When I first started photography, I just captured Landscapes. I spent a few years learning everything I could, practicing, and taking photos everywhere I went. I kept that up until I discovered sports photography and landscapes took a back seat ever since. I tried to get out and capture nature as much as I could, but the sports photography took over completely. This year, I had no time to shoot what started my passion of photography. I needed to get back and get inspired by God's creation again.
Utah had been on my places to see for a few years now. After a few attempts were unsuccessfully, I knew this summer was my best chance to get out there. I spent a few days researching and scheduling the trip. I wanted to make the most out of the week and see the most I could. I also rented another camera and got all my gear ready to go.
Zion
The date finally came, and we left Sacramento for Utah. After a long drive, we made it to St. George and went to Snow Canyon State Park for sunset and stars. This was a nice little park that was totally empty. The next morning we headed out early for Zion National Park. We hiked the narrows in the morning, did a few other hikes during the day. For sunset I got a spot on the bridge and captured the classic shot of the watchmen and river below. The night skies were some of the best I have ever seen and those were some of my favorite images.
Bryce
Monday morning we drove up to Bryce Canon National Park. The rock formations there were incredible and one of a kind. I have never seen anything like that. After hiking down into the canyon, you really saw the height and uniqueness of these rocks. I left this place with a new favorite national park.
Horseshoe Bend
Next we drove to Page, Arizona. Horseshoe Bend was the location for sunset. This was no doubt my favorite location from the trip. Seeing the river cut around the canyon while standing a few inches from a huge cliff was intense. It was a little difficult to capture and the photos don't show how vast it was. It was so amazing I came back for sunset the next night.
Antelope Canyon
The next morning was one I will never forget. Antelope Canyon, you have seen the thousands of photos taken here, but seeing it in person was incredible. There is no words to describe the canyon from the textures and colors, nothing is like it.
Monument Valley
Wednesday was another day of driving, the first stop was Monument Valley. There have been countless western movies filmed here and seeing it in person was really cool. The view from the top of the hill was memorable, but driving down right next to the monuments was incredible. Seeing how tall there were and I was so glad the sky was cloudy which made the photos even better.
Arches
Our last location was Arches National Park. Both days in the park were filled with storms and rains, but it made the photos different. After seeing most of the popular arches, my personal favorite was the double arch. The last hike we did was the delicate arch. We climbed up the trail with a big thunderstorm rolling in. After reaching the view of the arch, the lightning started and it was quite the show.
What a trip. I captured many locations that have been on my list for a long time. It was a lot of new scenery and I got some unique photographs. This trip really showed off more of God's incredible creation. Hopefully I will be able to go on more trips soon and continue to capture landscapes in my free time.
Check out my favorites below.
