Nov. 4, 2007 - The Watchman and Virgin River, Zion NP

Canon 5D, 24 - 105 mm f/4L IS @ 35 mm, f/11, 1/40 sec., ISO 100, polarizer

In a world of many stark contrasts, few are more evident than the differences between Las Vegas and Zion NP, even though the two locations are a mere 170 miles apart. If there is such a thing as geographic alter-egos, these two places have to be near the top of the list. We live in Las Vegas and enjoy it, but it is a city of remarkable complexity and round the clock chaos. Springdale, Utah (the southern entrance to Zion), on the other hand, doesn't even have a traffic light. While tourist season brings visitors by the thousands - many of whom come through Las Vegas - the town and the park quiet down significantly in November. That's great for those of us who live within shouting distance, because early November is probably the best time to visit. Fall color typically peaks during the first week of the month.

So why a black and white image? If you've been to Zion, you may know that this is one of those "iconic" shooting locations (the bridge at Canyon Junction). Photographers from all over the world line up on this bridge at sunset waiting for the Watchman to turn bright orange as the light fades. I know - I've done it. My problem with it, though, is that by the time this occurs, there is little or no light on the trees and the river. The color there has turned dull and muddy. If there are clouds in the sky and they are the "right" kind, this doesn't matter. When clouds are present and doing their thing, everything lights up. But this can be a rare event. Zion, after all, is high desert. When the sky is clear all you have, in my opinion, is the Watchman.

This image was taken mid-morning, when the sun had fully illuminated the bright yellow leaves and the river itself. As a color image, it's not very good (again, my opinion). But as a black and white image with the Watchman simply a silhouette, I like it.