A late afternoon drive from Moab to Monument Valley last month took a dramatic turn. As I neared the park hotel, winds howled and a downpour unleashed its fury. Limited to a one-night stay, I braved the elements, venturing out to the hotel's main viewpoint for a few photos. The wind and rain soon forced me to retreat, but not before I capturing couple of shots.
The next morning, I awoke eager to photograph the sunrise over the valley. Unfortunately, a night of heavy rain rendered the dirt roads impassable (for me). Confined to the hotel viewpoint again, I found the scene transformed. Heavy clouds and fog blanketed the landscape, and the temperature had dipped significantly. Yet, a sliver of sunlight pierced through the dramatic clouds, illuminating the valley floor.
Here are some of the images I came up with during my visit. Thanks for viewing, and I welcome all comments and feedback!
Welcome to Monument Valley - Forrest Gump spot as per Google!!
Monument Valley classic view in rain and crazy winds!! - Sunset
Monument Valley classic view when I first got to the visitor center view point - Sunrise
Splash of light on valley floor
Monument Valley view on cold morning at sunrise after all night of rain
1970_gto wrote:
Another great location on my bucket list!
Yes, this is an excellent location. If you go and are staying at the view hotel, you can get a list of Navajo guides available for private tour. I think that would give you access to locations that one can't go by themselves.
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Jeffrey wrote:
Lovely place and conditions. Too many similar images for me.
Thanks for pointing that out Jeffrey, I did make a mistake The last image is a duplicate. Images look similar as I photographed from visitor center only. This was the intended image.
Like the change of pace in the weather conditions. I would consider brightening a number of these images as at least on my monitor they appear quite dark. If you have the exposure latitude it will help add some interest to the landscape if you can at least lift the shadows a bit. Bob
Rajan Parrikar wrote:
Parul - I have been absent from here for a while. You were lucky to get something different in terms of weather conditions and mood. Splendid!
Thanks Rajan and definitely missed your posts. Glad you are back posting. Yes, the weather was just crazy and with limited time I stayed put at visitor center for photos.
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Hathaway wrote:
Like the change of pace in the weather conditions. I would consider brightening a number of these images as at least on my monitor they appear quite dark. If you have the exposure latitude it will help add some interest to the landscape if you can at least lift the shadows a bit. Bob
Thanks for your feedback Bob, I obviously could have brightened up the image but this is how the scene was as there were thick fog and cloud cover when I first got to visitor center for sunrise. Hence, I left is as is.
Its rather unfortunate though that area planners can't see how the beauty of the area is diminished by placing so many signs along the road (first image).
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed viewing it.
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Al Trujillo wrote:
Great set of images!
Its rather unfortunate though that area planners can't see how the beauty of the area is diminished by placing so many signs along the road (first image).
Thanks Al!
To be quite honest with you, I started working on removing all the posts and signs but then at the end decided to leave it as is. As those signs are not going away anytime soon! It's a great location to photograph but quite dangerous too as cars are just zipping by you. There are way too many people pulling over on the side of the road instead of parking at a dedicated spot.
I had a similar experience when visiting in April: sunset marred by a rainy evening and low clouds that eventually burned off for sunrise. Thankfully able to do the valley drive the following day as the rains were not too bad. Definitely a location worthy of a two night stay to hedge bets against uncooperative weather.
I was there for the first time 3 years ago. Me and about 8 other photographers were all set up for sunset at the overlook at the View Hotel. I looked behind me and saw "the cloud of doom" fast approaching from the west. The wind picked up big time with photographers grabbing their gear so as not to blow over. Then the rain came and we all hastily retreated back inside, me to my room. The storm passed eventually but I was all set up on the balcony and didn't want to go back to the overlook since the wind was still blowing. Anyway. I did come away with some, imho great photos of a double rainbow over one of the mittens.
The weather really didn't improve the next day with mostly scattered sunshine here and there. But was able to drive the Loop Rd. The next day when we were leaving? A massive hail storm hit! Wonder if I was being told something?!
We were supposed to go to Canyon de Chelly but decided to head home (Prescott area). But I did stop at one of my favorite photo places, Coal Mine Canyon outside of Tuba City.
The last image is a duplicate. Images look similar as I photographed from visitor center only. This was the intended image. 