This part of Utah and Arizona offer many infinity highway views. This particular location may be recognizable from the Forrest Gump film. It's surprising how long it takes to travel these distances as they appear closer than they are. The monuments in the distance are those on the Navajo Nation Reservation, in Monument Valley.
Route 163, Near Monument Valley, Arizona.
Photo # IM7_0980a.
(c) Kelly Shipp
There are many views of Monument Valley from higher elevations, but the view from the valley floor is impressive. The sense of wide expanse seems to be even stronger. The rain was chasing me this day on a very windy, 4-mile hike, as you can see from the sun striking the distant monuments. If you look closely, you can see the snow-capped mountains on the horizon.
Navajo Nation Reservation, Monument Valley, AZ.
Photo # IM7_0648-59bw.
(c) Kelly Shipp
The light in slot canyons are constantly changing and are often very mesmerizing. There were moments I just had to pause and enjoy the view as it would soon change.
Lower Antelope Canyon, Arizona.
Photo # K04_3480r.
(c) Kelly Shipp
I could spend days here. This is a dramatic photograph of the formation called "Lady in the Wind". If you look near-center, you can visualize a profile of a lady, facing right, with long hair flowing behind her. Her curves all follow the same flow. The lady formed by millions of years of exposure to wind and water stands beautiful and strong, yet full of soft curves and detail.
Lower Antelope Canyon, Arizona.
Photo # K04_3632.
(c) Kelly Shipp
As I was traveling the back highways of Colorado, near the New Mexico border, I found these wild/range horses as I was photographing the area. Snow and sleet was just off to the West (right of this photograph) and coming this way. The horse in the foreground is the same as in my previously posted photograph. This horse was very curious of me, as the others kept their distance.
Ute Mountain Reservation, Colorado.
Photo # IM7_2428bwsk.
(c) Kelly Shipp
I was traveling the back highways of Colorado, near the New Mexico border, as a snow storm was approaching. I found some wild/range horses and one of them approached me as a was photographing the area. The monuments at Ute Mountain Reservation are impressive alone, but shrouded by snow, rain and sleet, provide such a mysterious perspective. In my back road travels, it was rare to get up close to these horses.
Ute Mountain Reservation, Colorado.
Photo # IM7_2412bw
(c) Kelly Shipp
An iconic view of Monument Valley. I took some time to shoot this panorama with the ever-changing weather this time of year.
Comments welcome.
Navajo Nation Reservation, Monument Valley, AZ.
Photo # K04_4079-95.
(c) Kelly Shipp
Arizona skies are amazing at night. On this particular night, I was photographing the Milky Way Galaxy (on the right) as it was rising and moving more south. At the bottom-left, you'll see Right (East) Mitten and to the right of that, you'll see Merrick Butte. The rare moment of this photograph is the random meteor that came over the Milky Way Galaxy (lower-right).
Navajo Nation Reservation, Monument Valley, AZ.
Photo # K04_4302cbw.
(c) Kelly Shipp
Slot canyons are mesmerizing to the creative eye. As I previewed this perspective through my lens, I was swept away. Some of you may ask - why isn't this in color? When I was shooting the canyons, I photographed some perspectives in color and some in infrared. What you're seeing in this photograph is a slot canyon that appears as an other-worldly landscape. The infrared captures tones and textures that are above and outside the visible spectrum. The textures and color gradations are impressive. Hope you enjoy.
Lower Antelope Canyon, Arizona.
Photo # IM6aa_0123bw2n.
(c) Kelly Shipp
I found this perspective to have such a wonderful mix of light, color and texture - all in one frame. What appears as a cut-out at the top is actually an overhang on the opposite side, hence the dark shadow under it not receiving any reflected light.
I could have spent days there and still not capture everything I wanted to. The light changes so fast and so dramatically, each angle and time of day varies the mood and color.
The lower canyon is about 1,400 feet in length and the depth is about 120 feet. The hike isn't too difficult but does have steep staircases and ladders that descend over 100 feet.
Lower Antelope Canyon, Arizona.
Photo # K04_3609.
(c) Kelly Shipp
I was cold and crisp on this morning waiting for the sun to rise. As soon as the sun began to rise, the warmth made such a wonderful difference.
On the immediate right, you'll see "The Cube", which is an almost-square boulder about 70 feet high. To the left (near center) are the spires known as "Totem Pole" (approx. 450 feet high) and "The Yei Bi Chei".
Navajo Nation Reservation, Monument Valley, AZ.
Photo # K04_3824-39h2.
This is the Spearhead Mesa at sunrise. This mountain approximately 750 feet high. The large square boulder in the foreground is referred to as "The Cube", which is approximately 70 feet high. These mountains and stone structures are worth the respect in person. What I found interesting in this composition is the near-alien landscape and impressive perspective.
Navajo Nation Reservation, Monument Valley, AZ.
Photo # IM7_0331-43_2s.
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