In the autumn of 2011 I was spent 28 days as artist-in-residence at Zion National Park in southern Utah. This highly-coveted experience is awarded to four artists annually via a very competitive application process. I was the park's first photographer.

I applied to Zion as it's quite different from the northern plains where I have expended much of my photographic efforts. I wanted something, as they said in Monty Python, completely different. The plains are mostly flat and reticent, with few elements one would consider grand. Zion, in contrast, has towering peaks, deep and confining canyons, a wide and shallow river and, of course, desert. A grand landscape.

Spending so much time immersed in such a dynamic landscape was an amazing experience. It's a rare opportunity that I recommend to any artist, especially those whose interest is the study of the land.

The photos contained in the two galleries were chosen from the more than 120 images I created over the four weeks. The editing was extremely difficult as I found it difficult to separate the images from my memories of the experience. During the process nothing was sacred. Many photos which were early personal favorites are now relegated to the reject pile, while some photos for which I had little hope are now part of the final portfolio.

The editing was difficult enough that I decided to ask for input from a small handful of photographers whose work I greatly admire. For their help I am grateful: Lance Thorn, Dan Smith, Michael Gordon, John Barclay and Dan Sniffin.

I hope that you enjoy these images.

As always, feedback, positive or negative, is always encouraged.

-- Continue to Zion Portfolios --