Visual Journey: Post Cards from the Road Part 2

THE GRAND CANYON Click on a photo to see a larger view.
I started thinking about visiting the Grand Canyon over a year ago, but realized that I would need some guidance to photograph it well. There are so many points along the rim, how was I to know which ones would show the canyon in the best light? I decided to postpone my visit until I could find a photography workshop to join. As soon as I saw this one listed on Don Smith's website, I signed on. I met Don during Gary Hart's Easter Sierra Workshop last October. This time Gary was assisting Don (they trade off). Opportunities to shoot the full moon were a serendipitous bonus.

I arrived at the park a day early to give myself extra time to photograph and to make sure I had a store of energy when the workshop began. Photo reviews, classroom instruction, and long drives to the next location, pressed in between sunrise and sunset shoots, meant that once the workshop started there would be very little down time. I wanted to start off well rested. I left Williams in the early morning and drove straight into the park to look around. I missed the sunrise, but it was still early enough to get good side light.

I returned in the late afternoon...

and spotted my own shadow; tripod and camera bag included.

Mather Point is one of the most accessible and popular spots along the rim. I arrived well before light, found my way out to the point and set up my tripod. I could sense people gathering behind me, and soon I could feel them right next to me. I turned to see that I was surrounded by dozens of sunrise spectators. One man stood right behind me holding his camera over my head. While everyone continued to look east, I moved away from the crowd and looked west.

THE WORKSHOP BEGINS

After an orientation meeting at the motel, we drove to Yavapai Point for our first workshop shoot. Don explained a few things before we walked out to the point. We were hoping to catch a moon rise, but a heavy haze had settled across the sky.

Don challenged us to find a foreground subject that would add interest and give depth to a composition.

Through a telephoto lens the haze rendered the canyon an artistic impression. I enhanced the inherent blue cast.

Just as we were wrapping up for the night, the moon shown through the clouds. This was the last shot I took, and lunatic that I am, I was ecstatic.

Our sunrise through sunset schedule continued in the canyon for two more days.

This last shot was taken at Desert View, near the eastern entrance to the park. It was a cold and windy morning with just a hint of light from the rising sun. We didn't stay long. We left the park and drove the 82 miles to Page.