Ever get a "wild hare" to go do something crazy just because?
While shooting Horseshoe Bend about 30 times over some years, I just couldn't help but wonder how epic it might be to camp on, and see the other side!
Finally, my SW shooting partner Nick Diggins and I decided to get crazy and go for it! Based on maps (and no 4WD at the time) we thought it would be a pretty difficult 5-6 mile hike. Boy were we wrong. Because of incredible amounts of challenging navigation around huge canyons, gullies and mountainous rocks that do not show up on maps (and our wrong approach) it ended up being more like one of the hardest 15 ever (since then I have found much easier ways)! We both carried all our gear plus 3 gallons of Gatorade.
The photo is just a hand snap for fun. A short 2 minute video clip of the adventure is on my website if you would like to see it.
Was the adventure worth the effort to me? ABSOLUTELY!
One of the funnest things I have ever done in my life. Nick said he will never forget it the rest of his life.
I hope you get a "wild hare" from time to time and see your own adventure realized!
You are crazy Mark but knowing you I am not surprised. I wished I had the skills to do that kind of adventure.
Be safe.
Love the drama you captured in the sky in #2.
Harsha
harshaj1 wrote:
You are crazy Mark but knowing you I am not surprised. I wished I had the skills to do that kind of adventure.
Be safe.
Love the drama you captured in the sky in #2.
Harsha
"I wish I had the skills"? In all of my workshops thus far, no one has pushed me as you did. Do you even need sleep? BTW, thanks, and I sincerely hope all is well with you.
mike reid wrote:
nicely done would be fun to paint a big red x FOCUS HERE (kidding!)
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BTW, there was a recent movie that had its last scene here. They must have been allowed to heli in with special permission. I cant remember the movie but it is a movie where these guys have special power and transport themselves all over the place and some people are trying to catch them. Maybe someone would know what movie that is.
That's pretty cool Mark. I bet you view your classic shots of horseshoe a bit differently now that you're more familiar with the terrain on the other side of the canyon.
My own exploration of the area is limited to the northeast rim, up to the 'big freaking gulch' that stops travel about 2/3 of a mile from the 'standard' viewpoint.
The opposite shore is all on reservation land, is it not? What sort of permit did you need to acquire?
mike reid wrote:
nicely done would be fun to paint a big red x FOCUS HERE (kidding!)
1- Stand in the shallow pit that has been worn into the rock by a billion tripods before you.
2- Aim the camera in the direction of the bazillion candlepower strobe lights. (Four of them, one for each ROT point of interest. Adjust zoom until they align with the tic-tac-toe board on your LCD.)
3- Focus on the giant, blinding 'X,' located dead center.
Maybe they could add a giant resolution chart to the target - something to keep the hardcore gear dweebs properly entertained.
I applaud you for your capability to go crazy, it for sure sounds like an adventure! From a photographers point of view, was it worthwhile? For anyone who never was at horseshoe bend looking at the panorama shot taken from the other side, will it be as visually impressive as the shot from the 'right' side? Would you take clients there?
Heinz H wrote:
I applaud you for your capability to go crazy, it for sure sounds like an adventure! From a photographers point of view, was it worthwhile? For anyone who never was at horseshoe bend looking at the panorama shot taken from the other side, will it be as visually impressive as the shot from the 'right' side? Would you take clients there?
Heinz
Yes! I have taken some clients since and it is simply an epic experience. We had coyotes howling at us in the middle of the night, and storm come up from no where that intimidated us all, and wild light that made the experience worth it. Here is a shot from my client from near by giving one an idea of its potential. I did not get a shot because I was involved with making sure everyone else did. I think you could pull off some decent shots with the right lighting. there are places near by, within a mile or two, that make it worth it, but some very tough 4WD and great navigation is definitely required to make it even reasonable. I am thinking up an upcoming workshop to include this and some other great lesser tread places will be on my website soon. But if you are savvy and have great 4WD experience, go for it!
My own exploration of the area is limited to the northeast rim, up to the 'big freaking gulch' that stops travel about 2/3 of a mile from the 'standard' viewpoint.
The opposite shore is all on reservation land, is it not? What sort of permit did you need to acquire?
Mark Metternich wrote:
Yes! I have taken some clients since and it is simply an epic experience. We had coyotes howling at us in the middle of the night, and storm come up from no where that intimidated us all, and wild light that made the experience worth it. Here is a shot from my client from near by giving one an idea of its potential. I did not get a shot because I was involved with making sure everyone else did. I think you could pull off some decent shots with the right lighting. there are places near by, within a mile or two, that make it worth it, but some very tough 4WD and great navigation is definitely required to make it even reasonable. I am thinking up an upcoming workshop to include this and some other great lesser tread places will be on my website soon. But if you are savvy and have great 4WD experience, go for it! ...Show more →
Very nice picture! Thanks for the feedback!
Heinz
Feb 20, 2013 at 12:45 AM
David Leask Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
