautiful location.  My wife enjoyed sitting down here and picking up rocks from different ages all mixed in the ground cover.  Brown shale-like sandstone at the lowest levels of Tuckup Canyon Block-like boulders present the next early obstacle Tuckup Canyon:  The lower knobby narrows.  Morning light ...

Deer Creek:  Waterfalls of the Patio drop into Slot Canyon Deer Creek is a must-see stop at mile 137.  The massive raging waterfall of Deer Creek drops over 100 feet and can be seen from the river as you float past.  The huge waterfalls overwhelms me and others who try to draw close.  Mist, wind from the falling water create a mini-hurricane at the pool.  This is a wonderful place to swim and marvel at the power of water + gravity.   Brave souls can climb up to the patio above the waterfall where smaller photogenic waterfalls drop into a slot canyon that leads to the big drop you witnessed below.  This is a shady pleasant spot for relaxation and reverie.   Photo tip:  photograph the narrows from above from both sides of the canyon .  The views are different and rewarding on each side.   Up on the patio:  cactus on one side, waterfall on the other. Deer Creek Waterfall, Grand Canyon Deer Cre...

Stone Creek Waterfall:  Highlight of the Grand Canyon Stone Creek is the best hike from the Colorado River. Stone Creek is my favorite place in the Grand Canyon. Stone Creek is a dream come true. Stone Creek has two waterfalls which are a short distance from the beach.  They are beautiful but better things await the explorer.  Simply bypass these lower waterfalls and keep climbing up.  The third waterfall is a pleasant 2-tier drop.  On our hot climb up we each put our back on the wet wall and let the shower drench us.  On my return trip later that day I took photos with the waterfall in the shade.   Natural shower at Stone Creek Waterfall Lovely Stone Creek Waterfall Stone Creek waterfall and wildflowers.  Trying to capture these without excessive wind motion was difficult.   This third waterfall is quite beautiful but only midway up the canyon.  Easily bypassed, we continued upwards as we followed t...