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The Dreaming

Gallery: 10 Years of NPNPosted April 30, 20103,011 views11 comments

This shot has always been one of my favorites.

Canon 1DS MkII with Canon 17-40mm
1/10 @ f18

I've loved Bryce Canyon since I first laid eyes on it - but because it is such a popular destination for photographers, it's difficult to find a unique composition. On one of our many trips to the area, we found ourselves shooting at Bryce in these fantastic conditions. Sometimes you get a great shot from the side of the road, and sometimes you get up crazy-early, drive for miles, and get nothing. And every now and then, you get something that really makes you smile.

We got up at 3:30am, drove for two and a half hours in nasty conditions, helped push a stranded car out of middle of the road (guy from Vegas in sports car + 12 inches of fresh snow = not going anywhere), and arrived just in time for sunrise. I'm sure you all know what it's like to be so wrapped up in photography that you don't even notice the elements. It was cold as heck out there, but I didn't notice or care until the I was done shooting.

This shot may not sell as often as others in my gallery, and it may not win the most awards... but it's my favorite. If only because, for me, it represents everything that I love about Wilderness Photography.

Filters were not necessary for this image, since the light was relatively even across the entire scene. I used a tripod to keep my camera steady. I had heat packs in my pockets, and I stuffed my camera into my jacket to help keep it warm between shots - the heat packs kept my fingers from freezing, too. I added the sun star in post processing.

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Robert Dayton on April 30, 2010 at 9:55 AM

It's easy to see why this is one of your favorites. I've been to Bryce often
but never seen it like this. This is lovely, Varina.

Registered on November 11, 2008, 281 Posts, 3958 Comments

Comment posted by Verena & Georg Pop on April 30, 2010 at 11:56 AM

thats one helluva shot Varina.
(a.o. for the reasons you mentioned above) its the best bryce canyon image for me - by a mile!
having learned now, that the sunstar is added afterwards, I could better live without it, but it sure doesn't take anything away from the impact the photo has!
Verena

Registered on July 5, 2006, 272 Posts, 2823 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on April 30, 2010 at 12:02 PM

So good....!

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Varina Patel on April 30, 2010 at 12:42 PM

Thanks you guys!

Verena - I have to admit, I really struggled with the decision to add the sun star. It's the only one I've ever added to any image in my collection. The final decision came down to the fact that it's what I saw in my mind when I took the shot. And in the end, it's just art - I have to remind myself not to take it so seriously. :) The sun star makes me happy - so there it is.

Registered on August 22, 2008, 45 Posts, 1578 Comments

Comment posted by Daniel Cartamil on April 30, 2010 at 1:53 PM

Its a beautiful shot, and the fog layer down in the valley adds a lot. Very nicely processed. I was wondering about the star even before I read the text, because it doesn't really seem like the right conditions with the sun somewhat behind the clouds, but it does look nice and as long as its disclosed I dont see a problem with it. Overall, a very enjoyable image!

Registered on November 15, 2007, 50 Posts, 601 Comments

Comment posted by Anthony Vincent on April 30, 2010 at 4:45 PM

Gorgeous shot Varina,
It does have that calming special moment and I see why it's your favorite. The most important part is that you captured it and can relive the moment every time you view it. That's why we shoot right?
Thanks for sharing

Registered on February 5, 2009, 199 Posts, 2775 Comments

Comment posted by Michael J Greene, on April 30, 2010 at 7:21 PM

This is my favorite image of yours too Varina. I give you a lot of credit for admiting to adding the sunstar. It looks totally neutral. You can't really fault someone when they are honest and I appreciate you sharing that publicly. Congrats.

Registered on June 18, 2009, 86 Posts, 2317 Comments

Comment posted by Varina Patel on April 30, 2010 at 8:32 PM

Thanks, everyone - I'm glad others can enjoy the photo, too.

Registered on August 22, 2008, 45 Posts, 1578 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Rhodus on April 30, 2010 at 9:05 PM

What a beautiful snow covered scene Varina. It is plain to see why this could be anyone's favorite.

Registered on November 16, 2003, 157 Posts, 3326 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on May 1, 2010 at 4:18 AM

Varina,
my memory of the Bryce Canyon is a hot summer day and seeing it with so much snow is stunning. Beautiful image!

Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on April 15, 2011 at 7:17 AM

This is officially now one of my favorites too

I enjoyed the narrative on how you got this, and the "sunstar" adds some magic.
A great pleasure to view Varina..I think the title is perfect too

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments