Len has generously shared photographs from his recent trip to Ecuador. I just love it when Len travels. These will surely leave a smile on you face, maybe even a sense of wonder! I dare you to pick a favorite.
Downtown (Phoenix)
For several weeks Tom and Steve discussed riding the light rail to downtown and just 'exploring around'. There were lots of criteria to be met before buying that cheap ticket! The weather, the light, presence of clouds (not too much cover), traffic, etc. Finally, an instant "Let's go!"
More color than you might imagine in a downtown environment.
Or, black and white works.
If you don't have a tree to capture a starburst, just use a skyscraper!
Not everything is tall.
Hmmmmm . . . .
Explained.
The usual question. "What are you taking picture of?" Assumption is that there is not much to photograph in downtown Phoenix. "Anything that moves!" is Tom's usual response. The arms go in a flash and the smile comes along with the'movement'. Click!!
s
This dog knows how to model. When the camera is pointed in your direction look at IT!
Steve captured.
When reflections become abstract.
Looking through the window of the light rail.
The guys agree. You could spend days photographing downtown Phoenix. There are long shots, wide shots and detail. There are reflections, color and ample opportunities to plan for a black and white. There are interesting people who don't mind being photographed (just ask). If you have not made a trip downtown with photography in mind, no worries, the guys left a lot of images for you!!
White Pocket
Variously described as 'a geological ice cream sundae melting in the sun', a 'fantasy landscape', 'twisted icing on a cake' or 'alien planet', White Pocket is a bucket list location for many photographers. It is located in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument near the Arizona/Utah border. It is not an easy location to reach but the heaving and dipping rock formations are worth every bump in the road to get there. Enjoy the images shared by five photographers. They even spent a very cold night in sub-freezing temperatures to capture an image of the Milky Way!
After a good monsoon rain or snowfall, water collects in pools. With luck and calm winds, great reflections of the surrounding rock can be photographed.
Dave offers us an opportunity to get a dimensional perspective.
Am not sure, but this may be looking toward Coyote Buttes.
This is the iconic 'Lollipop Rock'.
I have found some resources that describe a 'cauliflower' rock. I can imagine that in this image. Plus, the ridges might be sandstone cross bedding. If you are lucky you might go to White Pocket with Dave, a geologist with names for all of this!
That must be an early morning photograph following a night of freezing temperatures. Ice!!
More ice?
Hieroglyphs? WOW!
For our birders.
Goose bump time!
I am told that Dave was generous in sharing his knowledge of photographing the Milky Way. Thanks Dave!
Before driving to White Pocket, the group stayed at the Cliff Dwellers' Lodge at Lee's Ferry. There is a lot of history in this area and I recommend you check it out. The Ferry is the historic crossing point and separates the lower and upper Colorado River. It is the only place within 260 miles that allows passage across the steep canyon walls of the Grand Canyon. This is the Navajo Bridge at night, captured under a great photograph of the Milky Way.
The Navajo Bridge, built in 1995, is 467 feet above the Colorado River.
There are a number of California Condors that make their home near the Navajo Bridge. Meet #54! Condors do not get their characteristic red heads until they are three years old.
Colorado River
A very special thanks is given to the excellent photographers who made the trip, including a night in very cold temperatures, and then shared their best. If you would like to see more photographs of White Pocket you can use the search feature just below the Index to find other blog entries on White Pocket.