The Grand Canyon

In honor of the Grand Canyon’s 100^th year anniversary as a National Park, I thought I would review some winter photographs I took at the park over the past 5 years.  The Grand Canyon is the 15^th site in the US to have been named a national park.  Located in Northwest Arizona, the canyon is a mile-deep gorge created by the Colorado River and 18 miles at its widest spot. In the past it reached the Pacific but for the last two decades it stopped flowing after about 750 miles.

It is one of the seven natural wonders of the word, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most photographed landscapes in the world.

1. It is difficult to photograph the river itself, since it is so deep and often in shadow, with the largest stretch of the river visible from Desert View close to the East Entrance. It is known for its wonderful sunset location. Colorado RiverColorado River running through the Grand Canyon from the south rim.
2. The colors of the Grand Canyon are quite remarkable; cloudy skies, clean winter air or after a rainstorm enhances this effect. Grand CanyonGrand canyon with deep shadows.
3. Dawn and dusk bring out the nuances of the canyon with more saturated colors combined with light and shadow contrast. This image also has a texture overlay. The Grand CanyonMorning toned colors on the Grand Canyon from the South Rim
4. Remember, great landscape photography needs interesting light and a center of interest. Grand Canyon ColorsGrand Canyon with the Colorado River.
5. Have fun with double exposures or painting with light at night, as in this reconstructed Hopi Watchtower at Desert View. Lonely TreeTree double exposure in camera with the south rim of the Grand Canyon. In camera double exposure with Nikon. Desert View Watchtower at NightLight painted Desert View Watchtower and a starry night.
6. The North Rim is less popular since it is closed during the winter months, at a higher elevation, more difficult to reach by car due to its remoteness and since most viewpoints require hiking. But for the more physically fit, it is less crowded with a less touristy feel. The North RimDeer grazing in the frosted early dawn grass. I hope you get to visit the park to enjoy its true beauty and majesty first hand.