Greetings from San Cristobal and beyond to Mounument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
This week I was digging in the archive, searching for stock images and a selection for a local photography exhibition. I got distracted and went down the rabbit hole.
An image of the shadow event in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park last spring drew me deeper down the hole. Revisiting a photo, I tend to reminisce and then often edit it to represent more of what I felt than what I initially saw.
Click on an image to enlarge.
Monument Valley and southeast Utah are one of my all-time favorite areas. I’ve been there many, many times since my first trip in 1985. It did me a world of good to revisit there, although virtually this week.
Secondly, a picture of Taos Mountain from a few years ago, bathed in the last light before the sun set. I wanted to edit it again, bringing out the details in the little creek in the foreground.
A few days ago, Pami and I made a short drive to a favorite spot in the San Luis Valley, you know which one. First, we enjoyed the scene of hay trucks hauling half-ton bales down the narrow roads to one of the many pole barns scattered throughout the valley. A lot of the fields, and some equipment, were put to bed for winter. The pivot irrigator languished on its side wheels up, either for repair or ready to be dismantled and stored. It reminded me of a turtle on its back with legs in the air.
The tree above is home to nesting raptors. I’ve often photographed them in this tree in this area. Of course, no trip to the valley would be complete without a visit to the old homestead.
As always, thank you for looking. G
14 thoughts on “Monument Valley, Taos, and San Luis Valleys. 11-16-2022”
I have a seen a couple different photographers photograph the Mounument Valley shallow. I have been to Monument Valley and it it so awesome but I would love to see the shadow as you have captured it. Thank for going down the rabbit hole and sharing what you found.
Thank you so much Kay. You can see the shadow event late March and mid September every year. It’s a wonderful sight. I hope you get to go see it. G
Great shots, Geraint. I agree about revisiting edit jobs. Not only does what we “saw” crystallize but I know I am way more proficient in software to achieve the look I’m going for. And as for favorite homesteads in the Valley, well, mine went a blowin’ in the wind!
Thanks, Paul, and well put. I miss that old blown-down homestead. I hope you are well. Keep up the great work. G
Beautiful photos, Geraint! Particularly love the dramatic skies in the Monument, Taos, and homestead shots. Spending today trying to coax some texture out of some of my cloudy day shots last week heightened my appreciation for your great work.
Thank you, Scott. I appreciate your compliments. I’ve been enjoying your posts on instagram too. Great work. G
I’ve never been to Monument Valley, but if I don’t get there I will come back to your image. Take care.
Thank you, Jim I hope you have an opportunity to go visit there. If you want to see more search for “monument valley” in my search box. Cheers, Jim. G
You have an amazing palette to work with in your location. I understand about going down the rabbit hole! Thanks for posting your wonderful images.
Thanks so much, Mark. I hope you are well. G
Your version of the Mittens shadow is different to my eye. The focal point isn’t obvious at first, and it’s a little thrill when my eye catches it.
Well done – I believe winter with a little snow is my favorite season in the country.
Thank you, Gary. I hope to make out to the shadow event again. We shall see, maybe next spring. Pam and I may make down your way next spring too. Cheers. G
Great to visit via your amazing photos. Good to go down rabbit holes sometimes.
Watched a couple of Christmas films with my grandson this weekend (early I know)
Your dad was playing the staring role! Great memories all round.Alison
Do you mean he looked and dressed up as Santa? Thank you, Alison. Stay warm and well. Enjoy the time with your grandson. G