This is Mesa Arch.   A pretty small arch by “arch” standards.  At 5:00 am in the morning it can be the most populated spot in the valley.  The morning sun reflecting off the red rock up to the arch is an iconic photograph.  It was the case when we were there last week.  60+ people crowded around the small area just in front of the arch.  Being the one of only two natives of Utah I was surprised to learn that there was more than just the arch.  Off to the east is a rock formation that I guess is called “Washing Lady”  Look close and see if you can see her in the photo below….

OK look close…………

All I can say is this world is beautiful!  And I was fortunate to be there for this shot.  Luck strikes again!

For three days I was like a kid in a candy store.  Never broke an ear-to-ear smile.  I have to say however, that the last night was the best!  The clouds where incredible.  Joe McNally was on a role.  Moose was making abrupt stops with the caravan of cars to get “that one” shot!  It really was a wonderful night.  I hated it to end.

That night the clouds where setting the stage.  As I framed the scenery I kept taking my camera upward.

I really was seeing this scene as black and white when shooting it.  What do you think…color or black and white?

I’m going with the Black and White!

The week started with a Bang!  I was fortunate to spend time with the greatest photographers in the world.  They filled the attendees with knowledge, passion and energy.  It really was incredible to stand with great photographers that each have their own legacy.  Varied as that may be they are all close friends.  I have come away with a headache from the information that was packed in such a short period.  New ideas, suggestions and processes.  WOW.  From there I jumped to the fire.  It’s all crazy around here.  Hope to keep my sanity!

Idaho in late winter/early spring.  Plowed fields everywhere. Not to hard to find converging lines to photograph.  Near Emmett where work took me today were these areas of large acreage of evenly planted trees.  It was sure nice of someone to plant these 20 or 30 years ago so I could photograph them today!

This photograph is an HDR compilation of nine images.  The bracketing was 1/3 stop between each exposure.  The first or “base” photo is -.7 exposure compensation.  I really like the lines in this photograph.  There is the obvious line of trees where a path is located.  Look close and notice the shadows create lines across the photograph at about 45 degrees.  Hopefully the viewer of this photograph sees the ability to enter it and go way back where there is a slight hint of an opening of light at the back.

HDR Image – (9 stop range) Topaz filter – “Buzim”

I have Anxiety Disorder!  A mental disorder and disability.

Today I find myself in the Boise, Idaho area.    Because of the events of this day an epiphany slapped me square between the eyes.   For many years I have battled with anxiety and claustrophobia.  Those that know me this is no surprise announcement.  At some point in any day a little teasing comes my way.  That’s Ok.  It kinda helps with the ailment.  After checking in at the airport today my usual check for my Xanax back up revealed the drug was left home.   For at least 10 years I have carried a bottle with a couple of Xanax therein.  The dependence is on having it with me at all times not ingesting the drug itself.  The epiphany……Recently I have participated in discussions with people that don’t think anxiety, depression or the like is a real thing.  That these ailments can be easily “fixed” by just a change of attitude, exercise or my favorite just “bucking up”.  Anxiety, depression, bipolar, OCD and other mental disorders are as real as the condition of “FEAR”.   Why do the individuals that do not think mental disorders are a reality think the same about  the condition of “fear”?  Because everyone has experienced fear.  But everyone does not have a mental disorder.  Can fear be disabling?   Can everyone stand at the edge of a cliff with a small backpack and jump off hoping the backpack releases a device that will lessen the impact at the bottom?  Can everyone walk in the backwoods of Yellowstone well after dark where there have been grizzly sightings?  Can everyone stand front and center on a stage facing a crowd of thousands and sing a solo?  Fear is real.  And so in anxiety.  In fact some of the symptoms are the same.  Like shaking, sweating, increased heart rate,  dry mouth and a need to keep moving.  Today I could not push myself enough to get on the plane without the Xanax.  Anxiety was taking it’s toll.   Not having the drug was making  it so I needed the drug.   A lot of self talk.  And a prayer.  Just before the gate was to open they announced the plane was over booked. And they needed 5 volunteers to take a later flight.  An answer to my prayer.  Oh yes!   I volunteered, received a voucher towards a future flight and my wife brought me the bottle of Xanax before the next flight.   Heart rate decreased.  Palms stopped sweating.  A feeling of peace and warmth came over me.  I had the drug.  But did not take one.  So is my ailment real?  Today my anxiety was settled just with the possession of the drug.  For anyone that does not believe these conditions are real I am a walking, living example of a person with significant bouts of anxiety and claustrophobia.   It’s real. It’s manageable.  And a lot of people suffer with it.  My hope is that non believers never have to experience what we that have metal disorders have experienced.   Too much information?  Not if it helps someone.

Last summer we toured Yellowstone.  One of the few times I was not alone.  With my daughter and the grand-boys in tow Yellowstone was our playground.  The upper falls are beautiful.  As I have noted in the past I wish I had the talent to paint scenes like this.  The closest I can get is my photography skills and Topaz software in post production.

Nevada has a lot of space that looks similar.  What brings distinction is unique weather and unique features.  Tonight just as the sun was setting I found this old abandoned home.  With help from Nik’s Silver Efex Pro the photograph finished to my liking.