Where Wahweap Creek cuts into a layer of 160 million-year-old Entrada Sandstone, overlain by a layer of hundred-million-year-old Dakota Sandstone, the erosion of the exposed wall has created the marvelous white columns of the Wahweap Hoodoos. As the wall has receded, the columns become separated and individualized. One of these magnificent structures now stands isolated more than a hundred feet from the wall itself. On my most recent visit to Wahweap I had arrived just after sunrise and had become absorbed in photographing the wall and its attendant columns when I turned to notice the sun approaching the top of the lone column. Hurrying to locate myself in the proper position I set up and waited for the light to peek over the top of the hoodoo, releasing the shutter several times before flare became too intense. It was a wonderful moment to foresee and to create. I chose to stand fairly close to the hoodoo so that I could be in its shade as the sun rose above the top; thus a 36mm focal length was used to give me the angle-of-view I wanted. An aperture of f/20 gave me depth-of-field to render the background sharply and to create a tighly-rayed starburst; and a shutter speed of 1/40 second at ISO 100 gave me a lighter-than-medium exposure.
If it were possible for a person to have too much fun, then you would be sooooo guilty! This is a simple yet powerful composition that clearly shows the awesomeness of nature. The lone column standing tall and proud pointing to the sun. The sun acknowledging the column with a sparkling kiss. Beautiful!
Great shot. Liked the explanation of how the columns separate.
Good morning Nancy T. and Rosemary. Thank you both for joining me for this Image. Nancy T., I think you have expressed exactly my feelings about this composition. Its design is certainly not intricate, and it is almost solely about the use of light; but then, there are many wonderful images that are solely about the use of light. And I could not agree more, photography is nothing at all if not fun, even in the most intense moments of work, the process of creating images is just plain fun. We miss having you with us for our adventures, but we know you are there in spirit. Rosemary, I’m glad that my words as well as my images resonate with you. Thanks for your kindness in saying them. Wahweap is truly a special place.