Edges

Sunrise on Mary's Nipple, Fishlake National Forest Utah

I remembered something while on the road last week, a bit of conventional photographic wisdom which says that the best images are made at the edges.  Edges of storms, light, or seasons for example.

 There were lots of edges on this 12-day road trip.

Predawn pink over Death Hollow Drainage, Dixie National Forest Utah

We were on the edge of canyons, from the Grand to the ominously named Death Hollow Drainage in Utah.

Meadow's Edge, Kaibab National Forest Arizona

I’m often drawn to the edges of meadows (which is likewise the edge of a stand of trees) for forest photography. Stands of trees are chaotic by nature, and this is one way to simplify the composition.

Almost winter, Fishlake National Forest Utah

Metaphorically this trip was at the edge of seasons.  We didn’t see the drama of snow on yellow aspens that we caught last year, but the juxtaposition of bare and the buttery trees conveys the same concept.

Storm and aspens in a canyon, Dixie National Forest Utah

There was a small storm which provided brooding drama in the sky.  I’m happy to have been on the edge this time.

Bentonite Hills Utah.  MDRS at upper center

We were, at one point, on the edge of Mars.  Sort of.  On the way to photograph some bentonite hills in Utah, we passed the Mars Desert Research Center. Apparently this landscape is one of the most Mars-like in the country.

Hell's Backbone, Dixie National Forest Utah

 Drainages.  One of the most spectacular camps was along Hell’s Backbone Road in Utah, perched on the top of two drainages.

Sand Canyon and aspen studded hills, Dixie National Forest Utah

Here’s sunrise down one of the two, Sand Creek. This spot was lovely when we pulled up midday, but waxed spectacular at sunrise the next morning.  I confess that when light takes my breath away like this, my fear is that I’m on the edge of screwing something up.  Thank goodness it worked out fine this time.

Detail, Kaibab National Forest Arizona

Thanks for joining me on the edge.  There are more images in the Autumn 2024 Galley on the website.