Today I’m hosting an amazing photograph of Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park taken by Antonette Spaan – female half of We12travel Blog. If you are an outdoor freak you will love their adventures. Please follow them on Twitter and Facebook to stay updated with their journey!
Picture Story: Canyonlands National Park, US
When preparing our US road trip and I was searching online for things to do in Canyonlands National Park, I quickly found pictures of sunrise above Mesa Arch. We thought it was some photoshop trick and when asking around Moab for the best time to catch this picture, we were being told that we shouldn’t bother going there because in summer the sun never rises the way we were expecting to.
Luckily I’m a persevering person and usually when someone tells me NO I say YES and ignore their advice. Getting up at 03.00 am was definitely worth getting this shot. After quite some arguing in the car (we should have explored the route when it was still light) we finally made it over from Moab to Canyonlands National Park. We walked over to the arch in pitch dark, only meeting a handful of other (wannabe) photographers upon arrival. And then the waiting began. I almost pissed my pants for the time it took but there was no way I was going to leave my spot.
And then, at last, the sun started rising and just moments after Mesa Arch got the orange glow. Just stunning, no one made a sound and did their best to capture their best shot. All that could be heard was the clicking of our cameras. Shortly after the magic was gone, herds of other tourists arrived, too late for this moment. Sorry guys, you should have gotten up at 3.00 am as well. Magic doesn’t come for nothing.
You don’t need to be a photographer to get this shot, you just gotta be there at the right time and with the right expectations. If you want to get my full story about this, please go here: http://www.we12travel.nl/?p=1348
Excellent picture. Beautiful lighting and great composition
Agree, agree and agree :)
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #69
Just marvellous. An iconic shot but with incredible light!
Wow, what an amazing shot, the light is beautiful, bringing the rock formation to life.
I agree! It truly is an amazing photograph! I would definitely get up at 3 a.m. to see this beautiful view!!
Same here!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #69
i would LOVE to go to the Grand Canyon some day!
This photo is fantastic, its nice to have a “different” view of it.
It really is indeed :)
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #68
Wow. what a perfect light in this shot! Beautiful scenery also, I want to visit these national parks in the US one day!
I love national parks in USA, all of them are great! My favourite one so far was Bryce!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #68
Love this photograph – the colours, the composition, and the light. Completely agree Antonette – timing and patience when clicking a picture are really important. A creative eye like hers is also a must :)
Nicely done
One of these days, I will visit this amazing place!
Same here!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #68
I love the story! I love the getting up at 3 in the morning…and it all being worth it. I absolutely love it!
Glad you do Corinne!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #68
Amazing shot!
Wow fabulous photo! I’m sure it was definitely worth almost peeing your pants ;)
Lol :)
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #68
What a lovely scene, the sunlight is gorgeous! So glad you were there early to capture the early morning light.. Have a happy week!
Yes, the light is a key here, this orange is quiet amazing!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #68
Beautiful shot! I just love the way light works in this photo.
I know photographers who say that this strictly only about the light, but I tend to believe it is as well being in the right place at the right time!
Well worth the wait! *And now I have to type some more words before my comment will be processed!*
Ha ha ha, really? Well worth the wait should be more than enough :)
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #68
Fantastic! I just want to teleport myself there now! Definitely worth getting up at 3am.
Worth indeed! I remember once when I have got up very early for sun rise in Bryce Canyon! It was beautiful but my pictures were not that impressive! :)
Thanks for featuring my picture!
My pleasure Girl!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #68
Wow… what a stunning colour and a great post! Have a lovely weekend!
Thanks a lot and vice versa! It is a long weekend here and amazing weather so I will definitely enjoy myself!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #68
An absolute beauty of a shot!!
Couldn’t agree more!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #68
I have to say I have never awoke at 3:30am for a photo, but then again I don’t have one as stunning. FAB SHOT
Ha ha ha Sarah, I’m sure you have some amazing shots!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #68
Wow, beautiful. Love the glowing orange under the arch. And it reminds me that often photography isn’t about the gear or even skill as much as perseverance and being at the right place at the right time!
Even though I agree let’s don’t completely ignore the skills :) I could definitely use some!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #68