gauhanphotography

Some people are risk takers, and others are downright crazy.  The first three photos are proof that the latter category is alive and well as demonstrated by these candidates for "Darwin Award" winners.  

The Grand Canyon is just that - Grand beyond words. The "Golden Hour" is especially breathtaking at this natural wonder.  Winter can also be a special time to visit and break out the camera.   

Thank you President Abraham Lincoln (for signing the original Yosemite Grant in 1864). Yosemite National Park is one of the crown jewels of the National Park System. The stomping grounds of the likes of John Muir and Ansel Adams, it is best known for its waterfalls (Yosemite, Bridal Veil, Vernal, Nevada) and its “U-Shaped” valley carved out over a million years ago by a 4,000 foot deep glacier.

One such waterfall is lesser known “Horse Tail Fall” on the face of El Capitan which turns fire red at sunset, but only during a 7-10 day period in February, and only when atmospheric conditions are just right. This is sometimes called the “Yosemite Firefall.” Our images of this phenomenon are not ideal due to the limited amount of water tumbling down the granite face, but nevertheless it was definitely worth the trip to capture these shots. (Check out “ABOUT” for a further explanation of the pictures of the brightly lit bushes at the edge of the Merced River which follow those of Horsetail Fall).

Of course, “Half Dome” is the iconic feature of the park and has most likely been photographed more than any other natural wonder in the entire world. Over 5,000,000 people per year come to see it and the park’s incredible beauty. Thus, we highly recommend a trip off season if at all possible, but all four seasons have something to offer. When there, a drive/hike up to “Glacier Point” is a must - preferably at sunset.

One of Utah's "Big Five" National Parks, the Virgin River carved out this magnificent canyon leaving shear walls with unsurpassed beauty.  It is a hiker's paradise.  The two most notorious trails are "Angels Landing" and "The Narrows."  When hiking The Narrows you will spend much of your time in the water, anywhere from ankle to waist deep. (Portions of each are shown amongst these images).

Because of the above mentioned vertical walls, Zion is also a destination for some of the world's most accomplished rock climbers.

Any time of year is a photographer's delight.

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its “Hoodoos” or colorful and numerous spires that create a myriad of canyons causing its namesake to have once said: “It’s a hell of a place to loose a cow.” The typical visitor enjoys the canyon from the various scenic views along it’s ridge, but if you are ever there you simply must leave the rim and hike down into the canyon amongst the hoodoos to fully appreciate this natural wonder.

As an aside, these images were taken in 2003 with a simple small megapixel point and shoot camera, before Dennis became interested in photography and acquired a nice DSLR camera. A testament to the staggering beauty of Bryce which makes any level of photographer or equipment look good.

For those who are puzzled as to why anyone would choose to visit "Death" Valley, you need only bring your camera and do a little exploring. Sunrise and sunset are awesome at this National Park (note the sand dunes at each), and the ghost town of nearby Ryolite will put an exclamation point on the area.

"The Last Supper" is the work of Belgian sculptor Albert Szukalski who wrapped live models in plaster-soaked fabric and had them hold their pose until it dried.  This photo was done in complete darkness with "light painting" (illuminating the subject with painting like strokes from a flashlight).  

P.S. In the photograph of the salt floor of the valley (aka Badwater), can you spot the sign on the mountain in the background which reads: "Sea Level"

About 2 hours from Page, Az is the Navajo Nation natural wonder of Monument Valley. This is a photographer’s dream.

The site of many movies going back to “Stagecoach” and other classic westerns, it is also the location of where Forest Gump decided to stop running.

Some of the landscape shots are so beautiful and iconic, you feel like you are taking a picture of a painting or mural (i.e. the picture of Kathy standing against the wall).

We were not treated to the best of lighting conditions (primarily overcast with no puffy or storm clouds) and were not able to be there for sunrise or sunset. Regardless, the place still is magical and worthy of some images here.

P.S. Page, AZ is the usual “home base” for checking out Monument Valley and if in Page it is definitely worth the very short side trip to the famous HORSESHOE BEND - which is the final image in this gallery.

The Canadian Rockies offer some of the most jaw dropping, eye popping landscapes anywhere. The glacially fed lakes, streams and rivers are breathtakingly beautiful and their remarkable color is due to the mineral “powder” ground by the glaciers and suspended in the water.

The first few images of the infamous Lake Louise were actually taken from our room at the incredible Fairmont Hotel. Imagine awakening each morning to this view. The lake seems to take on different colors depending upon the time of day and atmospheric conditions.

While hiking to the “Tea House” above Lake Louise we were fortunate to witness a huge chunk of the glacier break off and cascade down the mountain side creating an ice waterfall. The sound was like a thousand fighter jets passing overhead.

Nearby is Moraine Lake, “The Jewel of the Canadian Rockies” which is sometimes overlooked by visitors because of the glamour of Lake Louise — but is not to be missed.

From the Columbian Ice Fields to Jasper, everywhere you go there are incredible mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and points of interest, including “Spirit Island” on Lake Maligne in Jasper National Park, which you have probably seen on a calendar somewhere.

While in Banff in August with perfect weather and temperatures for boating, hiking, zip lining, etc. we awoke one morning to a beautiful snow shower, which made for some interesting shots.

As one would expect, the Northeast can be spectacular if you visit during the famed "Fall Foliage."  Timing can be a bit of a crap shoot depending on the temperatures, prior rainfall, and a variety of other variables which determine when the leaves will change and to what degree.  Our timing was lucky enough to allow us to see some spectacular sights and capture these images to share. These were taken in Vermont and New Hampshire which also have some wonderful places to stay.  

Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded in 1776.  Besides its wonderful architecture it contains the State's oldest metalworking furnaces and brought the local native Indians into the metal age (circa 1790).

Sunset or "The Golden Hour" at this Mission is especially beautiful.  These images were taken on different days and different times of day, but those golden hour shots are grabbers.    

While setting up to photograph the inside of Father Serra's Church (the oldest building in California) two youngsters (presumably brother and sister) walked up to the alter and appeared to take each other's hand in prayer.  Swear they were not paid models. 

Definitely worth a visit if you have the chance.

Besides the Grand Canyon, Arizona has so much to offer the photographer --- such as Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, White Pocket and "The Wave" (some not depicted here). 

Antelope Canyon on Indian land and requires that you be accompanied by a guide.  Our guide (Sunny) grabbed two or three large handfuls of sand and through them on some rock formations to create a cascading "sand waterfall." 

Can you see the silhouette of the bear in the last image?

Lady Elk apparently was not in the mood for a photo shoot.  Meanwhile, her deer buck friend (sporting a fresh set of antlers) thought he was invisible amongst the wildflowers. These were shot in Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as the bull elks and moose.

Others are either from various wildlife areas and a few (admittedly) from areas of captivity. 

Regardless, it is hard not to appreciate a pair of rhino butts.  

These images were taken at the San Diego Harbor.  There are five barges from which the fireworks are shot into the air. In most of the pictures you can see the fireworks from another barge in the background. 

The star of the show has to be Peter Mullin's 1936 Bugatti 57SC Atlantic. Made of magnesium which cannot be welded (thus the rivets), there were only 4 made of which only two running cars remain.  The last time one of these was sold it brought a hefty FORTY-FOUR MILLION Dollars (not four, forty four) and it's current value is unknown (some say as much as fifty million). Some also say this is the most beautiful car ever made, and if price is a reflection of beauty we cannot disagree. 

Car designer/builder Chip Foose of the TV show "Overhauling" designed the magnificent 1936 Ford Roadster on a napkin.  Completely hand built, this car named "INSPRIATION"  is claimed to be the most beautiful hot rod in the world. Again, no arguments from us. 

The rest are a small sampling of images which hopefully bring some appreciation of the art of autos (and even a motorcycle or two).  And to prove there is such a thing as real auto art, some shots of Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Tx.

P.S. Someone seems to have a bias towards hot rods

Of Course, one of the best places to see airplanes in action is an air show. We have been to several at the Mira Mar Air Station hosted by the U.S. Navy. The Blue Angels are the obvious “headliners,” but the array of aircraft both in the air and on the ground (some of which you can climb into) are worth spending a day checking it all out. Also, check out their competition, the US Air Force Thunderbirds, the Canadian Snowbirds and The Patriots (consisting of former Thunderbird and Blue Angel pilots). Which team flies closer to one another? No doubt in our minds.

Also included are some not so modern aircraft which still fly.

And finally, the last few are “low level flight” practice runs through Rainbow Canyon (aka Star Wars Canyon) in Death Valley, CA. Amazing pilots and aircraft blasting trough a narrow and winding canyon well below the rim at 500 mph. A real sight to see (and hear).

"The Wedge" in Newport Beach can produce some spectacular surf and photo opportunities.  We especially like the belly-boarder who appears to be riding a wave made of whipped cream.  As you can see from some of the shots, The Wedge is known for its "shore break."  Broken surfboards are common (and an occasional bone).

When The Wedge is “breaking” you can count on a few photographers showing up as noted in the final images.

Our nations larger cities such as New York, Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco offer iconic landmarks, buildings, and architecture for the photographer. We have grouped our pictures by location. Many, if not most, require no description, but we have nevertheless provided some identifying information here and there.

These images represent but a tiny glimpse into this photographic world.

If you like any of these pictures, we invite you to the “REFLECTIONS” gallery for a more “artsy” view of such things.

In photographing some of the landmarks and architecture, occasionally we will come across interesting reflections. These images are examples of some that caught our eyes and hopefully will inspire you to keep an eye out for others in your travels.

Needless to say, “The Bean” in Chicago’s Millennium Park is not going to be overlooked by anyone.

Drones are increasing more popular and with this popularity comes regulation.  In addition to being prohibited for safety concerns around airports and populated areas, drones are not allowed in national parks, many city parks, beaches, national monuments, etc.  We would prefer a permit or some other system as opposed to outright ban.

Where authorized, they offer a viewpoint not otherwise available to the average photographer.  Here are a few examples.

[Dennis is bound and determined to get some drone shots of whales, so stay tuned]