Composed Chaos

I first discovered this location about two years ago, and I immediately thought it was a real find. I took away a few very nice photographs at that time, one of which I posted in this gallery soon afterward. As with most photographers, I'm never hesitant to revisit favorite spots. I returned to this particular location last year at about this time, and found it to be rather unphotogenic compared to the year before. I didn't take a single photograph. A week ago today, on my final afternoon in Zion this year, I decided to check out the location again. I'm glad I did. It was as if a higher power had been meticulously tending to it, to return it to its full glory since last year, which of course was indeed the case. It was even more picturesque than it was two years ago. In general, I'm drawn to the chaos within this very small scene, yet at the same time I find it to be very calming and considered and composed. It just works. This year I was delighted, among other reasons, to find these tiny roots growing under the surface of the splash pool, which were not there two years ago, and which resemble electric sparks radiating out as if caused by the force of the cascading water. For me it adds another appealing element to the composition.

Canon 5DII
Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II
27mm, f/20, 5 seconds, ISO 50, polarizer