Sunrise at Monument Valley . . . Explore 21-11-2022 #23
Utilizing the Photographer’s Ephemeris the night before, I was able to determine that from this location the sun would be rising behind Merrick Butte and would enable me to shoot longer without the rising sun blowing out the scene. In the morning, while waiting for sunrise, it appeared there wouldn’t be much of a sunrise as the horizon was blanketed with storm clouds. With patience, and a bit of frustration, I waited to see if anything would develop. Fortunately, as the time got closer, the clouds began drifting west and left a gap on the horizon for the sunlight to break through.
This image is as the sun is breaking the horizon, but the bright sun is hidden by Merrick Butte allowing the sky and clouds to colour up and not be blow out. Along the horizon to the right of center, the falling rain is being lit by the golden light of the sunrise.
This panorama is a stich of 9 vertical images to provide a wider view of Monument Valley, rather than just the two Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte as is often seen. Another reason for the panorama format is to have the sunrise more centered and balanced, rather than off to the right side of the image. From left to right are West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte, and Merrick Butte while on the far right is the edge of Mitchell Mesa.
Best viewed Large (L)
Sunrise at Monument Valley . . . Explore 21-11-2022 #23
Utilizing the Photographer’s Ephemeris the night before, I was able to determine that from this location the sun would be rising behind Merrick Butte and would enable me to shoot longer without the rising sun blowing out the scene. In the morning, while waiting for sunrise, it appeared there wouldn’t be much of a sunrise as the horizon was blanketed with storm clouds. With patience, and a bit of frustration, I waited to see if anything would develop. Fortunately, as the time got closer, the clouds began drifting west and left a gap on the horizon for the sunlight to break through.
This image is as the sun is breaking the horizon, but the bright sun is hidden by Merrick Butte allowing the sky and clouds to colour up and not be blow out. Along the horizon to the right of center, the falling rain is being lit by the golden light of the sunrise.
This panorama is a stich of 9 vertical images to provide a wider view of Monument Valley, rather than just the two Mitten Buttes and Merrick Butte as is often seen. Another reason for the panorama format is to have the sunrise more centered and balanced, rather than off to the right side of the image. From left to right are West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte, and Merrick Butte while on the far right is the edge of Mitchell Mesa.
Best viewed Large (L)