MY FIRST OFFICIAL PHOTO SHOOT – Part 1

As I packed my photography equipment and made my final pre-shoot technical checks, my heart began to race realizing I would be leaving the next morning for my very first official photo shoot!  Oh sure, I’ve jumped into the car and ventured to the beach to photograph the sunset.  I’ve even planned an early drive to the mountains for a summer sunrise.  But, this would be the first trip out of the state for the specific purpose of photographing Zion National Park in southern Utah.  We would be gone for four days, spending 2-3 days inside the park with the remaining time used to experience the local flavor of southern Utah!  Yes, we were very excited!

Arriving late in the afternoon, we could already see the beauty as we approached the lodge at the park’s southern gate.  Thinking I would get an early start, I awoke before sunrise only to discover a Zion daybreak arrives much later than I had anticipated.  In fact, we had plenty of time for a hearty breakfast at Oscar’s before we entered the park.  (Time for a quick restaurant review: Oscar’s = Great Food!!)  With the sun still sleeping, we decided to make a stop at the visitor center for information and water.

With our supply of water in tow, we headed out for our first of several hikes!  We found the beauty to be utterly incredible beyond description!  The varying hues of blue in the sky were spectacular, each different depending upon the time of day.  As well, the mountainous rocks were at times aglow with an unimaginable reddish cast typical of the southern Utah landscape.  As you can see from the photos, using my circular polarizing filter (click here to see my photography tip on filters) only enhanced what was already breath-taking scenery!

The Sentinel – 7157 ft. elevation

The Court of the Patriarchs

Another perspective of The Court of the Patriarchs

Just outside the Southern Gate, this was the view from our Room

The north fork of the Virgin River as it makes its way through the Emerald Pools with Angels Landing in the background

The Towers of the Virgin – to gain some perspective of these mountains, you may click to enlarge this shot.  In doing so, notice the cabin hidden in the trees

As we continued our hike, the trail climbed and narrowed until we found ourselves behind the Waterfall at Weeping Rock

Ice crystals formed by the freezing spray from the waterfall at Weeping Rock

State Highway 9 looking west with the West Temple in the background – 7810 ft. elevation

The Altar of Sacrifice – 7505 ft. elevation

The north fork of the Virgin River with the Temple of Sinawava in the distance – 7565 ft. elevation

It was a long, but great first day and sunset was rapidly approaching along with a blanket of clouds in the distance.  It was time to retire the camera for the day and head to one of the great local eateries in the area.  Having peeled off at least two layers of clothing, we landed in a local restaurant called Wildcat Willies!

Remember that blanket of clouds I mentioned?  You’ll see what that does to Zion in Part 2!  Don’t miss it!

~ by photographyfree4all on January 4, 2011.