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Ouray, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/white-house/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/White-House.jpg White House This is a location from my personal bucket list. From studying the work of Ansel Adams and Elliot Porter, I came across photographs from this location a few times and I have ever since been captivated by the sweeping curves and striking contrasts created by the mid-day sunlight. I just had to visit these ancient dwellings to capture them for myself, in my own way. Canyon de Chelly, Arizona https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/white-branch/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/white-branch.jpg White Branch The scale of this place was overwhelming. I felt as if the landscape could swallow me whole if I wandered too far. Occasionally I would find one of these bleached-white sticks lying on the sand. I wasn't sure if the wind had blown them, the sand had uncovered them, or someone just got tired of playing with it and tossed them aside. Either way, the contrast of tone, texture, and shape against the soft rolling sand dunes was striking. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/wet-trunks/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/wet-trunks.jpg Wet Trunks Brilliant and peaceful, these aspen trees near Silverton revealed some interesting patterns and textures on their trunks after a brief rain shower. Molas Pass, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/warm-glow/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/warm-glow.jpg Warm Glow I was so happy to have discovered Devil's Garden, a little sandstone outcrop in the middle of nowhere. Grand Staircase-Escalante is an unusual place to take landscape photographs because when you're driving around on the main road, there isn't really anything to look at. It's just desert and scrub mostly. You must have a map and a relatively durable vehicle to get to these little slices of awesome, because they are quite remote, and the roads are absolutely terrible. But GSE holds some very special treasures for the explorer.It was a real pleasure to explore and photograph Devil's Garden, one of these special treasures. This was the same evening that I captured Moon at Devil's Garden. I happened upon this short tunnel and the setting sun was striking the wall on the other end, creating this incredible, inviting glow. The long sweeping lines and the rich and varied color palette make this a visually stimulating photograph. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/waiting-to-be-seated/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/waiting-to-be-seated.jpg Waiting To Be Seated Just a slice of life. We were having lunch at this restaurant after visiting Queen's bath. All the doors were open to let the air circulate, and this little dog had wandered in and plopped down on the floor in front of the bar. Hanalei, Hawaii https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/wagon-wheel/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/wagon-wheel.jpg Wagon Wheel I can't help but wonder how far this wheel has travelled. Bodie, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/tunnel-view-with-clouds/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/tunnel-view-with-clouds.jpg Tunnel View with Clouds This particular morning was a beautiful example of glorious light in the valley. A rare and special moment was taking place right in front of me. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/tunnel-view-overcast/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/tunnel-view-overcast.jpg Tunnel View Overcast Ethereal patches of fog float over the floor of Yosemite Valley like ghosts. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/tunnel-view-at-morning/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/tunnel-view-morning.jpg Tunnel View at Morning One of those few precious times when I knew what I was witnessing was going to make a spectacular photograph. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/tunnel-view-at-sunrise/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/tunnel-view-at-sunrise.jpg Tunnel View at Sunrise Warm light fills the valley as the sun punches through gray overcast skies. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/tseyi-sunrise/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Tseyi-Sunrise.jpg Tseyi Sunrise This is a special place. Each morning the first rays of light spill through the canyon, illuminating Navajo (or Dinè as they refer to themselves, pronounced Dih-Neh) farmland in a most beautiful way. This was the first morning of my trip to Arizona and Utah with my dad, and it did not disappoint. We were the only two people there that morning to watch the magic unfold. With the right light and just enough clouds on the horizon, I was able to capture this beautiful panorama of the entire valley floor about one thousand feet below my feet. Canyon de Chelly, Arizona https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/tree-with-sandstone/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/tree-with-sandstone.jpg Tree with Sandstone A sapling trunk against sandstone a canyon wall. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/tree-on-mount-scott/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/tree-on-mount-scott.jpg Tree on Mount Scott A gnarled juniper tree in the warm sunset light on top of Mount Scott. Mount Scott, Oklahoma https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/tree/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/tree.jpg Tree A beautifully twisted bleach-white tree at Choke Canyon State Park. Choke Canyon State Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/time/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/time.jpg Time I found this grouping of weeds and tree root to be very interesting. Monahans Sand Hills, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/the-west-veil/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/the-west-veil.jpg The West Veil My second release of my "Foray into Space" series: The West Veil. This is one edge of a supernova remnant that occupies a portion of the sky several times larger than the moon. The remaining gases glow like a neon light. To me, it looks like a tornado in space, with the cyan and red strands of gas intertwining across a distance that is beyond our ability to grasp.Although it is often referred to as the "witches broomstick", when viewed at this angle of rotation it appears to me to be a human form falling through space, with the star 52 Cygni symbolizing the figure's core, or soul. The Milky Way https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/the-gathering/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/The-Gathering.jpg The Gathering Beautiful cloud-filtered sunlight dapples the boulder field below Mount Williamson in the Eastern Sierras. Independence, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/the-big-cave/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/The-Big-Cave.jpg The Big Cave This was my first time to visit Palo Duro Canyon. It is a rugged place with mesquite and juniper trees, prickly pear cactus, and sage grass. The midday sun sucks the color out of everything. I suspect the heat is unbearable in the summer. It was October and the air was uncomfortably warm.I hiked a short distance from the road to "The Big Cave". The ceiling over the tall entrance appears to be a thin layer of rock and debris that could collapse in a moment. I was slightly concerned about being in there, but I had a composition in my mind that I needed to create.For me, creating photographs is a sort of therapy, or a catalyst to peace. I see compositions in my mind's eye and I need to put them on paper. That process feels natural to me. The world makes more sense when I'm out there in God's creation doing my thing. People say I have a gift or I am talented. I don't know if it's a gift, or a talent, because it didn't come naturally. I worked hard to get to where I am, and still feel I have a long way to grow. In fact, it's an endless growth process. There is no "mastery" or "end-game". I keep expanding my vision and my style, exploring different techniques and ideas to push my work further. And like all other artists, I started at the bottom.This composition is an idea of being in a sheltered, dark place and looking out on the harsh, bright rugged world. I'm not sure which is a safer place to stand. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/terlingua-window-light/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/terlingua-window-light.jpg Terlingua Window Light Terlingua feels like this. Old, abandoned shacks, dirt, rocks, and dynamic light. Terlingua, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/texas-wetlands/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/texas-wetlands.jpg Texas Wetlands Peaceful, cool colors and calm water set the scene in this Texas sea-side landscape. La Marque, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/terlingua-ruins/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Terlingua-Ruins.jpg Terlingua Ruins Beautiful spotlighting on the dirt floor of this old shack. Terlingua, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/sunset-tree-at-capitol-reef/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/sunset-tree-at-capitol-reef.jpg Sunset Tree at Capitol Reef The final light of the sun colors a few drifting desert cirrus clouds pink and illuminates the full moon on the horizon. A broken tree reaches up out of the dust. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/sunset-choir/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/sunset-choir.jpg Sunset Choir West Texas sunset with a flowering Yucca and the Chisos mountains. Big Bend National Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/sunset-at-glacier/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/sunset-at-glacier.jpg Sunset at Glacier Glacier is known for it's crystal clear waters. Lake McDonald specifically is known for it's colorful red and maroon stones which are absolutely brilliant when submerged. I had already picked out a spot that had stones that were generally arranged the way that I wanted them. I adjusted, rotated, or removed one or two so that the foreground was more to my liking - equally interesting with no areas that draw too much attention with offending color or tone. My tripod feet were submerged, the frame composed and exposure set, and I laid on the dry ground waiting for the peak moment. Mosquitoes were feasting on my legs.Soon, as the sun slipped below the horizon, the cirrus streaking across the sky glowed a brilliant magenta for only a few moments. I captured two frames, and chose this one as the best. Glacier National Park, Montana https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/sunrise-tree-at-bryce/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Sunrise-Tree-At-Bryce-2.jpg Sunrise Tree at Bryce This tree has seen many fantastic sunrises. I'm glad to have shared one with it. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/sunrise-dance/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/sunrise-dance.jpg Sunrise Dance A line of cirrus clouds over "The Organ" butte at sunrise. Arches National Park, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/sunrise-at-mirror-lake/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/sunrise-at-mirror-lake.jpg Sunrise at Mirror Lake I admit that some photographs are easy to create. This was not one of those. Abbie and I had to get up far before sunrise and trek forty-five minutes through a pitch-black forest with only one head lamp. The batteries ran out on the other. And not being too familiar with the local wildlife of Oregon, I actually had real concerns of running across an angry bear. We had not hiked the trail either so we weren't quite sure how far it was or if it would be worth it. The trail was well-marked but had a respectable incline that caused us to pause for a breather every now and then. I used that time to listen for threatening growls.As the first light of dawn began to break, we could finally see the reflections of Mirror Lake through the thick brush to our right. On the south edge of the small lake was a clearing with a good vantage point of Mount Hood rising just above the tree line. The clouds were perfect, and I suspected we were about to have front row seats to a spectacular light show.As the sun came closer to the horizon, the clouds caught fire and reflected the red-orange glow back down onto us, bathing everything in an eerie light. I quickly began to work the camera, lens, and tripod, getting as many different compositions as I could think of. Within 30 seconds, the glow was gone, and the clouds had lost their color. I relaxed though, knowing the extra research and planning, getting up early and hiking through the anxiety-inducing pitch-black forest had all been worth it. I had the shot. Mirror Lake, Oregon https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/storm-over-water/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Storm-Over-Water.jpg Storm Over Water A towering cumulonimbus creates a stunning sunset over the Caribbean. Bahamas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/strawberry-sunrise/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/strawberry-sunrise.jpg Strawberry Sunrise A strawberry cactus grows from an interesting geological formation near Castalon peak. Big Bend National Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/starry-cypress/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/starry-cypress.jpg Starry Cypress The lake in front of me was a consuming black emptiness. I stood on a dock admiring the endless night sky. A single light illuminated a lone bald cypress and after some experimentation with my exposure settings, I made the capture. In processing, I color balanced to the greenish light on the tree which shifted the ambient light from the sky to blue. Caddo Lake, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/smoke-in-trees/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/smoke-in-trees.jpg Smoke in Trees Smoke from a nearby campfire drifts through the pine forest. Glacier National Park, Montana https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/silence/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/silence.jpg Silence Heavy snow was falling. The huge flakes in the air absorbed the ambient sounds that might have otherwise been present. The only sound was a nearby blue jay calling out a few times, objecting to my presence. He soon flew away to leave me be. A few larger flakes would brush my ear on the way down to my shoulder.My hair and clothes were getting wet, so I took shelter in a thick grove of cedars. A tree had died, leaving an unguarded opening in the otherwise thick canopy where the snow and soft light fell through to the forest floor.**Note: This photograph is not totally monochrome, but the colors are mostly desaturated. Mount Bachelor, Oregon https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/santa-elena-stones-2/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/santa-elena-stones.jpg Santa Elena Stones #2 A thin layer of clouds passed quickly overhead, changing the patterns of shadow and light across the canyon walls of Texas' iconic landmark. Big Bend National Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/santa-elena-canyon/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Santa-Elena-Canyon.jpg Santa Elena Canyon I love clouds. Specifically, I love to work them into my compositions. Many of my compositions rely on the clouds to work - to make visual sense. Santa Elena Canyon is one such photograph. These high cirrus emanate from behind the massive Santa Elena Canyon, where the Rio Grande has carved its way through solid rock. The setting moon creates an accent point in the sky so that the scene isn't too symmetric. Big Bend National Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/san-jose-arches/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/San-Jose-Arches.jpg San Jose Arches Beautiful light and shadows under the arches at the San Jose mission. San Antonio, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/sand-cracks/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Sand-Cracks.jpg Sand Cracks White Sands hosts a wonderful variety of shapes and textures to explore. Notice the moon setting on the horizon. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/rocky-bloom/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/rocky-bloom.jpg Rocky Bloom A Strawberry Cactus growing from a rocky outcrop. Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/saint-mary-sunrise/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Saint-Mary-Sunrise.jpg Saint Mary Sunrise A stunning sunrise over Saint Mary Lake on the east side of Glacier National Park.When I studied meteorology in high school and college, my favorite cloud was the lenticular. Lenticular clouds resemble a smooth, symmetrical flying-saucer shape. Because they generally only form over tall mountains, I never saw them in Oklahoma, so I particularly appreciate them when I see them on my trips out west. On this morning, there were a few small lenticulars popping up over the peaks and ridges to the southwest. Even without the few small lenticulars, this would be a stunning photograph, but for me the prominent lenticular cloud over Red Eagle Mountain is like a cherry on top. Glacier National Park, Montana https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/ripples-with-moon/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Ripples-With-Moon.jpg Ripples With Moon Moon setting over rippled sand dunes. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/red-on-white/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/red-on-white.jpg Red On White When I first found this location in Big Bend National Park, I couldn't believe my luck. These beautiful reddish-orange rocks were strewn about on top of this white dried crust, creating a brilliant contrast. Whichever way I turned, I saw interesting compositions. This one was my favorite from that morning. Big Bend National Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/ready-to-go/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/ready-to-go.jpg Ready To Go I'm always telling my wife that she packs too much when we go anywhere! Okay, this may be a slight exaggeration.I found this cart with these colorful old suitcases stacked up like Tetris in Punta Cana. I loved the tropical color palette and the tight organization. This is a great piece for anyone who loves to travel! Punta Cana, Dominican Republic https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/rays-at-canyonlands/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/rays-at-canyonlands-color.jpg Rays Over Canyonlands Incredible "God Rays" from the morning sun overlooking the Colorado River valley. Canyonlands National Park, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/quiet-caldera/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/quiet-caldera.jpg Quiet Caldera This place I had found seemed almost perfect. Maybe it was. The rows of clouds blew past overhead, and their shadows danced across the waves of grass. Runoff from the surrounding mountain ridge of this ancient volcano had found a comfortable path through the expanse over many years. Valles Caldera, New Mexico https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/pastels-of-bandon/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/pastels-of-bandon.jpg Pastels of Bandon A peaceful evening on the Oregon coast. Bandon Beach, Oregon https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/pumpjacks/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/pumpjacks.jpg Pumpjacks Clouds were floating in from the Galveston Bay creating a powerful composition of this old pumpjack in east Texas. Bolivar Peninsula, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/proxy-falls/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/proxy-falls.jpg Proxy Falls After a short jaunt through the quiet and lonely woods of central Oregon, Abbie and I finally found the well-known Proxy Falls. It was overcast and raining, and the light was fading as the evening grew old. I straddled this mossy fallen tree and took two exposures that I would later digitally stitch together to create this beautiful wide-angle and highly detailed photograph. Central Oregon https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/pine-cathedral/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/pine-cathedral.jpg Pine Cathedral These long rows of perfectly placed pine trees create a shape that reminds me of a stained-glass window in an old church, but a window that is dark and mysterious rather than bright and colorful.Wins Best of Show Sept. 10, 2016 - Pearland Arts League 2016 Annual Juried Show - Juror Patrick Palmer East Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/passage/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/passage.jpg Passage The ruins at Chaco Canyon are a labyrinth of passages and corridors of stone, light, and color. Chaco Canyon National Historic Site, New Mexico https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/parched/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/parched.jpg Parched The final rays of the evening sun cut across this patch of curled mud and sand creating incredible texture and depth. Choke Canyon State Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/paint-gap-and-rosillos/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/paint-gap-and-rosillos.jpg Paint Gap & Rosillos The last light of the west Texas sun scrapes across the vast plains below Paint Gap hills. The Rosillos Mountains create a colorful backdrop. Big Bend National Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/padre-grasslands/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/padre-grasslands.jpg Padre Grasslands It was a beautiful warm day with big cheerful clouds. I can almost hear the breeze again, blowing through these tall Texas grasslands. Padre National Seashore, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/organs-at-dusk/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Organs-At-Dusk.jpg Organs at Dusk After a long day of scouting and exploring, it was a beautiful reward to watch this light show. Las Cruces, New Mexico https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/organs-at-sunset/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Organs-At-Sunset.jpg Organs At Sunset Just as the sun touched the horizon behind my shoulder, the deepest oranges reached the snow-dusted climbs of the Organ Mountains. Las Cruces, New Mexico https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/oregon-trail/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/oregon-trail.jpg Oregon Trail I've been on a lot of trails over the past few years - rugged trails, dry trails, slipper trails, muddy trails, grassy trails. This may be one of the most beautiful and peaceful trails yet.Lying deep under the ancient canopy of the central Oregon forest is a small trail leading to Mirror Lake, just south of Mount Hood. On our way returning from shooting Sunrise at Mirror Lake, Abbie and I passed some downed moss-covered logs that had been cut to clear the trail. I looked back up the trail behind us and noticed the staggered angles of the fallen trunks and the curve of the path bisecting them and carrying my attention into the deep woods. The overcast light from above made for vibrant colors full of life. Mirror Lake, Oregon https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/ocean-of-stone/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/ocean-of-stone.jpg Ocean of Stone Glorious light pours down from a mid-morning sun and filters through thick cumulus clouds. Endless rows of silhouetted ridges remind me of romantic period paintings of a tumultuous ocean. Canyonlands National Park, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/neapolitan/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/neapolitan.jpg Neapolitan A maze of sheer canyons. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/mt-cannon-light/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/mt-cannon-light.jpg Mount Cannon Light Morning sunlight streams into the valley below Mt. Cannon. Glacier National Park, Montana https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/mt-hood-at-trillium/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/mount-hood-at-trillium-lake.jpg Mt. Hood at Trillium Lake A peaceful sunset on mirror-like Trillium Lake and enormous Mount Hood. Trillium Lake, Oregon https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/moonset-over-santa-elena/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/moonset-over-santa-elena.jpg Moonset Over Santa Elena Big Bend National Park is one of a handful of locations in Texas that offers monumental terrain. I wanted to show just how extraordinary this place is with Moonset over Santa Elena. I had been tracking the times for moonrise and moonset all week, and I was finally in a location where I could take advantage of that knowledge. Abbie and I had just arrived at Santa Elena Canyon and the moon was fast approaching the edge of the massive walls of rock. I used a telephoto lens to compress the canyon walls, which were showing great texture from the hard sunlight, against the moon that seemed like it was being caressed by the wispy, soft cirrus clouds, even though they are almost a quarter of a million miles away. Big Bend National Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/moonset-at-white-sands/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Moonset-At-White-Sands.jpg Moonset at White Sands During the day, it is virtually impossible to see the moon this close to the horizon unless you are very carefully looking for it. Due to the scattering of the light in the atmosphere, there is very little contrast at this angle. With a polarizer, some post processing, and a conversion to black and white I was able to make it the prominent feature of this strange landscape. Because of the technical difficulty, this is a very unusual composition. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/moonrise-at-bryce/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Moonrise-At-Bryce.jpg Moonrise at Bryce It was so dark I couldn't see my hand in front of my face - I know because I tried. Perfect for being overwhelmed by the dusting of stars in the night sky. But the moon was just below the horizon, and I had to work fast as I could see a hint of light toward the east over the vast expanse of nothing below my Father and me.Working in the dark is difficult. Creating beautiful photographs is even more difficult, both technically and artistically. I really had to use my minds eye to see what might be happening in the next few seconds. All set up and ready to go, the moon began to peak over the distant line. Double check my settings and my exposure. Ready, set, click. Moonrise at Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/moon-over-windmill/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Moon-Over-Windmill.jpg Moon Over Windmill The Aeromotor windmill is an iconic sculpture of American ranching. West Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/moon-at-turret-arch/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Moon-At-Turret-Arch.jpg Moon at Turret Arch A third-quarter moon through a small hole next to the "Turret Arch". Arches National Park, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/moon-at-devils-garden/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/moon-at-devils-garden.jpg Moon at Devil's Garden A juxtaposition of a near-full moon against a sandstone structure deep in the desert-land of central Utah.**Places First in Photography at Pearland Art League's 2019 annual juried show** Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/moon-and-broken-tree/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Moon-Broken-Tree.jpg Moon and Broken Tree Another moon juxtaposition, just the way I like it: bold, simple, and a little spooky. This was right after sunset, with the tree lit by ambient light from the horizon behind me. Just enough light to illuminate the details in the tree, but not too much to cause loss of detail in the moon. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/monument-valley-sunrise/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/monument-valley-sunrise.jpg Monument Valley Sunrise My favorite sunrises are desert sunrises, and what a perfect location to watch the sun rise! When the entire landscape is visible far into the distance, all of these atmospheric colors from warm reds to dark magentas and blues, dye the landscape with a spiritual southwestern color palette. For a few moments in between compositions, I pause and breathe deeply, absorbing the natural sounds of the wind rushing through the dry brush and the scurrying of a chipmunk across a nearby sandstone slab, looking for her first meal of the day. Monument Valley, Arizona https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/monument-valley-dusk/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/monument-valley-dusk.jpg Monument Valley Dusk Soft colors and tones shift across the vast landscape of ancient buttes. Monument Valley, Arizona https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/monument-valley-cumulus-color/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Monument-Valley-Cumulus-color.jpg Monument Valley Cumulus Color Monument Valley is the embodiment of the American West. You can look out over the un-touched plains and imagine what it must have been like to be a lone traveler on horseback. I waited for quite some time for the shadows to drift to precisely where I wanted them. I love this theatre-lighting effect that creates depth and interest in every part of the photograph. Monument Valley, Arizona https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/monument-valley-cumulus/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Monument-Valley-Cumulus.jpg Monument Valley Cumulus Monument Valley is the embodiment of the American West. You can look out over the un-touched plains and imagine what it must have been like to be a lone traveler on horseback. I waited for quite some time for the shadows to drift to precisely where I wanted them. I love this theatre-lighting effect that creates depth and interest in every part of the photograph. Monument Valley, Arizona https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/monuments-after-sunset/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Monuments-After-Sunset.jpg Monuments After Sunset Beautiful post-sunset color reached across the skies above these classic monoliths. Monument Valley, Arizona https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/mono-lake-sunrise/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/mono-lake-sunrise.jpg Mono Lake Sunrise A peaceful sunrise at Mono Lake with predominately cool colors. Note the stark contrast between the sharp, jagged texture of the limestone tufa's and the smooth flat surface of the water. A thin line of warm sunrise-orange on the distant horizon creates a unique push-pull between foreground and background. Mono Lake, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/mono-lake-dusk/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/mono-lake-dusk.jpg Mono Lake at Dusk The unexpected post-sunset burst of colors happened so suddenly, I wasn't expecting it. It was a beautiful and precious few seconds of soft glowing light, just enough to capture a series of exposures that I stitched together for amazing detail. Mono Lake, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/moab-moonset/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/moab-moonset.jpg Moab Moonset On this particular morning I had no idea what I was going to photograph for sunrise. I went out early by myself to Balanced Rock and explored for a bit. After trying several different compositions, I realized I just wasn't going to get the composition that I had in my mind. Difficult situations like this force me to push my creativity and observation further. I noticed that the setting moon was about to drop through a thin layer of clouds (the only clouds in the sky) just above the horizon so I put on a long lens to isolate the event.I love the soft, cool pinks and blues Moab, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/mine-with-aspen/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/mine-with-aspen.jpg Mine With Aspen This is Monarch Mine, a gold mine from the late 1800's. I'm always attracted to these old structures. I try to imagine how people from 150 years ago created and operated such contraptions. Fortunately, many are still standing. I discovered this one while driving between two stops on my itinerary. I loved that the yellow aspen leaves were glowing from the back light of the sun, but the hillside was still in shade, creating a strong tonal contrast between foreground and background.I carefully chose certain warm and cool colors in the sheet metal of the mine to complement the yellow of the trees, which creates a very coordinated and beautifully vibrant color palette. Monarch Pass, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/midday-cirrus/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Midday-Cirrus.jpg Midday Cirrus A beautiful summer day in Southeast Washington State, one of the bread baskets of America. Steptoe, Washington https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/mesquite-dune/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/mesquite-dune.jpg Mesquite Dune Beautiful, soft ripples stretch across this dramatic sand dune in Death Valley. Death Valley National Park, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/mesa-verde-window/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/mesa-verde-window.jpg Mesa Verde Window Ancient Native American ruins are special places to visit, and Mesa Verde is the most well-known. At the time, I was focusing on the light and was certain I would be converting the exposures of this location to black and white. However, one of my favorite things to do is to go back and work on photographs after several years of "sitting on them". This allows my vision to change, which changes how I modify and eventually print the photograph.This exposure was captured in 2015. Since then, I've tried and failed several times to create a print from this exposure that expressed what I wanted. It wasn't due to lack of knowledge or experience with processing that prevented me from finding my way through to a satisfying outcome. I just wasn't ready. However, after many attempts I have finally found the print that I was after! Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/mesa-arch/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Mesa-Arch.jpg Mesa Arch Mesa Arch was on my bucket list of locations to shoot. This particular morning, we (me, dad, and the handful of other photographers that had nudged their way in to my immediate left and right) were worried that a patch of clouds on the eastern horizon would spoil the sunrise for us. But about 20 minutes after sunrise, the clouds broke up just enough to create an incredible spectacle of "God rays" and deep blues and crimsons contrasting with bright glowing oranges. 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https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/74/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/shooting2.jpg https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/73/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/shooting1.jpg https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/luminous-meadow/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/luminous-meadow.jpg Luminous Meadow A fleeting moment of heavenly light over a forest in northern Colorado. Sylvan Lake State Park, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/luminosity/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Luminosity.jpg Luminosity We drove past this outcrop of rock, and I happened to look back over my shoulder. I loved how the light bounced off the smooth sandstone. As I composed the frame, the cirrus clouds organized around the sun to complete the photograph. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/longhorn/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/longhorn.jpg Longhorn A quintessential Texas Longhorn silhouette. Crockett, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/lightning-with-rainbow/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/lightning-with-rainbow.jpg Lightning With Rainbow My buddy Keith and I were just at the right place at the right time. Not without a bit of planning though. I knew I had wanted to be in Utah during monsoon season. What better way to increase my chances to see something awesome? And here we were, high above Valley of the Gods in Utah on a lonely dirt road, coming back from a day trip to Natural Bridges National Monument when several storm cells surrounded us.After a brief shower had passed, we got out of the car, and I couldn't believe what was unfolding in front of me. Somehow the sun found a hole on the horizon to break through just as it was setting behind us, all the while cloud-to-ground lightning strikes were raking the valley to the east. This rainbow appeared right in front of us, and I rushed to get my camera set up. The sun was setting fast, and I could only hope that I got a perfect lightning strike before it was gone. This was the one. Valley of the Gods, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/lightning-in-the-valley/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/lightning-In-the-valley.jpg Lightning in the Valley It was the most exciting two hours I've ever had photographing. Keith, my long lost buddy from high school who I reunited with for this trip, joined me standing on a rocky outcrop that extended into the vast Valley of the Gods before us to the North, East, and South.Cloud to ground lightning was striking in every direction and we had a front row seat high above the valley floor. The lightning was several miles away so the thunder was distant. I dare say it was absolutely peaceful up there on that rock, except for the occasional gust of wind, far-off rumble, and shout of excitement as a streak of lightning shot through the frame of our constantly open camera shutters. An evening I'll never forget. Valley of the Gods, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/leaf-on-bridal-veil/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/leaf-on-bridal-veil-creek.jpg Leaf on Bridalveil Creek Just below Bridalveil Falls, this small creek runs under a stone bridge beneath a canopy of trees. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/kiva-dreams/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/kiva-dreams.jpg Kiva Dreams A "kiva" is a pit dug into the ground and lined with stone, then covered with sticks or thatching, and then mud. It was believed to be used for political or religious purposes by Puebloans.A covered kiva is a very dark pit, similar to a cave, even during the daytime. Our eyes can see almost no color in low-light conditions like this. However, the camera can capture as much light and color as it needs using a longer shutter speed. The faint purple color comes from the blue of the open sky mixing with the orange of the mud and sandstone. The deep orange colors are a result of direct sunlight striking the wooden opening and bouncing around inside the kiva. As it reflects off of each orange surface, it becomes more saturated.These low-light conditions often seem drab and lifeless in person, but it's exciting knowing the camera sees them differently, full of color. Pecos National Historic Park, New Mexico https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/its-been-a-while/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/its-been-a-while.jpg It's Been a While I enjoy walking around my parents' property where I grew up. They live about half-a-day's drive from me so it's not often I get up there. But it's great to walk around the many acres and reminisce about the many adventures I had in the woods.Where I grew up, when your vehicles no longer work, you tow them somewhere under a tree and leave them. Perhaps you might make a project of it at a later date, or maybe salvage some parts. But usually it becomes a permanent part of the landscape. It is here that the passage of time truly builds character. Grove, Oklahoma https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/little-chief/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/little-chief.jpg Little Chief Morning sunlight coming through the canyon, lighting up Little Chief mountain. Glacier National Park, Montana https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/hummingbird-in-flight/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/hummingbird.jpg Hummingbird in Flight Ruby Throated Hummingbird in flight. Grove, Oklahoma https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/horseshoe-bend-sunset/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/horseshoe-bend-sunset.jpg Horseshoe Bend Sunset It's a challenge to create a unique composition of one of the most photographed places, but it's a fun challenge that I gladly accept. For this extremely wide-angle photograph, I crouched down in a sandstone crevice and waited for the light. I love the color contrast between the foreground formations catching the warm sunlight and the same sandstone on the opposite side of the canyon taking on a magenta hue in the shade. Page, Arizona https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/horseshoe-bend-pano/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/horseshoe-bend-panorama.jpg Horseshoe Bend Panorama Possibly one of the most dramatic overlooks of the Colorado River, Horseshoe Bend was on my bucket list of locations to shoot. Just south of Page, Arizona, this location is incredible before sunrise. Page, Arizona https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/hole-in-sandstone/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/hole-in-sandstone.jpg Hole in Sandstone I don't judge a photograph by the amount of effort it took to create it. I know very well that some great, and (just as important) unique photographs can be found just off the highway. Some of my most popular photographs were in very accessible locations, even a parking lot in one case. However, there is an additional facet of reward when I venture off the beaten path and must overcome some obstacles to get a particular composition that turns out to be one that I like. Such is the case with "Hole in Sandstone".Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument is an area deep in the heart of Utah that I had only driven through a few times before, but the geological features there aren't something you'll be aware of from any paved road. You won't see anything unless you drive for many miles down washboard roads, and in most cases, hike a significant distance through the desert. It's hot. It's dry. It's rugged, and even dangerous. And I love it. It may be my favorite park because when I visited there last summer, the features I saw were so unexpected. Slot canyons, hoodoos, huge sandstone bluffs, dramatic features... and very few people, unlike Arches, Monument Valley, or the Grand Canyon.The slot canyon I was most interested in visiting was "Peek-a-boo" canyon, named for it's tight twists and turns, and holes such as this one that you have to crawl through. Navigating through the desert to find it is a bit of a challenge as there are only sparse rock cairns that mark the direction you should walk. There isn't really a trail for most of the way. To enter the canyon, you have to climb up a fifteen foot sandstone wall with shallow hand and footgrips carved into it. This wouldn't be too bad without 30 pounds of camera equipment and a tripod. I don't think I could have made it up without Keith there as we were able to hand things up and down at the halfway point. Even then, we needed the help of a guy at the top to get us past the final few feet. Getting down was worse as we couldn't see the handholds. A group of adventurous ladies helped pass us down our equipment.Traveling through the canyon is just incredible. The light would come down, hit the floor, and bounce up and around back and forth between the walls. The color shifted subtly between hot oranges to pinks and deep blues. The lines and textures were so smooth, at times I couldn't quite believe my eyes. It was adventurous squeezing my torso around hair pin twists and tight areas. My moderate claustrophobia had me just a little on edge at certain points, adding to the excitement.Hole in Sandstone, embodies the characteristics of the slot canyon... smooth sandstone texture, vivid warm and cool colors, light and dark interacting. What a strange and magical experience it was to be able to create this photograph. Peek-a-boo Canyon, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/high-plains/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/high-plains.jpg High Plains On the plains north of the San Juan mountains. Low-level cumulus clouds were moving quickly so I didn't have to wait too long to get "stage-lighting" on this small group of aspen. I believe the distant peak to be "Little Cone" mountain. San Juan Mountains, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/heavens-peak/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/heavens-peak.jpg Heaven's Peak Glacier National Park is surrounded by views like this. Glacier National Park, Montana https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/guadalupe-sunrise/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/guadalupe-sunrise.jpg Guadalupe Sunrise A classic west Texas photograph. This is El Capitan, just south of Carlsbad, New Mexico. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/heaven-and-earth/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/heaven-and-earth.jpg Heaven & Earth A desert ruin near Santa Elena Canyon. Big Bend National Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/harvest-road/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/harvest-road.jpg Harvest Road Where I grew up, the fields and woods were playgrounds for me and my friends. This photograph reminds me of one of those perfect days as a kid without a care in the world. Steptoe, Washington https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/guadalupe-foothills/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/guadalupe-foothills.jpg Guadalupe Foothills As I was setting up for another photograph and waiting for the light to filter through the clouds just right, I looked off to my left across the vast plain south of the Guadalupe mountains in western Texas and saw the light playing a symphony across some smaller foothills. The clouds stretched long across the sky. It was a beautiful moment as light, earth, and sky harmonized themselves. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/grand-canyon-dusk/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/grand-canyon-dusk.jpg Grand Canyon Dusk Mornings and evenings are always memorable at the Grand Canyon. This was captured near Yavapai Overlook on the south rim, looking West. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/golden-and-red/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/golden-and-red.jpg Golden & Red Vibrant colors of Colorado aspen in the fall. Molas Pass, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/glory-of-atlas/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/glory-of-atlas.jpg Glory of Atlas After a frigid and unsuccessful sunrise attempt high in the San Juan mountains, I navigated the old mining road back down the valley toward Ouray. The welcoming warm light filled the canyon and lit the slope on the opposite side of the ravine.When I spotted the abandoned Atlas mine in the forest of snowy conifers, I couldn't believe how vivid and tactile the scene was. The light perfectly caught the old timbers of the mine's surface structure and the snow played games with my eyes that I still don't quite understand. The deep cold blue of the forest shadows and the warmth of the morning sun balanced perfectly color and tone. I've never seen anything like it. Ouray, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/generations/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/generations.jpg Generations Contrasts of tone, age, and species. Sylvan Lake State Park, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/galveston-dream/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/gavleston-dream.jpg Galveston Dream My son Miles (four at the time) and I took a quick drive down to Galveston to watch the full moon rise. He was digging holes in the sand with a shovel I had brought for him as I watched the lazy waves stretch out onto the shore and back to the ocean again. The dark blue of the earth's shadow complemented the soft pinks of the sun-lit sky just above it. I noticed something I had never noticed before... these two beautiful colors danced and played with each other in the advancing and retreating ripples of water along the shore. The moon's distorted reflection highlighted the water's surface to complete the composition.As I stood there and watched this magic, I felt encouraged and assured that there is so much more beauty out there for me to discover and that I should be assured that if I just be still and observe, I can always find something new and fresh to photograph. Galveston, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/fort-leaton-leather/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Fort-Leaton-Leather.jpg Fort Leaton Leather These weathered strips of leather and dusty old stirrups hang from a line in the blacksmith's nook toward the back of the fort. Fort Leaton State Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/fort-leaton-empty-room/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/fort-leaton-empty-room.jpg Fort Leaton Empty Room Fort Leaton has a tarnished history of murder and blood money, but the adobe structure itself is still full of beautiful shapes and light. Fort Leaton State Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/fort-leaton-adobe-1/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/fort-leaton-adobe-1.jpg Fort Leaton Adobe #1 Fort Leaton has a tarnished history of murder and blood money, but the adobe structure itself is full of beautiful shapes and light. Fort Leaton State Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/forest-trail/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/forest-trail.jpg Forest Trail Abbie and I were hiking along a forest trail at Daingerfield State Park in northeastern Texas when I turned around to look at a short stretch of trail we had just descended. Always looking for interesting curves and lines, this composition looked promising. After converting it to monochrome and adding some contrast, this turned out to be a favorite. Daingerfield State Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/fallen-foliage/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/fallen-foliage.jpg Fallen Foliage A cold front had moved in overnight and any chance at seeing sunlight on this day was gone. The last thing I wanted to do was to photograph a grand landscape with flat light and a gray sky. I steered my vision in a different direction and set out toward Cottonwood Pass with a new idea. It started to sleet when I pulled off the side of the highway near some small orange-leaved aspen I had spotted the day before. There was a large flow of boulders going up the steep side of the valley and with the rain and sleet, they were dangerously slippery. I carefully navigated from one to the next, making my way up the valley wall far above the highway. Every third or so step I would stop, catch my breath, and look in between the rocks at the patterns the fallen leaves made. There was a covering of old leaves underneath, probably accumulated over many years. On top of that brown and lifeless layer were scattered newly-fallen autumn leaves. I looked for interesting patterns and designs. I wanted something more than one or two leaves.... something more challenging compositionally. It took me a while and a few near-sprained ankles, but I came down that hillside about an hour later with this beautiful composition. Cottonwood Pass, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/fall-at-mount-princeton/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/fall-at-mount-princeton.jpg Fall at Mount Princeton Fresh snow dusts Mount Princeton while fall colors are at their peak on Chalk Lake below. Chalk Lake, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/fall-abstract/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/fall-abstract.jpg Fall Abstract Sleet was falling and the air was calm and cold. All was still and perfectly peaceful. Cottonwood Pass, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/facerock-at-sunset/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/face-rock-at-sunset.jpg Facerock at Sunset The legend of Face Rock is that Ewanua, a Coquille tribal leader's daughter had gone for a swim alone after a celebration festival and was grabbed by the evil ocean spirit Seatka. Avoiding eye contact, as that was how he controlled his victims, she instead looked toward the North Star, with her face just above the water line. I love the quality of the light and the details of the sand in this captured moment. Bandon Beach, Oregon https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/facerock-2/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/face-rock-at-sunset-2.jpg Facerock at Sunset #2 The legend of Face Rock is that Ewanua, a Coquille tribal leader's daughter had gone for a swim alone after a celebration festival and was grabbed by the evil ocean spirit Seatka. Avoiding eye contact, as that was how he controlled his victims, she instead looked toward the North Star, with her face just above the water line.This composition of Face Rock balances cool and warm tones while contrasting the sharp jagged surfaces of the exposed rocks with the smoothness of the sand, surf, and clouds. Bandon Beach, Oregon https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/erosion-2/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/erosion-2.jpg Erosion #2 A bizarre landscape straight out of science fiction. Big Bend National Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/elevator-color/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/elevator-color.jpg Elevator Color Rolling farmland of southeastern Washington. Steptoe, Washington https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/elevator/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/elevator.jpg Elevator Rolling farmland of southeastern Washington. Steptoe, Washington https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/el-capitan-with-clouds/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/el-capitan-with-clouds.jpg El Capitan with Clouds My last morning in Yosemite was magical. As I watched from the Tunnel View overlook, clouds overhead broke allowing direct sunlight through, while low hanging clouds in the valley below moved from the middle and followed the slope up and quickly evaporated. Just when it seemed like the air in the valley should clear, more clouds formed out of nowhere and followed suit. They shrouded most of the trees in a ghostly fog while the direct sunlight lit up the massive granite of El Capitan. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/el-capitan-with-tree/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/el-capitan-tree.jpg El Capitan & Tree The sun was dropping behind me and the shadows from the valley were starting to creep up the granite cliffs in Yosemite valley. I was at Tunnel Overlook and witnessed this lone pine tree at the base of El Capitan slip into the dark shadows while the massive granite formation behind was reflecting the last sunlight for the day. Although not visible at this small size, several climbers can be seen ascending the enormous face of El Capitan... an interesting detail that even I hadn't noticed until a gallery attendee had pointed them out. (The climbers are visible in all print sizes, but difficult to spot.) This is a very detailed and fun photograph to explore. I know you'll enjoy it as much as I do! Yosemite National Park, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/el-capitan-and-merced/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/elcapitanmerced.jpg El Capitan And Merced The warm colors of fall complement this sunny morning in the valley. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/egg-garden/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/egg-garden-1.jpg Egg Garden A strange landscape in the Northwest corner of New Mexico. Bisti Badlands, New Mexico https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/empty-room/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/concepcion-empty-room.jpg Empty Room The light coming into this room and bouncing off the white walls and ceiling creates this beautiful glow that I love about these old missions. March 24, 2018 - Wins 2nd Place at FotoFest '18 Baytown Art League juried exhibit - Jurors Steve Goff & Beckwith Thompson San Antonio, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/dr-palm-2/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/dr-palm-2.jpg Dominican Republic Palm #2 A beautiful sky and palm tree on the beach at Punta Cana. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/dr-palm-1/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/dr-palm.jpg Dominican Republic Palm #1 A perfect day at the beach. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/downtown/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/downtown.jpg Downtown Strong contrasts of tone, elements, and shapes. Bodie, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/dove-in-snow/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/dove-in-snow.jpg Dove in Snow A light snow was falling as Jeff and I searched around the area for a quiet pecan orchard to photograph. This one was simple, well kempt, and had the bonus of several dove on the ground picking at broken pecan shells. I chose just the right location to get the symmetry I wanted. Moving the camera just an inch one way or the other made a big impact in this composition so I had to choose my placement carefully. Alamogordo, New Mexico https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/desert-sunrise/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/desert-sunrise.jpg Desert Sunrise A fiery sunrise over the rugged sandstone outcrops of Arches. Sometimes this magic happens, and it's amazing to me how quickly the light changes, climaxes, and soon fades away into a perfectly normal day. Arches National Park, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/delicate-arch-moonrise/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/delicate-arch-moonrise.jpg Delicate Arch Moonrise I had planned my entire photography expedition into Utah around this moment. Six months earlier I chose a week in the summer that would end with a full moon. This would be the evening I would make my first hike up to the iconic Delicate Arch to attempt a moonrise centered inside the arch. I had my sunset time, moonrise time, moonrise azimuth, and the angle of delineation which allowed me to adjust my compass reading to account for the magnetic variation. Upon reaching the arch, it was more incredible than I expected from having studied other photographs of it. The arch is larger and the area surrounding it is steeper and more hazardous. I worked my way around and up into an area that my compass indicated should be about the right spot for moonrise. The smooth sandstone was tilted downward at about a 40 degree angle and quickly dropped off into a natural sandstone bowl about 30 feet below. Any mis-step would be disastrous. I studied the horizon inside the arch. The moonrise time was now. The last thing I wanted was to have my azimuth calculation wrong by a few degrees and miss the moment. The time came and went as I scurried back and forth along the steep sandstone searching for the moon. I reasoned that because I was looking toward a mountain range, the higher elevation would delay the moonrise by some unknown amount, but I still worried that I had simply made a miscalculation and I wasn't set up in the right spot. About a minute later - a long, anxiety-filled minute - I saw the eerie glow of the lunar rim peeking into the landscape almost directly in the center of the arch. My compass-work was spot on; I only needed to move my tripod about two feet to the left. I suppose Delicate Arch Moonrise is one of my favorite types of photographs to create because it takes a composition that a lot of people are familiar with and adds a difficult technical component to it that requires planning and field skills. I hope you like the result. Arches National Park, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/death-valley-cracks-2/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/death-valley-cracks-2.jpg Death Valley Cracks #2 An exposed area of dried sand and mud amongst several sand dunes. Death Valley National Park, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/death-valley-cracks-1/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/death-valley-cracks-1.jpg Death Valley Cracks #1 An exposed area of dried mud between several sand dunes. Death Valley National Park, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/dawn-at-white-sands/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/dawn-at-white-sands.jpg Dawn at White Sands The first light strikes the mountains to the west of these beautiful sand dunes. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/covered/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/covered.jpg Covered Some days it feels like this. St. Elmo, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/cloudy-bluff/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/cloudy-bluff.jpg Cloudy Bluff Remnant clouds of a recent snowstorm hang low over the side of these forested cliffs as sunlight struggles to break through. Silverton, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/cloudy-aspen/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/cloudy-aspen.jpg Cloudy Aspen On the way back down the mountain from St. Elmo, I stopped a few times along the dirt road to capture various images. The sun was shining brightly on me, but the mountains across the valley were covered in a thick shroud of white cumulus. A few windows of opportunity drifted across the mountainside, and I liked the effect. St. Elmo, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/capitol-reef-moonrise/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/capitol-reef-moonrise.jpg Capitol Reef Moonrise A colorful moonrise above the valley. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/canyon-island/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/canyon-island.jpg Canyon Island A massive, towering island of rock rises up from the valley below. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/calera-sunrise-west/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/calera-sunrise-west.jpg Calera Sunrise West The very first rays of sunlight warm the front of this chapel in west Texas as the pink cirrus high above put on a spectacular show. Balmorhea, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/calera-sunrise/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/calera-sunrise.jpg Calera Sunrise A quiet chapel on the side of a small highway deep in western Texas is greeted by a most beautiful sunrise. My dad and I were there, ready and waiting for the peak moment before the sun came over the horizon - those precious few seconds when the colors are at their richest and the light is still soft, and the sky is the most dramatic. Balmorhea, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/calera-stars/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/calera-stars.jpg Calera Stars I loved photographing this chapel. It was even fun to photograph at night, although in between exposures it was so dark and quiet out there that I think I got the chills once or twice. When I began the exposure, I ran to one side and illuminated the front of the church with my headlamp just enough to balance the light with the stars above. Balmorhea, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/buffalo-spirit/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/buffalo-spirit.jpg Buffalo Spirit It was getting very dark. I had just captured a satisfying exposure of the moon rising over Salt Lake City, and now a huge bellowing heard of buffalo were migrating to their sleeping grounds right in front of me. My shutter speed was too slow to freeze the motion like I would normally have preferred, but I took a few exposures anyway, knowing that this was a rare occurrence. When I got this composition home and previewed it, I found that the slight motion blur of the buffalo actually added to the mysteriousness and emotion of the photograph much more than a static version may have. This photograph very much expresses what it was like to stand there and experience this incredible moment. Antelope Island, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/bright-leaf/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/bright-leaf.jpg Bright Leaf An isolated Aspen leaf collects drops from a passing shower in the mountains of Colorado. St. Elmo, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/bright-aspen-dark-skies/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/bright-aspen-and-dark-skies.jpg Bright Aspen & Dark Skies Vibrant colors of Colorado aspen in the fall before a storm. Molas Pass, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/bodie/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/bodie.jpg Bodie A memory of the fading past. Bodie, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/bodie-2/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/bodie-2.jpg Bodie #2 Bodie is a massive ghost town on the border of Nevada, north of Yosemite. Due to the dry climate, it is well preserved with about 100 buildings remaining in various states of decay. It is a California State park so it is maintained to a degree, but not "restored". The buildings appear as they would have in the late 1800's. Look at the beautiful texture of the rusty metal siding shining in the sunlight on this house! I particularly like the outhouse in the background peeking around the corner. This composition has a lot packed into it. Bodie, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/big-bend-sunrise/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Big-Bend-Sunrise-copy.jpg Big Bend Sunrise This beautiful sunrise is rich with bright orange sunlight, vivid violets and blues, and accented with rich red blooms. Big Bend National Park, Texas https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/barrenscape/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Barrenscape.jpg Barrenscape Walking down into this valley was like walking into a furnace. The sunlight felt like a weight on my back, the heat was oppressive, and the air was still. The excitement of finding this unique place with these incredible rocks and pebbles scattered around, and being able to create a composition like this made it easily worthwhile. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/bare-forest-sunset/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/bare-forest-sunset.jpg Bare Forest Sunset This was a race against the sun. Dad and I were driving along the ridge at Bryce Canyon looking for a place to set up for sunset, but I quickly learned that the main part of the park isn't good for sunset because it faces east. Finally, as the sun was about ten minutes from the horizon, I pulled into a road-side parking area and ran to this area of dead trees across the road. I worked quickly, trying different compositions until I finally found that I was pleased with this one. And not a moment too soon. I've been holding on to this photograph for a while. I couldn't quite get it to "shine" the way I wanted after my first attempt at processing, so I shelved it. After having improved my processing abilities over the past year, I was able to bring this technically difficult photograph to look exactly the way I originally intended. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/aspen-reflections/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/aspen-reflections.jpg Aspen Reflections It was early and the morning cold was biting. The colors of the aspen around this small lake were stunning. Sabrina Lake, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/aspen-panorama/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/Aspen-Panorama.jpg Aspen Panorama On a dirt road winding around central Colorado, this deep grove of aspen surrounded me. It was quiet, with the only sound being the quiet rustle of the shimmering aspen leaves. Sylvan Lake State Park, Colorado https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/aspen-grove/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/aspen-grove.jpg Aspen Grove It's hard to believe unless you've personally experienced the glow of the golden aspen. Sometimes even I look at this photograph and doubt its accuracy. Often, I'm so wrapped up in getting the right composition and capturing the peak light that I forget to make a private moment between me and creation. But on this particular evening, I was surrounded by autumnal gold. I wanted to create a photograph that bottled up that feeling that can only be expressed in art, so that I could remember what it was like to be there. It was my private moment in the aspen grove. Sabrina Lake, California https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/andromeda/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/andromeda.jpg Andromeda Introducing the first release of my "Foray into Space" series of fine art photographs. Andromeda is the largest galaxy in our sky (by appearance) and one of the brightest "extended" objects (by appearance) outside of our solar system. It is often referred to as Messier 31, or M31, and is flanked on both sides by the M101 galaxy (down and right) and the M32 galaxy (slightly left of the M31 core). The core of Andromeda is visible when observing through most telescopes, even in heavily light polluted skies. The total integrated exposure time of this image is 62 minutes. We visited my parent's for Independence day in Northeast Oklahoma and I had several nights of skies that are much darker and better suited for astronomy. I took advantage and did several late nights of both visual astronomy with my 10" Dobsonian telescope, and my newest astrophotography rig, which is an 80mm refractor on a tracking mount. This photograph represents all of the work I've put into photographing the heavens up to this point. While there is still a plethora of aspects to learn and refine, I am very pleased with this image and am excited to release it for print. Very far away... https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/ancient-sunset/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/ancient-sunset.jpg Ancient Sunset This is one of the most beautiful and peaceful lookouts from which I've watched the day end. This is known as the "False Kiva" and because it isn't located on any park maps, it doesn't get much traffic. There were only two other people there with Keith and me to experience this. I could have just sat there forever and relaxed, watching the light and colors change into night. Canyonlands National Park, Utah https://www.herschbachphotography.com/photo/almost-home/ https://www.herschbachphotography.com/images/xl/almost-home-1.jpg Almost Home A quiet and colorful dusk, east of El Paso. 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