This summer I packed up the gear, braved the summer heat, and hit the road for the heart of red rock country – first to Sedona, Arizona and then to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The goal: enjoy some family time by the pool; chase some good light when possible; and maybe find a fresh angle on some of the more photographed landscapes of the Southwest. Between the two spots, I came back with a set of images that feel less like postcards and more like moments – quiet, moody, surreal, and shaped by the elements – and I’m excited to share these new artworks with you!
Sedona delivered. One morning the conditions were ideal – dramatic skies, warm early morning light, and just enough moisture to create reflections in places that are usually bone dry. Cathedral Rock was glowing at sunrise, and I found a shallow pool of water that turned the whole scene into a mirror. Bonus: a prickly pear cactus in the foreground added texture and color.
The sky remained dramatic and colorful, even after sunrise, and I shot this close-up of Cathedral Rock bathed in the warm, soft light.
Then came the Grand Canyon. I arrived just after the Dragon Bravo wildfire began burning and had already tragically destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim. While the smoke didn’t reach the South Rim directly, it drifted through the canyon in thick layers early in the morning and late in the evening, creating unusual light and atmospheric conditions that shaped every frame I shot.
The smoky haze softened the horizon and gave the canyon a moody, cinematic feel. Sunrises were especially dramatic—low-angle light filtered through haze, softening the canyon’s edges and adding depth to the rock layers. At sunset, the smoke caught the last light of day, turning the sky orange and purple while shadows stretched across the terrain. The combination of smoke, mist, and golden light gave the canyon a mood I hadn’t seen before.
I focused on compositions that emphasized scale, contrast, and atmosphere. Leafless trees against smoky skies, layered cliffs fading into the smoky fog, and foreground textures that anchored the scene. I shot everything from wide vistas to tight compositions with silhouetted trees and atmospheric depth. The conditions were unpredictable, but that’s what made it exciting. Some of the best frames came from moments I didn’t plan—when the light broke through unexpectedly or the clouds shifted just right. Below are few of my favorites.
If you’ve ever visited the canyon during summer, you know how intense and unpredictable the conditions can be. This trip reminded me how quickly the environment can shift—and how important it is to adapt and keep shooting.
Each new piece is available as a fine art print, framed wall art, or ready to hang metal or canvas, in sizes to fit both cozy spaces and statement walls. Thanks for following along. As always, I welcome your thoughts—and if one of these prints resonates, I’d love to help you bring it into your space.
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