April 20, 2016

Photo of the Week - Sunrise at Mesa Arch




Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Serious landscape photographers dream of going to certain iconic locations so that they can capture a scene for their personal portfolio. Mesa Arch is one of those places.

There are many hardships to get the shot. It is a desolate and remote area, about 40 miles outside of Moab, Utah. A dreadfully early alarm is required to get there at sunrise. From the parking lot, there is 0.7-mile hike along a rocky path. The hike is rated as “easy,” but simply walking on a flat, even surface isn’t easy for my tired body and chronically painful knees. And then I had to fight for a tiny spot to rest my tripod, competing with dozens of other photographers in a very restricted space. The panorama that I got was simply potluck.

Once the sun rose above the horizon, the arch ceiling turned crimson from the reflected light. The view through the arch window extended for dozens of miles, ending with the La Sal Mountains in the far distance. It was a beautiful sight to behold!

This was my one and only visit to Mesa Arch. I made it count!

9 comments:

  1. I'll say! That is one fabulous photograph.

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  2. Looks like a perfect photo to me! You're doing some fabulous photography these days.

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  3. It sure was worth the effort! Amazingly gorgeous shot Donna! Well done :)

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  4. Hi Donna! It's an absolute delight to pop in for a visit thanks to Vee and her lovely post on her blog today :) What a joy for the two of you to meet.

    I thoroughly enjoyed looking at your images and this one especially won my heart...it's stunning!

    Have a beautiful day! Hugs!

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  5. I can see it's not easy being a dedicated photographer Donna!
    I'm glad you negotiated your tripod into this spot - the result is pure magic!
    I see the red reflection from the sun on the stone of the arch - WOW!
    It's a keeper for sure.
    Please tell me which camera and lens you used and do you remember the settings?!
    Take care
    Shane

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  6. Oh, my goodness! That is breath-taking. I would never be able to get there in time. My knees and back would refuse to cooperate no matter how hard I tried.
    ~Adrienne~

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Marty, here! Donna loves comments, and I faithfully pass them on to her. Thank you so much for visiting!