April 9, 2007 - Backlit Hoodoos, Bryce Canyon

Canon 5D, 24 - 105 mm f/4L IS @ 80 mm, f/8, 1/20 sec., ISO 200

Pointing your camera in the direction of the sun isn't always a great idea. In this case, though, it worked out just fine. For reasons that I don't understand, these red sandstone structures - hoodoos - seem to become translucent when lit by the sun from behind. They literally glow. The major problem with shots like this (other than getting the exposure right) is flare. So you try to shield the lens as best you can with a hat or something. Even so, this image is one of only a few that didn't have the problem. At least with digital you know it's there right after you take the picture.