p.1 #1 · Breaking Storm Over North Rim Grand Canyon
Congratulations to Ross Martin for winning Feature Thread of the Week with 7 votes - View Previous Winners
Most of the days on my current southern Utah photography trip have been clear blue sky, not the drama we photographers crave. But when the forecast showed clouds and chance of rain one day last month I decided to head to the North Rim (though the road to the burned down lodge is closed, some viewpoints are still accessible on another road). I arrived to wet foggy storm clouds obscuring the views, but then as if on cue the fog began to move and expose some stunning views, and the treat of a rainbow. After the storm cleared it left behind some haze that added some atmosphere to the final shot. It was spectacular and humbling to be there and I’m very grateful. Hope you enjoy the views!
Technical info:
Camera was Sony A7RV, shot through the excellent Tamron 50-400mm. Development via Lightroom.
p.1 #3 · Breaking Storm Over North Rim Grand Canyon
Ross, very impressive and enjoyable captures of the GC! I experienced some similar weather conditions several years back there. I could related how you felt. YGMV!
p.1 #7 · Breaking Storm Over North Rim Grand Canyon
Great shots, the dramatic light in the third one is my favorite!
My brother and I were just there last Monday and we had clear bluebird skies. Was a downer that the park staff close the gates right at sunset too, was hoping to stay through the fading light. Understandable given the circumstances though.
p.1 #9 · Breaking Storm Over North Rim Grand Canyon
Craig Gillette wrote:
Looks like perfect timing. I like 1, my wife likes 4, but really liked 5.
Thank you, Craig! I’ve been to the GC so many times when there were no clouds or atmosphere, so really grateful to have gotten in on this weather, it transforms the photography.
p.1 #11 · Breaking Storm Over North Rim Grand Canyon
AGeoJO wrote:
Ross, very impressive and enjoyable captures of the GC! I experienced some similar weather conditions several years back there. I could related how you felt. YGMV!
I sure appreciate your encouragement, Joshua! And I like that you know how it feels there to have the atmospheric weather.
p.1 #13 · Breaking Storm Over North Rim Grand Canyon
Al Trujillo wrote:
I can tell that you're having a great time on your trip. Thanks for bringing us along. And, BTW, these from the GC are most excellent!!
Thank you, Al! Yes, I’m having a grand time, feels like I am in my element with a strong drive to keep finding images. I eat, sleep, and breathe photography on these trips, and I do hit points of exhaustion each week lately and have to force myself to take a day or two off, but I feel incredibly blessed to be pursuing my passion.
p.1 #16 · Breaking Storm Over North Rim Grand Canyon
Jim Dockery wrote:
That must have been magical. I also assume there weren't many people there. Great shots, hard for me to choose a fav. between the rainbow and B&W.
Thanks Jim, magical is a good word for the experience. There were maybe a dozen other people there - compared to the South Rim, virtually total solitude.
p.1 #17 · Breaking Storm Over North Rim Grand Canyon
The Rat wrote:
Great shots, the dramatic light in the third one is my favorite!
My brother and I were just there last Monday and we had clear bluebird skies. Was a downer that the park staff close the gates right at sunset too, was hoping to stay through the fading light. Understandable given the circumstances though.
Thanks Patrick! So someone could end up staying too late at one of those viewpoints and getting locked in? I’ve always been afraid of that happening to me at White Sands when I’m a mile out on the dunes taking my last photo at dusk.
p.1 #18 · Breaking Storm Over North Rim Grand Canyon
Ross Martin wrote:
Thanks Patrick! So someone could end up staying too late at one of those viewpoints and getting locked in? I’ve always been afraid of that happening to me at White Sands when I’m a mile out on the dunes taking my last photo at dusk.
Currently yeah, that's the case. I chatted with the ranger at the entrance station and he's the one that told me about them locking the gates at sunset. It wasn't that way before, so I gather it's a temporary measure due to the fire and everything. Hopefully it'll be back to normal-ish hours of operations next year!
p.1 #19 · Breaking Storm Over North Rim Grand Canyon
The GC can be a surprisingly difficult place to get impactful photos. There is so much going on, formations are in the distance and the ability to declutter with judicious choice of perspective is limited. My favorite shots are when beams of light filter through the clouds and illuminate selectively, like #3
