Coyote Buttes – Page 2

My Somewhat Secret Spot

My friend and fellow WP blogger Kelly Guymon and I visited the Coyote Buttes area Sunday along the Arizona/Utah border, home of The Wave and other geological anomalies. One spot we checked out were some colorful clay beds that not many people know about. They are hidden. But when we got to the secluded trail head, their was a family camping there and I felt like I needed to let them in on my secret place because we had to park next to their campsite. They followed us and I know they were thrilled with this place as it is quite a place to photograph. These clay beds are very colorful and have some great definition. It is unspoiled and hopefully will stay that way. Don’t ask me for directions. It is in the Vermilion Cliffs National Recreation Area where you can really get lost.

These images are available as prints or for personal use as a downloadable file at What’s New At Dawn2Dawn Photography

The colorful sedimentery layer of clay is uncovered at Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona — That’s the skull of a departed cow.

Kelly

A near full moon rises over the sandstone cliffs at Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona — A near full moon rises over the sandstone cliffs at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona

May Showers Bring June Flowers at South Coyote Buttes

Arizona, Desert Southwest, Flowers

I’ve been out to South Coyote Buttes 5 or 6 times but never experienced the blooming desert wildflowers on display. We’ve had quite a bit of rain this spring and it shows, even in the desert. South Coyote Buttes is on the Arizona/Utah border and is about 2o miles from the nearest paved highway.

Spring Photography Workshops- Here In The Desert Southwest

Photo Workshops, Photography

I will be conducting personal 1 on 1 photo workshops here in the Desert Southwest. I will bring you to those “hard to get to”places that you may have seen in my photos at Dawn2Dawn Photography

Contact me for details or thoughts on a personalized photo expedition. I will not only teach you new photography techniques, but as a former interpretive guide, you will learn about the areas we explore.

I will also be conducting a multi-day group workshop at Zion National Park the first week of November when fall colors are at peak. Stay tuned for details.

Best of 2014 Redux

Arizona, California, Desert Southwest, National Parks, Utah, Wildlife, Wyoming, Yellowstone, Zion

Per request by a fellow blogger, I’ve presented the Best of 2014 so you can watch at your own speed. I’ve also added some pics. You can purchase these images as prints that I print myself (Low Cost) at Dawn2Dawn Photography Each print is signed and numbered.

Utah Autumn

The Wave Part 4- The Light Was Just Right

Arizona, Desert Southwest, Utah

As I trekked out to The Wave last Monday, my plan was to end up at the main attraction late in the day when the light was just right and there were no others there. I had the place to myself! The other 19 permit holders were long gone. No one to get in the way or for me to get in someone else’s shot. The Wave is a small area. The light however was pretty flat. A cloud cover draped Coyote Buttes. Looking up at the sky to the west I noticed there might be an opening for some light to get through but I’d have to be patient. I also didn’t want to be out there too late and hike the 2 1/2 miles in sand and slickrock in darkness. So I ate a granola bar and waited for about 45 minutes until I notice a glimmer coming down from the heavens. Some light did appear through the clouds and that’s all I needed.

The Wave- Part 2 Fatali’s Boneyard

Arizona, Desert Southwest, Utah

Most people who venture out to Coyote Buttes North head directly to The Wave. I decided to hold off on that until later in the day when few if anyone would be there and the late afternoon light would be right. So I veered to the right to Fatali’s Boneyard, a place I had not visited before. Fatali is a professional photographer, well known in these parts, who allegedly discovered this spot. Below are images from that spot that contain patterned sandstone etchings and withered rocks that resemble a skeleton or bones, hence the name. Next post will be images from the ethereal Sand Cove.

Surf’s Up! The only things missing were a surfboard, an ocean and Spicoli’s van!

Arizona, Desert Southwest, Humor, Utah

I was able to secure a permit for The Wave at Coyote Buttes North! I showed up last Friday at the BLM office in Kanab, Utah to enter the dreaded lottery. During winter months when the BLM office is closed on weekends, they conduct the lottery on Friday for Saturday, Sunday and Monday permits This is the BEST TIME of the year to get a permit. If anyone is interested in going to The Wave, let me know and I’ll try to score one for you during these winter months. I plan to go back a few more times as I continously find more exotic things to shoot out there. All the permits for Saturday, Sunday and most of Monday were selected until they finally picked my number 15. A group of six jumped up and down and screamed when their number was picked for Sunday. It turns out this was their 3rd day in a row of trying and they were justly rewarded for their patience. I ended taking about 1,000 exposures so I will present the images in 4 posts. This post is an introduction and shows images of me surfing even though I was about 500 miles from the nearest ocean.

Wave Permit_0453 — Do NOT attempt to reproduce this permit!

Coyote Buttes Abstract_9606 — Natural art seen along the trail

Coyote Buttes Abstract_9648 — More abstract art.

Coyote Buttes The Wave Area_9537 — Approaching The Wave along with its twisted hoodoos and various teepees.

Coyote Buttes Wave Hoodoos_9540 — Getting closer

Coyote Buttes me Surfing_9798 — Hang ten!

Coyote Buttes Me Surfing_0423 — Shooting the curl

Coyote Buttes me Surfing_0446 — The only things missing were a surfboard, an ocean and Spicoli’s van!

Photo Workshop In The Desert- October 27th Thru The 31st

Arizona, Desert Southwest, Images, Out In The Field, Photo Workshops, Photography, Utah

I will be conducting photo workshops the week beginning October 27th in and around the Coyote Buttes area on the Utah/Arizona border. This is a remote area that that is famous for The Wave but there are also other great landscapes to capture. Below are some images of places I will take you to. You will also learn how to turn that photo into a work of art using Photoshop, Camera Raw and Lightroom. Contact me for details.