| North Rim Dawn, Arizona, 1989 |
| I camped out near
the north rim of the Grand Canyon in 1989. At that time, the long gravel
road that lead to the north rim was not frequented very much and this
was in the early spring. So I had the whole place almost to myself, with
maybe ten people a day you might see. I found dawn to be the most visually
exciting time. This image was actually photographed in predawn light,
before the sun rose over the horizon behind me. The air was clear, cold
and very still. Because of the elevation, one's sense of hearing is
enhanced, especially the discernment of high frequencies. I could hear
the birds chirping in the pine trees behind me. I later had the most
amazing experience watching and listening to the swallows swooping and
gliding past me out over the canyon until they were just a small dot,
then effortlessly turning around and coming back past me. Because of
the elevation, they sounded like miniature jet planes as flew by. This image is a subtle, somewhat understated, delicate image of the Grand Canyon. For me, it gives a sense of quiet, depth and peace. |