Winter is my least favorite time of the year for photography. Central New Mexico is mostly brown, brown, and brown, with an occasional splash of tan. Fortunately, I’m so far behind on editing last year’s photos that I have quite a stockpile to work through while I await the return of color.
I visited Bryce Canyon in October, the day after I fought the crowds at Zion National Park. I was relieved when I realized Bryce wasn’t nearly as crowded as Zion had been. I hiked down the Queen’s Garden Trail into an area dense with hoodoos.
On the way, I saw two natural windows high up in the rock formations above me and couldn’t resist including the sun as a starburst. Then I went around the corner and took a few more photos of the same windows from the other side.
It was only a few minutes afterward that I suddenly found myself amidst all the hoodoos. I often imagine that God made a gazillion sandcastles when the world was young, and that Bryce Canyon was what was left once the tide roared out.
It was sunny and cloudless that day, with a vivid blue sky; ideal photo conditions. Yet the shots I liked best were those taken mostly in shadow. I thought they captured a wider range of color, and the shady hoodoos seemed a bit less forbidding than the sunny spires.
Science validates everyday magic! The Atlantic published a piece last week titled “The Quiet Profundity of Everyday Awe.” It touches on most of what I think of as everyday magic, and mentions studies that indicate experiencing awe on a regular basis is good for both mental and physical health. It’s a quick and easy read.
Full Disclosure/Update: I’ve previously committed to posting photos once or twice a week. I’m now saying I’ll send out emails roughly 3-6 times per month. I doubt you’ll notice a difference, but wanted to be clear with you about having modified my intentions.
Lisa, your photos definitely inspire awe!
What a special place & your pics really capture it! We were there in early August 2012 & there were lots of buses with foreign tourists. Glad you went at a less popular time😊