I have just returned from a wonderful trip to the Moab area in Utah. This is Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park, one of the most photographed arches in the area. I was hoping for snow this time of year and I wasn't disappointed. I knew I needed to arrive well before sunrise to secure a much coveted spot in front of this arch and to capture the sun flare at sunrise. I had hoped the low temperatures (only 9 degrees that morning) would deter some people from getting out of their warm beds! As we headed out on the trail to this site, there were already 4 other cars in the parking lot. Hiking in the dark has always been a great part of the adventure and creates a sense of excitement surrounded by the amazing landscape, being guided only by my headlamp. Approaching the site, I could see it was already going to be a tight fit getting a spot with a view of the valley floor and capture the sun coming up on the far right, this time of year. I secured my spot between two other photographers and as the sun came up, several other photographers filed in. There was a bank of clouds on the horizon, threatening to cover the sun as it rose, but the potential was there, we just had to wait and see what would happen. As it crested the clouds, the flare was perfect and in just the right location. The lighting kept changing and fog flowed into the valley creating an amazing site and atmosphere. It was a morning I will never forget!
And you got it with no other photogs in your way! How cool; as does every other landscape shooter, I've always wanted to get that shot. So iconic for obvious reasons--very nice capture!
@aikiuser Thank you so much Jenn!! It has definitely been on my bucket list for sure!
@purdey Thank you so much Sharon! So glad you stopped by!!!