Let’s start with a bit of the epic proportion. Like the mythical Paris, given a choice between wealth, power, and the love of a beautiful woman, I’d choose the latter (smart = me!). So, to grace the first entry is the most beautiful Carla. Notice that she’s not only looking fantastical, but also is carrying my camera stuff – awesome, ladies and gentlemen, just awesome. The image was made using the Nikon D700 with the AF-S Nikkor 14-24 mm f/2.8G ED. This is the default setup that lives in the bag and is the first choice in the field. Exposure was made at 1/160s and f/16 with ISO set at 640 and WB set for daylight. The shot is from the top of the switchbacks leading to Angel’s Landing. The sun is at the far end of the valley – note the lens flare, and the light on Carla’s face is bouncing off of the canyon wall directly behind me. In the background; looking not too shabby, are the ancient walls of Zion NP. The image was made mid afternoon on January 18. Excellent day, mid 60’s, clear, snow remaining in all the shady spots – this is Zion, there are LOTS of shady spots. Those of you who have been here know that past this point the terrain flattens out a bit before ascending again via Walter’s Wiggles. The Wiggles are in the shade virtually all day – at least at this time of year – and the trail was pretty icy. After making maybe a quarter of the way up the Wiggles; with increasing amounts of both icy-snow and exposure, we reminded ourselves that discretion is the better part of valor and headed back down. By the way, even in January the trail from the Grotto to Angel’s Landing is busy. The parking lot at the Grotto was full by 1 pm, and we met no less than 100 hikers along the way!
A wonderful image of a wonderful person indeed. I look forward to reading your blog. The details of your adventures will be most interesting. I hope your blog has some equipment reviews etc.