Cathedral Gorge National Park, Nevada

Cathedral Gorge State Park is a hidden jewel of unusual land formations that would be entirely missed if driving by on the main road near Panaca, Nevada. For those just passing through, the scenery in the area is pretty boring and predictable, but turn on a cross road and drive a very short distance into the gorge and you might feel as if you were on another planet. In daylight the columns and spires are more yellow that red, but this is how they looked in the afterglow of sunset a couple of days ago.

 Snow Canyon Overlook

Here's what the sunrise looked like two days ago overlooking Snow Canyon in southern Utah. Our 'casita', (little winter home), is a few minutes away on the other side of the cliffs. P.S. No color saturation here in case you're wondering!

Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho

Dreaming of Spring while going through 2017 photos.

Mt. Timpanogos Wearing Snow

Mt. Timpanogos Wearing Snow

Here is something out of my comfort zone. Usually I like my landscapes to mimic the colors of the rainbow like our eyes naturally see. But I also try to express a mood or a feeling in my photos. B&W seemed perfect for how I'm currently viewing my world at home in northern Utah! 

Here's the color version.  Tell me if you have a preference.

Frozen Utah Lake

Standing on thin ice to get this composition of frozen Utah Lake. If the ice had given away I would have dropped a whooping 3 inches, so I was not worried!

The Gannets of Muriwai, New Zealand

The Gannets of Muriwai, New Zealand

Shortly after we arrived in New Zealand we were told that one of the sights we needed to see was the gannet colony at Muriwai.  As soon as we were able, I grabbed my camera equipment and we drove the short distance to Muriwai beach, only to find it void of any gannets.  I was disappointed and realized we were there at the wrong time of year.  Fast forward 9 or 10 months and we returned to see this amazing sight.  (Scroll down to see close up photos of these beautiful birds.)

The gannets of Muriwai live on the edge between land and sea where these cliffs provide a strong updraft for easy take off.  Here is where they mate and give birth.  About 15 weeks after birth, the chicks make a journey to Australia more than 1200 miles away.  There is no trial and error and no parents to show them the way.  They migrate on their own.  Those who survive the journey across the Tasman Sea will remain for several years.  Finally, instinct draws them back across the 'ditch', (as people in that part of the world call the waters between Australia and New Zealand), never to return to Australia again.  Amazingly, those who make the return trip successfully, will come to the same nest they left behind years ago, to have chicks of their own.

Twilight Glow

Warm Twilight Glow On a Cold Winter Day

Shot at American Fork Boat Harbor, Utah Lake

Last Sunset Photo for 2017

Last sunset photo of the year. 

I love how the light shines through the broken ice along the shore of Utah Lake.

Winter Sunset

Winter Sunset at Utah Lake

Winter or summer, a beautiful sunset can lift my spirits and warm my heart. 

I hope it does the same for you!

Winter View!

Frozen Utah Lake

My previous post is what I wish I had been looking at, but this is what I actually saw yesterday.

Is it Spring Yet???

Is it Spring yet???  Just kidding!  I'm sorting through my 2017 photos and trying to remember that in a few months our gray winter landscape will once again burst into color!

Christmas 2017

St. George LDS Temple Visitor Center

St. George LDS Temple Visitor's Center

Oh Come Let Us Adore Him!

Oh Come Let Us Adore Him!

It Is I: Be Not Afraid

It Is I:  Be Not Afraid

"But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary....Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea...it is I; be not afraid." 

Several months ago I photographed this amazing sculpture at the 'I Am the Light of the World Sculpture Garden' at Ashton Gardens, Thanksgiving Point. It is one of 35 larger than life bronze masterpieces by Angela Johnson, depicting the teachings and miracles of Jesus Christ. I chose to compose this image from a very low angle in order to eliminate distractions and to emphasize the ominous sky which was perfect for the theme of this sculpture. (In post processing I lightened the area around the face.)

Oh Come Let Us Adore Him.....

Oh Come Let Us Adore Him....

Salt Lake Temple

The soft, muted tones caused by inversion, create beautiful light on Temple Square. 

 (For those not familiar with inversion, "Inversions occur during the winter months when normal atmospheric conditions (cool air above, warm air below) become inverted. Inversions trap a dense layer of cold air under a layer of warm air. The warm layer acts much like a lid, trapping pollutants in the cold air near the valley floor." Salt Lake valley is like a bowl nestled between two mountain ranges making a perfect condition for inversions.) It's bad for the lungs but often makes for great photography!

Salt Lake Temple - Fisheye

Salt Lake Temple

When I photograph Temple Square at Christmas every year it becomes a challenge to find different and interesting perspectives and compositions. I took this photo a couple of years ago using a fisheye lens.

Penelope

Penny

I've been cleaning out photo files this morning and decided to share a photo of Penelope, (we call her Penny). She is a labradoodle, who joined our family a few weeks ago at age 5 months old. We hope she ends up as a medium sized dog weighing around 30 pounds. I don't know what I was thinking.....it's like having a mischievous toddler in the house again......but we couldn't resist that face. I promised her there would be no pink hair bows, no embarrassing Christmas sweaters and no rides in a doggie stroller!! However, we may have to get her googles when she rides with us in the RZR, (ATV)!!! Haha

Salt Lake Temple in the Mist

Salt Lake Temple in the Mist

(that sounds better than 'inversion' or 'smog')

I am such a wimp! It is so hard for me to take photos outside when it is cold, because it doesn't matter how many layers I have on, my fingers still go numb and stiff when trying to work with my camera. Nevertheless, I always force myself to spend an evening on Temple Square at Christmas time. Last night I went early at dusk before the crowd, and when I could photograph the temple and lights with a beautiful deep blue sky as a backdrop. It didn't dawn on me until I was half way there that the horrible inversion/smog/fog we are having right now would not make that possible. I went anyway, and even though breathing the air was probably not good for the lungs, it sure made for some mystical, misty photos.