AVERAGE DAY AT THE GRAND CANYON - 1 December 2014

Sunrise at Yavapia Point - Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Link to original full-sized image: http://www.tom-hill.biz/Galleries/Scenics/Arizona/i-8Zt6GpP/A
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I'm just getting to post a few images from my Thanksgiving trip to the Grand Canyon. For those keeping track, I hadn't been to the South Rim in more than a decade. Lots have changed. The facilities are bit different than what they were 10 years ago. I don't remember the meal prices being what they are. Oh well... that's normal I guess.

Still, some things never change, like the views. The views into the canyon are timeless. While I might not remember them precisely like they were 10 years ago, I still remember a few key elements. Some things never change.

This image was shot at Yavapai Point a couple days ago. It was not what I had in mind at all. In fact, it was taken after I pretty much had given up for the morning. I was stationed at the very edge of the point, the first person there this particular morning. Within the next 45 minutes I had 20 people packed in close proximity to me--see my previous post. As I gave up for the morning as the sun crested the horizon, I thought things were done. Oh no, more was happening. As it was, the sun rays provided their own show, highlighting the many layers in the canyon.

The real challenge with this image was first making sure I captured enough data--i.e. light--to be able to bring the various exposures together post processing on my computer back at home. The darkest parts in the foreground were well beyond the capturing abilities of my camera to include the light in the background. As a result, I used a couple of techniques to bring the image together as you see it here. I hope it looks a bit as I saw it that morning.. At least, as I think I saw it.

More images will be coming from this little visit. Stay tuned.

Cheers

Tom

SunriseValleyCanyon