• Una maravilla : ) - Juan ©
  • In the 2008 movie "Jumper" Hayden Christensen jumps Samuel Jackson into a makebelieve hole here! - pixilpame
  • Try it. - david.richter

Living on the edge - Horseshoe Bend, Page, Arizona

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I just returned from another whirlwind (no sleep) boot camp photography mission. I connected with David, John and Zia with one goal, shoot as many locations as possible. On this particular day, David, Zia and I headed out to Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona.

Prior to a photo shoot, I like to do some research and look at photos of a scene I intend to visit. I do it to study the scene, visualize, and avoid a comp stomp if possible. After reviewing some of the shots, I knew I wanted more sky in my composition. Since it was a location I had not been to before, we wanted to get there early. We arrived and made our way down to the canyon and guess what, clear blue skies! As I neared the edge, I was overwhelmed by the height and beauty of the canyon. I stared at the stunning view in a desperate attempt to challenge my fear of heights. I had lots of emotions going on from "I'm scared as hell" to "all the way here from California and no clouds".

Approximately two hours before sunset, we started to notice some textures developing in the sky. I thought to myself if the sky develops, I'm definitely going to "live on the edge". As sunset approached, it was evident the sky was going to blow up. (Click here to see a video of this shot.) I laid myself on the edge of the 1500 foot canyon with my tripod literally inches from it. I composed the shot and set my filter. The sky blew up with some awesome color. The whole time, I pressed the wireless shutter and hoped for the best. Usually light like this induces a happy dance, but there was no way in hell I was going to dance along this edge. While I was doing all of this, I was able to capture a short video and send it to some of my buds. (Sorry, I could not post the video, as it documents my foul language due to the excitement.)

Be sure to check out Dave's and John's awesome images from here.

Thanks to Jean for sending us the light and well wishes; to all the guys who made this trip so much fun; and a special thanks to David for being such a stupendous host. This is what it's all about, hanging with good people, challenging your fears, having lots of fun, learning a thing or two and catching some nice light! In summary:

1. We traveled to 4 states in 3 days: Nevada, Utah, California and Arizona.
2. We drove close to 1,000 miles in 3 days.
3. We drove an estimated 15 hours on the road.
4. We visited the following spots: Zion National Park, Utah; Toadstooles Hoodoo, Utah; Horseshoe Bend, AZ; Lower Antelope Canyon, AZ and Death Valley National Park, CA.
5. We ate enough junk food to hold us over for another 6 months.

I hope you all have a great holiday weekend. Hope to see you all in the new year. Jave

Comments and faves

  1. ★

    GerryL, D Breezy - davidthompsonphotography.com, Le***Refs *PHOTOGRAPHIE*, Juan Del Pino, and 821 other people added this photo to their favorites.

  2. JaveFoto (29 months ago | reply)

    :)

  3. GerryL (29 months ago | reply)

    Excellent!

  4. D Breezy - davidthompsonphotography.com (29 months ago | reply)

    well hot damn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! what can I say? sick f*cking nasty and then some! the detail here looks crazy. dude, this view was amazing, but sketchy has hell. can you even believe that we were sitting that close to the edge???????????? but you killed this for sure. it was fun man, when are we doing bootcamp 3? well done!

  5. Le***Refs *PHOTOGRAPHIE* (29 months ago | reply)

    wow!! awesome view!
    the colors are beautiful!

  6. It's a Keeper (29 months ago | reply)

    This is breathtaking Jave! What a great job you did composing this masterpiece! Frameable art here my friend!

  7. Alan Chan Photography (29 months ago | reply)

    Dude this year has been amazing for you bro. You went from noob to master all in ONE year. Totally amazing man. This shot is an iconic shot and you did it justice! The detail in the rocks is absolutely perfect and the colors in the sky are to die for! If I had a nit in this pic, I think it is just a tad too bright. I would use the exposure slider or brightness slider and slide it down just a little bit and I think you would have a 100% perfect image.

  8. ©Helminadia Ranford(New York) (29 months ago | reply)

    what an amazing View Jave !!!
    Outstanding work

  9. Suzy James Photography (29 months ago | reply)

    Simply awesome !

  10. SheldonBranford (RichGreenePhotography.com) (29 months ago | reply)

    This has got to be one of the best shots I've ever seen of Horseshoe Bend because of those clouds and
    sky. Man u guys rock it and put old farts like me to shame.

    Have a great holiday and happy shooting in 2011.

  11. Shane Venem (29 months ago | reply)

    Sweet one, Jave. Sometimes things just work out right.

  12. Kazi Arefin (29 months ago | reply)

    excellent capture...FAV.

  13. ـــاريAlAmmariالعـمـــ (29 months ago | reply)

    What a gorgeous view !

  14. StevenBrisson (29 months ago | reply)

    Truly stunning shot of this iconic view--with your own special blend of magic and mastery added. Fantastic colors, richness and expanse. No dancing. ;)

  15. Jim Patterson Photography (29 months ago | reply)

    Just goes to show, where there is a will, there is way. Jave, you have the will. Here's to you and yours in 2011! Happy new year buddy!

  16. tista_ceres "Simone Arrigone" (29 months ago | reply)

    Congratulations Jave a spectacular photo.
    Your patience and your skill you have won ...
    Happy holidays and appointment with the new year!

  17. Salva del Saz (29 months ago | reply)

    My goodness, both the place as the sky colors are incredible. Certainly it was worth to separete from the group in order to visit this place.

  18. Tommaso Renzi (29 months ago | reply)

    What a shot man! Amazing location, great light and sky colours

  19. Diego Tabango (29 months ago | reply)

    feliz navidad simon.

    this came out great buddy.

  20. bats... (29 months ago | reply)

    Wonderfully done, Jave! Really stunning.

  21. AnneMäenurm (29 months ago | reply)

    Great place and fantastic colours!

  22. silvarshooter [deleted] (29 months ago | reply)

    It was a pleasure meeting you Jave, you're cool as hell and damn, this is incredible! Definitely you guys didn't get skunked twice in one day! Seriously good shot here!

  23. maxxsmart (29 months ago | reply)

    Seriously.... I'm freakin dead serious here.... One of, if not the best of this spot.

  24. Hassan - hrwajdy (29 months ago | reply)

    This is An Excellent Image. Great work

  25. ~~~johnny~~~ (29 months ago | reply)

    love this, the clarity is outstanding:))

  26. Garrett Costanzo Photo (29 months ago | reply)

    Gorgeous sky & tones. Those pink and purples are stellar. I like how although you and David and John were all here together, you each came home with a unique shot. Awesome stuff.

  27. indamoon (29 months ago | reply)

    amazing!

  28. AGrinberg (29 months ago | reply)

    "U"

    Excellent! Good writing, too.

  29. A Sutanto (29 months ago | reply)

    Impressive!

  30. Megan Lorenz (29 months ago | reply)

    Wow! Just beautiful...

  31. alanek4 (29 months ago | reply)

    Somehow, I never get tired of this shot, and this one is particularly good. Great color, great clarity, and sounds like great fun! Merry, Happy everything to you and yours.

  32. jimberneike (29 months ago | reply)

    Wow, you caught some very beautiful light and cloud structure!

  33. Jared Ropelato (29 months ago | reply)

    This is the best shot from here I have ever seen. I mean it. I have never seen it like this. Dude, you're a jedi master. You killed it. It's still smokin'. Holy hot hell. Jave, dude.... damn.

  34. Chantal C. (29 months ago | reply)

    WOW! What a spectacular photo...The colors are so stunning!
    I love reading the story of your photography trips, I can totally visualize all of you chasing your light, eating junk in the car and being on the go for your next location!

    Have a Merry Christmas with your beautiful family.

  35. Yosanties (29 months ago | reply)

    Outstanding clarity! Beautiful light an d color, awesome place excellent work.

    --
    Seen in my contacts' photos. (?)

  36. Robin Black Photography (29 months ago | reply)

    Congratulations on making it to the edge & getting a killer shot. That sky? Amazing. You boot camp guys truly inspire! Best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful holiday and GREAT new year!!

  37. jasmineleephotography.com (29 months ago | reply)

    Wow, this work is incredibly STUNNING!!!!!!!!!! Gorgeous, gorgeous shot!!! Yes, it probably was a good thing you didn't dance on the edge :)

  38. danirst - Daniele Pantanali Photography (29 months ago | reply)

    Great place and fantastic colours!
    Congrats!!
    Daniele

  39. KennardP (29 months ago | reply)

    Seeing this shot, you would never know you are scared of heights. Definitely worth it. Beautiful light and the details is amazing.

  40. CliffPetersonPhotography (29 months ago | reply)

    Damn! Insane colors man! Really GREAT comp! Lots of detail sharpness and color. Great job!

  41. DRB Photography.co.uk (29 months ago | reply)

    Perfect shot

  42. idashum (29 months ago | reply)

    Absolutely stunning Jave! Even more amazing that you guys were teetering on the edge of the world! That video is not for the wary! I am so thrilled with the colors and composition - it is just magnificent to stare at.
    Thanks again for all your inspiration and fantastical stories! It's been a real treat viewing your adventures as well as those from the Boot Campers. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and 2011! Here's to more amazing light and camaraderie!

  43. Marquisa - (29 months ago | reply)

    I've seen that place photographed 1001 times!
    Your presentation is the greatest!

    Happy Holidays to you and yours!

  44. iAbdulazizMh OFFLINE (29 months ago | reply)

    its a very nice capture well done !!
    pravo keep going my dear ..

  45. @PAkDocK / www.pakdock.com (29 months ago | reply)

    Fantastic!!!
    I used the same spot as you, just on the edge, a few years ago!!

    Congratulations, it is fxx awesome!!

  46. Paula Barbosa (29 months ago | reply)

    Hi, my friend!
    That shot is wonderful as always...thanks to share with us!
    Have a beautiful Christmas, I wish you all the best!

  47. pdxsafariguy (29 months ago | reply)

    awesome!

  48. joe defao (29 months ago | reply)

    Hot damn, Jave! You sure delivered the goods on this one!! It's incredibly crisp and clean, and the colors are freaking awesome. I've seen a lot of shots from here, but this easily ranks up there with some of the best. Great work my friend!

  49. Jeff Swanson -- www.interfacingnature.com (29 months ago | reply)

    You guys are nuts. And it pays off in spades!

  50. BBrown57 (29 months ago | reply)

    Beautiful work here Jave, sounds like a great adventure.

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