Every once in a while I stumble across a spectacular location while out hiking, mountain biking or four wheeling.  Dirt roads that wander away from the pavement pique my curiosity and more often than not, I follow them.  This is why I own a four wheel drive.

Such was the case on the day I discovered this unnamed, unmarked view looking south into Shafer Canyon with the Abajo Mountains way off on the horizon.  I saw a dirt road.  My truck instinctively swerved onto it.  The first time I saw this view I knew it had great potential.  I snapped a couple iPhone photos for my “shoot list”, walked the rim in both directions for a few hundred feet and committed the best location to memory.  I knew it would be good at sunset and I knew I’d need a cloud filled sky for a dynamic image.  When it looked as though the conditions were going to cooperate I pointed my truck down that desolate dirt road.

Sunset light was good.  Very good.  Unfortunately, I missed it by a couple of minutes because another dirt road grabbed my attention and I dawdled too long there.  But the real show came after sunset, when the last hints of sunshine flooded the canyon with warm light bouncing off the clouds.  I photographed this scene in a totally giddy state.  Killer views and gorgeous light do that to me.  When finished, I hustled home in the falling darkness to download and process the images with a huge smile stretched across my face.

I don’t make very many of my images available as a print – only what I consider the best of the best.  I’m excited to announce that this image is now available as a fine art print, canvas wrap or archival print in sizes up to 32″ x 48″.  Please visit my website if you are interested in ordering a print of “Sunset Light in Shafer Canyon, Utah”.

As you may have guessed by the photo above, I’ve been up to something lately.  I am thrilled to announce the opening of The Edge Gallery at 137 N. Main St. in downtown Moab, Utah.  We’re holding an invitation only grand opening event on Saturday, March 3 and will open for our first day of business on the morning of March 4 – just in time for tourist season.  Displayed on the walls inside you’ll find some of my best selling fine art prints in sizes ranging from 12″ x 18″ to 32″ x 48″.  We’ll also offer ready to frame matted prints, greeting cards, calendars and other gift items.

The tourist season in Moab begins in March, ends in October and doesn’t let up in between.  Every month in season we’ll host special events at the gallery, in addition to participating in the local art walk.  Special events at The Edge Gallery will include free mini-workshops and slideshows by guest photographers.  I’m in the process of adding a page to my website where you’ll find basic gallery information and a regularly updated event schedule.

Melissa is assuming the role of gallery manager and if you happen to stop in, you’ll most likely find her keeping it all together.  I’ll work the gallery when time and schedules permit.  Either way, we’d love for you to stop by and say “hi” on your next visit to Moab.

I wrote the following short article for the 2011 Moab Guest Guide.  I thought I’d re-post it here in the event someone needs a quick and dirty primer on photographing the Moab area.  It’s certainly geared more for the casual point and shooter, but you just never know whose reading this stuff.  Enjoy!

Creating memorable photos in Moab is almost as easy as pointing your camera in any direction and pressing the shutter button.  Towering sandstone spires, massive natural arches, breathtaking canyons and even alpine splendor all compete for your attention and will quickly fill camera memory cards.  Use the following tips and you’re sure to return home with photos that will fill your family and friends with envy.

Get Up Early and Stay Out Late – The single best way to improve your photos is to shoot at sunrise and sunset.  The light is richer and the long shadows cast by a lower sun reveal details in the landscape not evident in mid-day light.

Composition, Composition, Composition – Equally important, take your time composing a dynamic scene.  Include a foreground, mid-ground and background to give your photo depth.  Don’t place your primary subject dead center in the frame.  Use the “rule of thirds”: imagine lines drawn on your image that divide it into thirds horizontally and vertically.  Place your main subject at the intersection of these lines to create a more pleasing composition.  Try different perspectives instead of shooting everything from standing height.  Get down low or seek a higher vantage point.

Blue Skies Aren’t Always Best – Bad weather doesn’t equal bad photography.  Actually, some of the best landscape photographs are made as a storm approaches or breaks up.  Ominous clouds in the sky add interest and potholes in sandstone filled with rainwater catch ephemeral reflections.  Be safe, though: Don’t enter slot canyons when thunderstorms are imminent and return to your car when lightning is present.

Tell a Story – Include people in your photos for scale.  It’s easy to get sucked into panoramic vistas, but small scenes are just as interesting.  Colorful flowers, gnarled juniper trees and striated sandstone all make wonderful subjects that nicely compliment your grand landscape photographs.

Stability is Critical – Any pro landscape photographer will tell you their single most important piece of gear is the tripod.  Without it, you can’t expect sharp photos in low light at sunrise and sunset.  Even a small, inexpensive tripod like the Gorillapod will hold your camera steadier than you can.  Remember to use the camera’s self-timer to release the shutter.

It’s Not About the Gear – Don’t discount the power of a point & shoot camera.  You don’t need expensive cameras and lenses to create stunning photos.  Use the tips above – shoot in good light, develop good compositions, go out in bad weather, tell a story and use a tripod – and you’ll return home from your vacation with a dozens of images to brag about!