Travel | Russ Bishop Photography | Nature Photo Blog

January 25, 2013July 12, 2018

The Queen’s Garden

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.

February 6, 2012November 6, 2015

Notre Dame – The Lady of Paris

Notre Dame de Paris (French for “Our Lady of Paris”) is widely considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in France and all of Europe. The classic lines of this magnificent cathedral rise gracefully above the Seine River and are as recognizable as the Eiffel Tower, and in terms of visitation it is even more popular than Paris’ other icon.

Situated on the eastern half of the Île de la Cité in the fourth arrondissement of Paris it is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese, and its treasury houses a reliquary with the purported Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus Christ before his crucifixion. And as the geographical center of Paris, a marker by the main entrance represents “point zero” from which all distances in France are measured.

November 11, 2010September 10, 2018

The Road to Hana

The Road to Hana along Maui’s east shore is as much a spiritual journey as a travel destination. The endless sea of lush vegetation blending into the azure waters of the Pacific along this legendary highway is quintessential Hawaii. And it’s also a typical scenario for the outdoor photographer – it’s almost too much to take it all in. But that’s where less often becomes more.

Once the grand landscapes have been preserved, it’s time to replace the wide-angle lens with a telephoto or macro and take a closer look. Sweeping vistas captivate our attention and are the cornerstone of outdoor photography, but visual storytelling is about filling in the details that give a sense of place. Often times these elements are right at our feet, and the challenge is simply to not overlook them.