ISO 100 | 148mm | f 8.0 | 1/125 sec

On our way home we had the extreme privilege of stopping to see Bryce Canyon.  I was unsure of what to expect.  I’d seen the Grand Canyon before and though the sight was amazing, I hadn’t been struck by “awe-inspiring beauty” or anything like that.  “We’re just going to see another hole-in-the-ground,” I thought as we wound our way up the mountain.

We got to the park and were greeted by a forest of evergreen trees, not an uncommon sight up in our area, but no canyon.  As we drove towards the first vista point, I couldn’t help but think that nothing truly amazing could be hidden in amongst this huge grove of trees.  Then we crested the hill and came to a stop at the first viewing area.  I got out of the car, camera-in-hand (just in case), and walked towards the fence that lined the rim.

Needless to say, once I saw what was on the other side of the fence, I was astounded.  Such majestic beauty, such color, such awe-inspiring grandeur, I couldn’t put my camera down.  I took wide shots, telephoto shots, panoramic shots, more wide shots just in case.  I couldn’t help myself.  The red rocks, the green shrubbery, the white snow highlighted amongst the rocks by the occasional hint of sunlight breaking through the clouds.  It all literally took my breath away (well, almost).

Anyways, I know that black and white doesn’t do it justice, so I plan on posting a few of my color images of the canyon in the next post.  But better yet, if you have the opportunity to go see the canyon, do it!  It’s definitely something that everyone should see (and this coming from a critically cynical photographer who only takes pictures if he thinks it’s worth his time 😉 ).

ISO 100 | 17mm | f 8.0 | 1/320 sec