Hope of a New Dawn Photo

Photographer’s Note

Mesa Arch at sunrise is probably the most photographed location in Canyonlands National Park. I hope you will forgive me for adding my version to the number already on TE, but I thought a dawn image was a good idea to symbolise the beginning of a New Year so I’m posting it to wish all you all a Happy New Year with the hope of a ‘new dawn‘.

The start of the trail to Mesa Arch is about 5 miles past the Island in the Sky Visitor Centre and is well marked. It’s about ¼ mile walk from the car park. The arch is quite small after seeing some of the huge arches at Arches National Park. It is about 50ft (15m) wide and stands about 10ft (9m) above the edge of the mesa. The bottom of the opening is about 1000ft (305m) straight down to the floor of Buck Canyon, so getting too close to the edge may not be a good idea! The closer buttes you can see are ‘Washer Woman’ (well named and easy to recognise) and ‘Monster Tower’, and behind is ‘Airport Tower’.

It was still dark when we arrived. We were warned to expect hoards of other photographers jockeying for space for their tripods, but we were lucky to find only three others. When the sun rises it lights up the walls of Buck Canyon below and bounces the warm light upwards to light up the underneath of the arch. I expected it to be a fleeting moment but the ‘show’ lasted quite a while. I took my first shot just after 7am but the light was pale. This was one of the last ones I took at 7:40am. I think the later ones are better as the orange light was getting stronger and stronger under the arch until the sun got too high. The one in the WS shows almost the full arch and was taken at 7:20am

ISO200, FL24mm,

zmey, xuaxo, maglex, gabrielpat, delkoo, robiuk, UlfE, saylan-cb, Wandering_Dan, Sistercosmo, pasternak, ahmetgedikli, gunbud, shevchenko, riclopes, papagolf21, Gerrit, Floydian, snunney, Dyerco, baba_flies, Cricri, delic, fulvio52, PixelTerror, Emile, Graal, Tue, ChrisJ, cobbydale, josepmarin, Henryk_Bilor, plimrn, jlbrthnn, Didi, Photo65Net, Kielia, jmcl, bostankorkulugu, bakes888, patdeph, gneufeld, stego, jaywalker has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

kabe (1998) 2008-12-29 11:34

Hi Kath,
A beautiful scenery captured very well. Great light and colours. Very good sharpness.
Well done!
Regards, Krzysztof.

brandstaetter (13758) 2008-12-29 11:38

Hi Kath,
your pic makes me want to see this fantastic landscape by myself.. last sunday I virtually flew around the Moab area in Google Earth, and I´m convincing my family to do the next trip to the US.
We´ll see, compliments for this photowork, it´s technically excellent and I wish you a happy new year 2009. May it be not so bad as predictions say.
Christian

zmey (7242) 2008-12-29 11:40

hello kath
an original POV you've found here. i like the rock lit up by the early light against the breathtaking view down to the valley. quite a window! i guess, i would have swinged the camera down a bit: the dark part of the arc does not seem that exciting to me in this case. the burning part is the main interest.

Happy New Year!
kristaps

BennyV (4512) 2008-12-29 11:43

Hello Kath,

The orange is surreal, I like the picture in the WS a lot too. I'd like to join you in hoping for a new dawn, the world deserves it.

Benny

pauloog (6314) 2008-12-29 11:45

Hello Kath,
I surely share your hope for a new dawn, and let this photo contribute to its beginning...
The landscape is new for me and it is breathtaking. Well done with the sun lighting the rock in the foreground.
regards,
paul

xuaxo (5649) 2008-12-29 11:58

Olá Kath
What a strange and beautiful view!
Happy New Dawn for you too!
Cumprimentos
..-. .-. .- -. -.-. .. ... -.-. ---

maglex (1538) 2008-12-29 12:05

Hi Kath, yes you are right and not just on TE but even in many photo mags thats why I would say I like more the one in your workshop overlooking more of the canyons :>. special is your accompanying informative note though. I guess not much to say about the photo but I notice you've captured more of the landscape 300 meters below and I can see the 'contour' just touched by the sunlight revealing its morphology. Have safe New Year! Rgds, Alex

gabrielpat (6493) 2008-12-29 12:31

hi Kath,
very nice management of the light.really well done.
regards,patrick.

delkoo (33988) 2008-12-29 12:47

hi kath
what a moment you caught there ! I guess the moment was magical and you share well this feeling with us.

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

didier

robiuk (10763) 2008-12-29 12:47

OMG, what a sight! I just can't believe what I'm seeing,
Kath. The light is beautiful and all the details in
shadows so clearly visible. Technically perfect!
But the framing... just excellent!
Love the composition!
Cheers, and a happy New Year to you, too my dear!
Robi

UlfE (8863) 2008-12-29 12:58

Hi Kath,

This is marvelous picture. Everything is very impressive, the composition, the light, light management, colours the DOF and perspective. A superb photo job. TFS and have a nice evening!

Cheers,

Ulf

gilou530 (34755) 2008-12-29 13:07

salut kath
un POV fabuleux avec une lumiére dans le premier plan et une vue plongeante qui en dit long sur la beauté du paysage, trés beau voyage que tu partages avec ces photos superbes
amitiés
gilbert

pazufferey (2412) 2008-12-29 13:33

Bonsoir Kath,

Un point de vue excellent, le cadre naturel et en plus en couleur, superbe.
Une très belle capture.
Happy New Year!
Patrick

saylan-cb (12726) 2008-12-29 13:34

Hi Kath,
This is a beautiful compositions wiht great capture and very nice POV.
Excellent work!
Happy new year.
Regards

speedymanu (1582) 2008-12-29 13:38

Hello Kath

you've dealt beautifully with this spectacular view. The way you've captured the light as well as the succession of layers in the composition denotes a great eye for framing.

Congratulations

Emmanuel

toto (18563) 2008-12-29 14:06

Bonjour,
belle photo de cette grande étendue prise par une porte rocheuse de toute beauté, cette couleurs orangée qui règne sur l' avant de votre prise, cette luminosité superbe sur le rocher supérieur, cadre de toute beauté qui donne de la beauté a votre photo qui nous montre déja une jolie vue en elle même.

Rosa et moi vous souhaitons de bonnes fêtes et une excellente année 2009 , qu' elle vous apporte du bonheur, de l' argent et des photos superbes.

Wandering_Dan (3191) 2008-12-29 14:07

Hi, Kath -

The WS is nice, but this is spectacular. So you are forgiven. ;-)

The background area looks like something out of Lord of the Rings, somehow. And the contrasting lights and shadows are handled well. There is this one small spot in the center, on the edge of the red cliff, that looks like dust on the lens (even if it isn't), and could be cloned out.

Happy new year,
Dan

Sistercosmo (2523) 2008-12-29 14:33

Hi Kath,
amazing shot! Wonderful shot with great colors and an amazing dof. Beautiful work!
Happy 2009 to you - may you be blessed with health, contentment and lots of love!
Thanks and see you around!
Linda

pasternak (13038) 2008-12-29 14:46

Just fantastic, Kath, the stone arch in the orange sunrays looks like melting steel... and great perspective underneath, to balance.

Cheers
A

ahmetgedikli (21621) 2008-12-29 14:52

Hi Kath,
Perfect scenery! Superb quality, beautiful colors and light. I like it.
Thanks for sharing.
Best regards.
Ahmet

gunbud (27585) 2008-12-29 17:20

Hi Kath,
Splendid prespective through this this richly textured golden arch to the fantastic canyons.
Beautiful details and sharpness to this breathtaking view.
Regards, Tom

npecanhuk (13161) 2008-12-29 17:26

Hello Kath!
WOW! What a GORGEOUS picture! Of Course, that landscape is simply fantastic, but you have chosen the best point of view to compose such a superb image! The light was also perfectly managed to create all those colorful effects and put every single element with the correct brightness! Excellent sharpness as well! One of the best I've ever seen in here!
TFS - Congratulations!
Warmest regards,
HAPPY 2009!
Ney

dinkar (194) 2008-12-29 17:28

Hi Kath, This is a beautiful capture. Conveys a sense of vastness which is hard to do in a 2D image. The light glinting off the roof is beautiful.
Regards
Dinkar

acanay (481) 2008-12-29 17:37

stillness and dynamic .. at the same time :-)
great lighting!

but you know all of this already ;-)
greets and Happy New Year to You as well :-)

shevchenko (9760) 2008-12-29 19:51

Hello Kath,
Good pov to show the foreground arch in vivid color against misty background, clouse up creating fantastic effect, the arch just look like no longer hanging and going to falling down, good shoot.
Wishing you a wonderful year 2009!
Ally

grantlp (2104) 2008-12-29 20:28

Hello Kath,
What an amzing view, captured so vividly by yourself. The bright orange light reflected off the canopy of rock provides a bold introduction to the view, and forms a fantastic border. I love the depth you've captured within the image, which all comes together to create a wonderful representation to the new day....and New Year. Very well done.
Cheers Grant

alainh (35349) 2008-12-29 22:01

hello Kath
always a great pleasure to re-discover your gallery ! fantastic place and a splendid realisation to share with us.
all the best for 2009
friendly
alain

riclopes (32869) 2008-12-29 23:37

wow, what a spectacular framing, Kath. And gorgeous light. This was also one of my favorites on your site but I love both WSs as well. This orange(?I think there's an orange theme happening now for the new year and this would be a good one to add) under the arch is truly amazing and my eyes get stuck in it for quite a while before enjoying the rest of the view. And what a view - I would be thrilled with all these vertigo canyons and the whole view in WS2 is breathtaking. It's funny because I'm enjoying all this twice because of the Tan's (capthadock) versions in Flickr (he gave up TE).
ric

[2]

daddo (11283) 2008-12-30 0:46

Hi Kath. what a magical place, beautifully captured at an enchanting time of day. And a most apt shot to accompany your wishes. i think the whole of humanity needs a new dawn. What with such ogres as The War on Terror, Axis of Evil and Clash of Civilizations- it has been a ghastly "day" and a looong one. All the best to you in 2009 and the new dawn. Klaudio.

papagolf21 (56044) 2008-12-30 0:53

Bonjour, chère Kath,
Félicitations pour ces merveilleuses photographies. Vous nous présentez de véritables joyaux des Amériques !
La photographie est de grande qualité. Un grand bravo et admiration.
À l'aube du Nouvel An, accepte de tout coeur les voeux les plus chaleureux pour une année exceptionnelle : santé, bonheur et prospérité !
Amitiés.
Philippe
P.S. : Oui, pour la photo, j'ai utilisé un filtre pour donner à la composition un petit air de peinture à l'eau !

Gerrit (35499) 2008-12-30 1:02

Wonderful, Kath, how the sun lights these rocks all in a different way.
Excellent composition and view over this fantastic valley.
Have a great 2009,
Gerrit

rodgerg (23207) 2008-12-30 1:18

Hello Kath,

Very, very, very nice. An excellent framing, a great depht of field and especially nice colours, the orange colours of the rock is superb.

The best for you in 2009,
Roger

dta (4454) 2008-12-30 1:40

Hello Kath ,
This one is really a master piece ! The Pov , the framing , the management of light , and , of course , the fantastic rocky formations : all is perfect .
Congratulations
Regards
Denis

Floydian (30970) 2008-12-30 2:54

Dear Kath,

A famous loacation, a place where i've never been, what a shame. It's only for this i would go back to Moab and stay a few days there for trying to make a capture like this. There was already a perfect one here on TE from Ryan and yours can stand beside it.

And although it's famous and well known, you have to get up early, drive to it, setting up your gear, moce some other photographers out of the way and make the picture ;-)
You make me jealous, it's something i don't have in my collection....next time i have it..!!!
Really good Kath, you did very well here, great exposure....

Regards and enjoy new years eve...

Henk

[2] +

baba_flies (7941) 2008-12-30 3:57

Hello Kath! Oh how wonderful, what a beautiful picture, what fantastic light you had. I also went through your WS and it reminds me that I nearly got a heart attack when we were there (in the evening) as two little children were playing at the edge and nobody seemed to care :))) But maybe this was just me as it scares me to stand too close to the edge when it goes down too deep. The orange tone on the arch is just fantastic, it almost burns. Yeah avoiding the crowds, finding the best spots, and - speaking for me - my partner liking photography but having flying in his mind :))) makes photo taking a demanding sport ... so it goes. Happy New Year to you ... only hours away ... best regards, Barbara.

PS. Thank you for your wonderful support, I know what you mean :))) I guess younger women, maybe in their twenties are different, their education IS different, at least in Switzerland, and they would show what they have. Oh I try :)))

snunney (34186) 2008-12-30 4:15

Hello Kath,
A splendid way to end the old year and begin the new! A beautifully framed composition of this fascinating landscape. The blood red tones of the natural arch make a fine contrast with the landscape below about to greet a new day. Happy New Year to you and yours for 2009!

Dyerco (8908) 2008-12-30 4:32

Excellent shot Kath. Well worth getting up early for I'd say. Good DOF and exposure such that we can see detail in the arch and definition in the BG buttes. Nicely done.
Phil

Bluejeans (31663) 2008-12-30 5:25

Ola Kath,
Que lindo este primeiro plano com esta rocha pintada de vermelho , gostei muito da textura aspera , boa profundidade de foto , boa luz, parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Bom Ano 2009

coco (27612) 2008-12-30 5:55

Hi Kath.

What nice picture.
The WS are really nice, but this one is amazing.
The light and the close view are the key for this photo.

Thanks for sharing and happy new year.

Regards.

Cricri (42894) 2008-12-30 9:57

Hi Kath
Une vue surprennante a un moment magique, magnifique POV et couleurs, j'aime beaucoup aussi celle en WS, une vraie beauté cet endroit
Happy new year 2009
cricri

guillaumejm (9026) 2008-12-30 10:28

Hello kath
What a gorgeous framing. This orange light on rocks (upper part) is so great!.
Best whishes.
JMarc

delic (6735) 2008-12-30 10:45

One can never grow tired of this scenery, Kath. Your photo is as good as any I've seen of the arch and beyond. Wishing you a happy, healthy new year... Hakan

yaya13baut (2233) 2008-12-30 11:23

hi Kath,
you are forgiven to post your version of this beautiful place !
Good frame, under the rock face of the foreground, of a beatiful orange color.
In the background, the sun rise on the rocks landscape for a hope of a good year to go.
Best wishes.
Yannis

CLODO (4078) 2008-12-30 11:43

Hey Kath
a most photographed site, but it is always rewarding to make HER photography. Well done with this red roof, and almost B&W and sharp landscape
Good year 2009
Regards
CLODO

fulvio52 (8314) 2008-12-30 12:35

Hi, Kath.
For openers : I don't believe it gets any better than this. Therefore your shot flies with a speed of light into my favorites. Absolutely splendid in all possible respects, with a special compliment for light management and color, as those are simply MAGIC. This is Utah at its absolute photographic best, period. Last but not least : two wonderful workshops to kill us all for this week... hehehehe! Keep 'em coming! HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and your family, I'll be back on TE around the 3rd or 4th of January. Cheers, y'all!
Fulvio.

Waylim (10717) 2008-12-30 13:17

Hi Kath,
Yes, it is one of the most photographed shot in the morning light, and it easy to understand why. As your image here show the drammic light that illuminated the bottom part of this arch, a window to the great wide canyond and wild west. a perfect combination of wonderful scenic view and light. I have been here a couple of times yet had not attemp a sunrise shot. Next time. In the mean time, I'm enjoying your shot. TFS.
Way

PixelTerror (86036) 2008-12-30 13:37

Hi Kath,
This one is amazing in terms of light it looks like the upper arch is wood burning over the scene, and the depth is spectacular.
My best wishes to you for the new year, JY

Emile (19811) 2008-12-30 20:07

Hola Kath.
It's very difficult to decide which of the 3 photos is the best, the 3 are very good. Each one could be place as the front page shot. You are a great photographer my friend, you know what you want, this is very important here. Superb shots and very good work.
TFS.
Wish you a Happy New Year and a lot of health and prosperity in 2009.
Greetings from the mountains of Polo in the Dominican Republic.

danyy (68088) 2008-12-31 0:04

Bonjour Kath,
il faut savoir se déplacer et des fois marcher beaucoup pour trouver des points de vue comme celui-ci, non seulement dominant et qui donne de la profondeur.
Une photo bien partagée entre l'encadrment orangé et la vue panoramique de l'arrière plan.

Meilleurs voeux pour 2009.

Daniel.

Graal (57312) 2008-12-31 0:05

Hi Kath,
good 3 shots, very nice images and place. Excellent quality. Well photojob and interesting note.
Happy New Year to You and family!
Aleksander

cherryripe (18830) 2008-12-31 2:53

Hi Kath
I love this orange tone and the way it seems to draw the eye to the formations in the background. The framing is just perfect.
Happy New Year
Regards
Nikki

Tue (25608) 2008-12-31 3:38

Hi Kath,
If 2009 will be as beautiful as this picture, then it must be a great year! Gorgeous sunlight here, I like the layered background a lot and the orange colour of the rocks in the foreground is fantastic. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Best wishes for a Happy 2009!
Regards,
Lars

ChrisJ (69618) 2008-12-31 4:25

Hi Kath

I made it to Arches Moab, but missed Canyonlands, so tfs! Nice use of the framing red arch. A happy, safe, & prosperous Neww Year 2009, to you & your family. Tfs!

cobbydale (1924) 2008-12-31 5:30

A stunning shot Kath! The light is amazing, especially that orange glow above, and the sharpness on the distant peaks is excellent.
Have a great New Year.
Leon

Royaldevon (5824) 2008-12-31 6:50

Hello Kath,

The dawn of a New Year is a very fitting allusion.
This reminds me so much of my mis-spent youth as a cowboy fanatic! I had two older brothers so cowboys and indians, rough and tumble were a natural way of life! I grew up on Western comics and this looks like The Badlands!

What a clever idea to use the overhanging cliff as a natural frame. It adds interest and increases the feeling of depth.
The colours and textural details are quite outstanding.

All the very best for the New Year,
Bev :-)

josepmarin (33611) 2008-12-31 9:26

Hello Kath,
Wonderful photo to say good-bye to the 2008 and to wait for the new dawn of 2009, as says the title of the photo.
The warm light with orange tones that illuminates the interior of the arch is a great eye-catcher, and gives a great beauty to the composition.
The depth of the image also is spectacular, with this gorgeous landscape.
My best wishes for you and your family in the New Year, my friend.
Josep

trekks (14262) 2008-12-31 10:35

hello Kath

Very nice capture of the view across the canyon through this opening and with the light reflected off the top wall to give a warm color tone. And a good title for it.

Happy 2009 to you.

tfs, bill

Henryk_Bilor (20365) 2008-12-31 16:30

Hi Kath
Amazing effect of the illuminated rocks with the orange one in the foreground. Great light and perspective.
Happy New Year

plimrn (19558) 2008-12-31 19:11

Hi Kath,
Yikes!! I would have a really difficult time choosing between the full arch and this photo!! They are both wonderful and I can't begin to imagine how you made the decision. The title is perfect; I can't tell you how much I am hoping for a new dawn. I hope you and Rob have a great time being retired together!!
HLJ, Pat

jlbrthnn (37038) 2009-01-01 6:22

Hello Kath,
This new version is obviously one of best. Framing emphasizes the major landscape under an agreeably coloured vault. It is very well seen, and carried out with class. congratulations.
My best wishes.
Cordially
Joel

Didi (35782) 2009-01-01 8:26

Hi Kath
That's great ! Wonderfull place, you were present in a good decisive moment.
Very interessant game with reflections lights on the rock.
Well done.
Best wisheh and a happy new year 2009.

Photo65Net (43084) 2009-01-01 8:52

Hello Kath,
Amazing light here !
And what a landscape, a great image, superb job,
I wish you the best for 2009 !
JB.

Kielia (8201) 2009-01-01 10:43

Hi Kath,
an outstanding composition accompanied by an excellent note. From my point of view this is one of the best captures of this fascinating place! The light is amazing! TFS!
I wish you all the best for the New Year 2009!
Harriet

jmcl (13721) 2009-01-01 13:12

Hi Kath,

well researched and stunning display of light .. beautiful ... love the contrast with the canyon floor .. I love the way the framing element is the main point .. wondrous image .. happy new years to you and yours .. take care, John

bostankorkulugu (33372) 2009-01-01 21:02

both the view and the golden light on the rock are spell binding kath... i keep coming back to look at this one, truly amazing...
wishing you all the best for the new year once more...

korkut

bakes888 (18055) 2009-01-02 1:21

Compliments of the season Kath. Impressive light and colours. The arch makes a great natural frame for the scene beyond also. Well composed and thanks for sharing.
All the best for 2009, Paul.

jonathan_hart (22564) 2009-01-02 6:28

a very nice version of Mesa Arch
in the the number of photos on TE about this arch is not important, very few, a lot of different arches, but Mesa is under represented in comparison to it's popularity
the crop is interesting, well managed, indeed a very fine version, worth to be shown for sure !
best wishes
jc

patdeph (17462) 2009-01-02 7:43

hello Kate
sure,it was a strong and magic moment!The orange light on the arch ,and its contrast with the still dark landscape is wonderful!And this landscape we can see through the arch is just fabulous!A really splendid picture!
I wish you too an happy new year 2009!
Regards
Pascale

mesutilgim (36337) 2009-01-02 7:50

Hi Kath !
Wonderfull, excellent, great... what else ?
Such a good pov and such a perfect execution.
Amazing light management and great, usefull notes. An entry of masterclass and great symbolic value.
TFS and happy new year to your and to all your beloved ones.
Best regards
MESUT ILGIM

batalay (20712) 2009-01-02 17:35

Hello Kath,

What an exquisite shot. there is an iridescent glow in the dome of the arch, and the entire canyon, frame below, adds an otherworldly vision. Among the various international covers of my last book, Math and the Mona Lisa, the cover of the Japanese edition had the best view of the background of the Mona Lisa. Take a look at the link, and see if you don't agree, if your shot is not evocative of that of Leonardo's iconic portrait. Scroll down to see the top right in an array of 12 images.

Have a good weekend,

Bulent

gneufeld (15055) 2009-01-02 18:34

Hi Kath,
This is one of your most stunning images yet! Wow, the exact right moment obviously rendered perfect light - the red rock almost looks unreal - like molten metal or something? Awesome work and the walk in the dark was certainly worth it. TFS and a Happy New Year to you and yours. GErald

Angshu (33346) 2009-01-05 2:11

Hello Kath
My jaws literally dropped when I saw this picture...it defies whatever I know of light, not having ever seen a bottom side of a structure lit by sunrays & that too so brilliantly like simmering ember! Following Henk's crtq. I saw Ryan's posts, which were fabulous as well. This place is special no doubt, but it requires skills like yours & Ryan's to bring out the beauty of the place like this. The WSs are good shots as well, but this....is WOW! A sureshot Fav.
Best Regards
Angshu

cbrman (18703) 2009-01-05 3:46

Hello Kath,

Une superbe image bien exposée. J'aime bien l'effet d'inversion. La couleur est en eau malgré la présence de l'arche. Tu as judicieusement caché le ciel trop blanc.
Bravo !

A+

Dominique

stego (22340) 2009-01-05 15:09

Hi Kath,

Wow!... I am speechless...

You made a masterful use of those amazing shapes and light to compose a stunning photo. The natural beauty of the place is certainly amazing, but your work with the compo, light and colours is equally spectacular. Bravo!

The WS's... Well, compared with the main post, they are a little less impressive, but I am sure they would be best of many of our personal galleries if they weren't yours.

Regards, José.

silverhead (1596) 2009-01-07 2:49

Oooh, What a nice light? It is wonderful scenery. Good sharapness. Congratulations.
Köksal

kiks (5999) 2009-01-10 11:35

Magic moment you catch here! awsome the way the first sunrays illuminate the rock. Breathtaking moment i guess.
Best regadrs
KIKS

mkamionka (4226) 2009-01-22 8:01

It is really hard to believe that you managed that two elements in one shot. The orange colored foreground and the distant rock formations. The light was not easy.
It is a very interesting composition.
M

jaywalker (12186) 2009-01-31 15:26

Hi Kath, I love the contrasting light & the superb use of the overhanging rock, the view of the landscape is very beautiful & shows nature at it's best, A great show & well composed, TFS, kind regards Wilson.

boa (1250) 2009-05-08 14:08

Hi Kath,
wonderful warm colors and light in this dawn. I like your Pov where we can see for miles, and a great note too. Tfs!
Best regards
Boa