Southwestern Light

One of the Desert Southwest's defining qualities is its light.  Sunshine is abundant, but dramatic cloud formations often occur.  Haze is minimal; the landscape is usually starkly visible.  The land's lines are clean.  And the sun and clouds often combine to create dramatic shades and colors.  I've been in the Southwest during a showery, unsettled weather regime, and that is paradise for photographers...and anyone who loves beauty and nature's drama.  This pic was taken at night...sunset mode on the camera...as altocumulus clouds overran a nearly full moon.  A few hours later, thunderstorms, rain and lots of lightning shook the Phoenix area.

There is a fine rest area at Sunset Point on I-17 about 40 miles north of Phoenix.  This pic was taken there.  I imagine that sunsets from this spot during the monsoon season are spectacular.

The landscape is volcanic on the Coconino plateau between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon.  That's a cinder cone on the left.

Ponderosa pine cones on a sun dappled forest floor.

Had to stay a night at the Grand Canyon.  Storm clouds and a lowering sun created magic.

Sunset shadows.  Rain fell a few hours earlier...the clouds hanging on the north rim are moisture residues of the showers.

Infinite shades of light and landscape.

A badlands cliff near Tuba City AZ.

Storm clouds near Monument Valley.  The colorful roofs of the Navajo homes in Kayenta add a bit of different color.  Blow up the pic for better details.

The wide open spaces, heading for Monument Valley.

And this is the main lodge at my B&B in Castle Valley, Utah.  Pic taken from my deck.  The valley is surrounded by red rock towers.  It's not on the way to anywhere.  15 miles from Moab, it could be a hundred miles away...and a hundred years, save for the modcons at the B&B.  Luxury in isolation.