Shiprock Revisited
I love to revisit special places like Shiprock on the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. Changing seasons, different weather conditions, and varying light provide new photography opportunities during each visit.
I last visited this unusual rock formation in January 2011. At that time, the winter sky was crystal clear with few clouds. I went back a few weeks ago and was treated to summer conditions which resulted in photographs with a completely different feel than those I made in January.
The New Mexico monsoon season begins in early July. Although storms can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous, they can create great photography conditions. An approaching storm in this first shot provides dramatic clouds and light – a good combination for landscape photographers. The sky opened up with rain and lightning not long after this shot was taken and I was finished for the day.
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Shiprock - Navajo Nation, NM - looking South
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The storm had passed by the following morning. In the shot below, the early morning light gave Shiprock a completely different feel than that from the evening before. Whispy clouds and haze from nearby fires provide soft light that makes a serene scene.
I’ll be going back to Shiprock and I look forward to a new experience each time.
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Shiprock-Navajo Nation, NM - looking North
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Date: July 23, 2011
Categories: Landscapes
