Desert Winter

++ This image was featured in Photography Masterclass Magazine ++

High on the Colorado Plateau are daunting cliffs, sheer walls that fall thousands of feet to the desert floor below. Among the magnificent features is Canyonlands National Park. I visited Canyonlands with colleagues in late November. Although officially fall by calendar standards, the overlook was clearly a winter view. Upon our arrival at this overlook, we were faced with a thick fog layer below, and a thick overcast layer above. There was only a slim chance of any light peaking through the distant horizon. Saddened by the fact that our 5:00 AM alarm clock had been in vain, we meandered perilously along the cliff ledges in hopes that some type of shot would capture our interest. Then suddenly the sun made a quick entrance, glowing intensely. My heart began pounding, because I was not ready for this instant surprise. I ran to the click edge, and composed a couple unique images, including this 4-shot panorama. And then just as quickly as it had arrived, the sun disappeared for the day.

Camera info: Nikon D800, 131149369 [3:1]