It has been several years since I have been to the Grand Canyon to photograph. For about 15 years in the 80’s and 90’s I spent as much time as I could in the canyon including raft trips, rim to river hikes and photographing from nearly every view point on both rims. I wouldn’t say that I had burned out on the Grand Canyon, but I felt I needed to explore other places. In fact, that is the origin of the US Route 89 project.
Last night and this morning, I spent a few hours shooting the Grand Canyon and I fell in love with it again. Here are a few photos taken at sunset from Hopi Point.
And the sunrise from Moran Point.
The biggest change since my last visit to the south rim is the new scuttle bus system. Here is Barbara’s take on the buses:
“I’ve been lucky to have been able to visit the Grand Canyon many, many times over the years. This trip, the Canyon was the same (of course). But the changes in roads, parking lots and buildings made me feel like I was in foreign territory. The biggest change is the shuttle system. I’m all for cutting down on traffic and pollution in theory. But when I realized that my usual entertainment while Jim is shooting includes sitting in the car with a good book when it gets really cold, and that having access to extra layers of clothing, and being able to come and go when we were good and ready were no longer a choice.
“In the past, finding parking at the various scenic spots was a major challenge. Watching people cruise by the pullouts without bothering to stop, or stopping, jumping out of their cars, spending less than a minute and then taking off again was disturbing. The noise created by huge RV’s, motorcycles and other vehicles were a distraction.
So, on the up side of the shuttle system was my sense that people were friendlier. Something about riding all together seemed to make a difference. And once at a stop, visitors had to linger, at least until the next bus came along. Many people were opting to walk to the next viewpoint. People weren’t able to leave the minute the sunset’s spectacular show on the rocks seemed to end. They discovered that on a lucky night, the light keeps changing for a very long time, and is spectacular in all kinds of different ways. After it got dark and we were waiting for the shuttle, people were chatting, relaxed and seeming to enjoy themselves despite the frigid temperatures. Despite lots of conversations going on, the noise level was much lower. Other than the man on his cell phone going step by step through intricate directions on how to use his VCR, people seemed more inclined to actually look at what was happening in front of them.
I would have to say that I prefer the new system. While there are mild inconveniences, I think they are more than offset by the positive. In my humble opinion, thumbs up to the shuttle buses.”
Thank you Jim for that wonderful story — gives meaning and a new life to that print! I’ll think of it as the view we almost wouldn’t have seen (had you decided to go back to bed that morning). Persistence often pays off in the end… The print hangs on my wall above the fireplace where the early morning sunlight catches it and creates a beautiful look (different than during the day). In an effort to furnish a condo we recently purchased in Fountain Hills, AZ, purchased your print at an estate sale in Scottsdale. God blessed you with a talent (photography) and you utilized it well!! Thanks for your reply!
Thanks for the validation. When I release a photograph into the world I never know how it will be received or how it will affect people. I always hope that what inspired me will inspire the viewer to love the beauty of the world we live in.
Hello! I just obtained a framed lithograph of your work entitled “The Grand Canyon – Sunrise at Grandeur Point” Copyright 1987 Phoenix Arizona (O’Neil Printing). Could you tell me something about this print? I love it!! Looking forward to your reply.. Z
Sandy Lockner
2/15/16
That photograph made at Grandeur Point (click to view on my photography website) was made on a cold January morning. It was the last morning of several days I had been at the Grand Canyon photographing in the snow. I got up before dawn so I could get to the rim for sunrise. When I went outside, I could see that the sky was very overcast and I almost gave up went back to bed. But since I was up and dressed, I took my panoramic camera and tripod and headed to the canyon rim. Just as I got set up, the sun rose under the clouds and lit them in vibrant colors which were reflected into the depths of the canyon. The light lasted for just a few minutes and then the sun disappeared behind the clouds. The image reproduced on the poster you have was my favorite. The poster was produced by O’Neil Printing as a promotion. If anyone one is interested I think I may have a few of the posters left. Or you can order a print from my website. Thanks for asking, Sandy.