Russ Bishop Photography | Nature Photo Blog
Landscape and Travel Photography by Russ Bishop
Sunset over Canyon de Chelly, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona
I’m honored to have a six-page profile piece in the July 2013 issue of Outdoor Photographer Magazine!
You can view the online version of the article here.
I’m honored to have the April 2013 cover of Outdoor Photographer Magazine!
As many of you know, Mount Whitney in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California is a favorite location of mine and a fantastic photographic subject. I’ve climbed the peak several times over the years (both the trail and technical routes), and spent countless hours exploring the fascinating Owen’s Valley beneath it. Situated on the Sierra crest in both Sequoia National Park and the John Muir Wilderness to the east, it’s the highest peak in the United States outside Alaska and the most popular destination in what John Muir called the Range of Light.
On this particular morning all the elements came together. A clearing storm had just left a fresh dusting of snow on the peak, and the dawn light illuminated the warm desert rocks of the Alabama Hills to add a nice framing to this classic alpine scene.
©Russ Bishop/All Rights Reserved
Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park is a world-class destination and one of the crown jewels of the American west. Its red-rock hoodoos are like fairyland figures that dance in the morning and evening light to the delight of any visitor who strolls to one of the parks several fine viewpoints.
But to truly experience Bryce Canyon you need to leave the pavement and venture down into the labyrinth of the Bryce Amphitheater. There are several trails that crisscross the park, but if you had to choose just one it would be the Queen’s Garden Trail to the Navajo Loop.
Starting at Sunrise Point, the trail drops steadily from the rim providing great views of the Colorado Plateau to the east before connecting with the Navajo Trail. Along the way, you’ll see the trail’s namesake formation – a hoodoo with a striking resemblance to Queen Victoria.
From this point deep within the canyon, the magical spires surround you as they reach to the sky providing photographers with classic views around every corner. The aptly named “Wall Street” is a narrow corridor providing a natural passageway that cuts through the Silent City and returns you to Sunset Point at the end of the journey.
As I’ve mentioned previously, the winter months are my favorite time to visit the park. The crowds have gone and the first snows contrast beautifully against the red rock and indigo sky. Bryce can be visited in just a day, but planning more time will allow you to explore all the facets of this very special place.
©Russ Bishop/All Rights Reserved