If there’s one thing I’ve learned on my recent adventures, it’s that landscape photography isn’t just about capturing the scene—it’s about experiencing it. And let me tell you, I’ve had one heck of an experience lately, from the striking, red-rock wonderland of Canyonlands National Park to the crisp, frosty, snow-draped beauty of Copper Mountain in the Colorado Rockies. It’s been a whirlwind couple of months and I’m thrilled to share the latest chapter in my journey – both literally and photographically. My camera has been working overtime capturing the raw beauty that only the great outdoors can offer, so let’s dive into the new photos that are going to make you want to re-decorate your walls with some new art!
Canyonlands National Park: A Photographer’s Playground with Infinite Possibilities
First, let’s talk about Canyonlands National Park in Utah. I recently made the pilgrimage to this exceptional National Park, and, wow, is it everything people say it is—and more. For those who’ve never been, Canyonlands is basically the kind of place where you look out over the landscape and think, Is this real? Did I just stumble into a desert version of an alien planet? Canyonlands is a feast for the eyes, a rugged landscape that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world—somewhere between Mars and a sci-fi movie set. In short, it’s a photographer’s dream. This late afternoon image from the Green River Overlook perfectly sums up the park’s other-worldly feel.
I spent most of my limited time in the park exploring the Island in the Sky area and the iconic mesas, expansive canyons, wild-looking rock formations, and sheer variety in texture and color is enough to keep any photographer busy for days. Shortly after entering the park, I was greeted with this vast and beautiful vista overlooking Shafer Canyon and the La Sal mountains off in the distance.
The way the afternoon light plays on the red rock formations is nothing short of magical. As the sun dips below the horizon, the canyons come alive with an incredible glow. And, trust me, it’s hard to resist snapping a picture of that! Below, the vivid hues of a winter sunset illuminate Candlestick Tower and the surrounding cliffs in a breathtaking display.
I couldn’t leave without capturing the iconic Mesa Arch, of course. It’s one of those shots you know you have to take, but instead of waiting in the early morning cold with dozens of other like-minded souls looking for the typical sunrise image, I opted to capture the soft light of sunset falling on the arch and the vast and rugged landscape below. As luck would have it I had the area all to myself and enjoyed some stunning light along with the freedom to capture some more unique angles of this iconic landmark.
There’s something humbling about witnessing this raw, untamed land—something that reminds you how small we are, and how big the world really is. With no one else around, I was free to explore the area around Mesa Arch and compose some images of other distinct formations in the valley below. From this cliffside perch the lines and textures of the banded rocks along this cliff edge near Mesa Arch provide a striking foreground as the famous rock formations known as Washer Woman Arch, Monster Tower, and Airport Tower, along with the distant La Sal Mountains, are bathed in the soft hues of sunset.
Winter Wonderland at Copper Mountain: A Contrast in Black and White After getting my fill of Utah’s vast red rock canyon vistas, I combined two of my favorite activities – photography and skiing – and embraced the magic of winter at Copper Mountain in Colorado. I decided to shake things up and work exclusively in black and white. I mean, if there’s one thing that gets my creative juices flowing, it’s a snow-covered landscape devoid of color.
There’s just something about winter that strips away distractions and feels timeless. The snow-covered landscape – silent, still, and pure- becomes a canvas of contrasts. When everything is blanketed in snow, all you have left to work with are textures, contrasts, and the stark beauty of nature. No distractions, no flashy colors—just pure form. The absence of color allows you to appreciate the subtle nuances in the shapes and contours of the land. It’s like seeing the world through a different lens—one that highlights the powerful contrast between light and dark. The textures of the snow, the sharp shadows, and the stark contrast of the black-and-white composition all work together to tell a quiet, yet powerful, story. The winter alpine landscape seems to come alive in black and white and convey that cold crisp feeling of being there in person in a way that color simply can’t convey. It’s an incredibly peaceful way of capturing winter as the absence of color allows you to focus on the drama of light and shadow. It’s like the world slows down, and suddenly every detail becomes important. The mountain ridges stand out against the cloudy sky like jagged teeth, and the solitary trees are both fragile and resilient—like something out of a winter fairy tale. It’s eerie, it’s beautiful, and it’s just right for the winter season.
After a storm cycle that dropped a foot of fresh powder across the resort, I was able to capture a few photographs of 13,212’ Jacque Peak with a blanket of fresh snow and surrounded by some dramatic, billowing clouds. |
What’s Coming Up Next? I’m always itching for more adventures, and already starting to plan my next trips. There’s something about the solitude of the outdoors that keeps drawing me back—especially when I can capture it through my lens. Stay tuned for upcoming projects—there are mountains, deserts, waterfalls, and forests in my near future, and I can’t wait to share them with you all. If you ever find yourself in these places, or just need a little photography inspiration, feel free to reach out. I love chatting about landscapes, gear, or even just experiences out on the trail. P.S. Got a favorite winter landscape or desert getaway? I’d love to hear about it – I’m always up for an adventure! |
