Navajo Sentinels
As if lit on command, the 'Mittens' of Monument Valley on the Arizona-Utah border appear to ignite as the late afternoon sun strikes the weathered iron oxide siltstone of 'The Valley of the Rocks' (Tsé Bii' Ndzisgaii).
Like most other people, I'd seen this place a thousand times in pictures and movies. I wasn't expecting much...in fact, I was preparing myself to be underwhelmed. On arriving, I found the scene impressive, but after lining up with dozens of other photographers, the feeling of familiarity snuffed any glimmer of inspiration that had flickered in my mind. The light was unimpressive, and one by one the photographers packed up and left...more inspired by the thought of a hot meal than the chance of a good picture. I'd come a long way, and being the ever dedicated landscape photographer, I decided to wait it out...
I'm glad I did. A hole in the clouds opened up on the horizon behind us for only a minute or two, letting through an extraordinary strong burst of warm light precisely on all three mittens. I glanced at the handful of other photographers and we all nodded and stood in silence and awe. This is an inspirational place after all.
capture: film | edition: open
