Winter Storm Over Grand Canyon

The Edge Of Light And Weather


Sometimes the worst weather is the best weather. 

Winter Storm Over Grand Canyon

On the morning after a blizzard so fierce that I didn't dare leave my cabin, I was treated to some of the most dramatic light I have ever witnessed.

Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Lens: Canon TE-E 24mm f/3.5L II

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2015 Daniel R. South

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

National Parks in Peril

Casualties of Governmental Gridlock

The United States government is in the midst of a budget crisis. The National Park system was one of the immediate casualties. Rangers have been furloughed, concessions have been shuttered, and these beautiful parks are now closed to the public.

Grand Canyon at Sunset

Hopefully, the crisis will be resolved shortly so that the parks can return to normal operation.

Yosemite National Park from Tioga Road

When the issues have been resolved and the parks are once again receiving visitors, please make it a point to spend some time seeing one or more of these amazing national treasures.

Zabriskie Point Sunrise, Death Valley

Nature should not be held hostage by bickering bureaucrats. Unfortunately, the political process does not always consider the costs and consequences of short-sighted decisions. It might be a good idea to visit our National Parks before they are thrust once again into operational peril by self-serving politicians. 


Grand Canyon: Canon EOS 5D Mark II, TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II

Yosemite: Nikon D800E, 24-70 f/2.8G AF-S

Death Valley: Canon EOD 5D Mark II, 70-200 f/4L IS

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2013 Daniel R. South

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

Happy Birthday, USA!

America The Beautiful

Daybreak at Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Happy Independence Day! Please support our State and National Parks!


Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Lens: Canon 70-200 f/4L IS

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2013 Daniel R. South

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved

Grand Canyon in Winter

Adventures on the High Plateau

Arizona.  Land of sun, sand, and cactus.  An oasis where one might expect to play a round of golf any day of the year.

Granted, part of the state matches this description, but Arizona is a complex landscape.  Vast areas of Northern Arizona rest on high plateaus, considerably higher in altitude than the "Mile High" city of Denver, Colorado.

When winter comes to the high plateau, it's cold.  Surprisingly cold.  Nighttime temperatures can approach zero degrees Fahrenheit (-17 C).  Dress warmly if you want to greet that once-in-a-lifetime sunrise.

Pre-Dawn Glow Over The Palisades Of The Desert

Winter can be an interesting time to visit Grand Canyon.  The crowds are smaller.  The life-threatening heat of summer is no longer an issue.  And if the weather cooperates, you'll be able to enjoy views of the canyon graced with fresh fallen snow.

Sunrise Over Grand Canyon in Winter

Ice and snow add subtle highlights to canyon features.  Since the winter sun hits the canyon at a low angle, interesting shadow patterns are visible throughout the day.

Snowfall atop Grand Canyon Features

At sunset, very little of the canyon will be lit by direct sunlight, but unexpected lighting effects can occur.  In this image, warm light from the setting sun was reflected downward into the canyon.  The effect lasted for only a few minutes.  Luckily, I was able to frame this shot before it faded.

Sunset Reflected Downward From Winter Clouds

Witnessing a Grand Canyon sunset over snow-crested cliffs is a breathtaking experience.

Winter Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park

If you want to see a different dimension of Grand Canyon, consider a trip during the winter months.  Drive carefully, dress warmly, and enjoy the unexpected as it unfolds before you.

Lenticular Cloud over Grand Canyon at Sunrise

I would like to extend a special 'Thank You' to all of the wonderful people who keep Grand Canyon open for tourism every day of the year.

Camera:

            Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Lenses:

            Canon TS-E24 f/3.5L II

            Canon 24-105 f/4L IS

            Canon 70-200 f/4L IS

Wishing you great light and meaningful moments!

Copyright 2013 Daniel R. South

www.dansouthphoto.com

All Rights Reserved