Deby Dixon's photostream  

I had no idea of what to expect when we pulled into Grand Canyon National Park shortly before sunset last night. The landscape was at that in between point when everything is dull and grey with a few highlights far off in the distance. I didn't plan on being able to get any shots of my first glimpses but as we drove along, the real canyon came into view and I was startled to the core. True wow! We pulled in at the next lookout, which might have been Lipan, just as the sunset colors began. To watch the color of the rocks transform, with the natural red light, was breathtaking, even if there wasn't much in the way of sunset color to the west. Some low lying red low on the horizon but not worth shooting from our vantage point. I quickly set up and took a few images at ƒ22 and so the shutter speed was slow but worth the results.

After a six hour, breathtaking tour with Gabriel at Majestic Monument Valley Touring Company in the morning (more about this great experience later) we were exhausted, blood sugar low and grouchy and so it was dinner and rest time. I nixed getting up for sunrise this morning but will be out there tomorrow. Now it is time for a hike down into the canyon. Wish me luck, this place scares me a bit.

As yesterday afternoon wore on it became apparent that we were not going to get any of those big white clouds that we all pray for and thus, not much color for sunset. I hastily arranged with the tour company to take us to Tear Drop Arch and a delightful young lady, Hope, took us to this spot. After I set up for this shot I turned to Hope and Scott and said, "Don't you dare laugh." And then I set the timer for 20 seconds, pushed the shutter and made a run for it, going down, around a gully and hopping up into this spot. Originally I was turned the other way but at the last second realized that it was wrong and turned around with even some time to spare. This is the result of that single RAW file. Scott wished he had thought to video the moment and said he would be ready the next time. Ouch. Afterwards, we went a little ways into the valley for some late afternoon work and then I was exhausted and hungry. Right now we are getting ready to take a tour into the back lands, where the real treasures are and then on to Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend. Better get bundled up and ready.

This morning's sunrise in Monument Valley, Arizona.

We had a slow, leisurely morning in Taos yesterday, sleeping in some, no rushing, breakfast at Grahams and then a stop in Embudo to see my friend Johnny. We had a great visit and I'm hoping to have captured some nice images of him - haven't yet had time to look at them. And then we drove to Monument Valley, through Abiqu, arriving after dark. If you haven't been to see this stunning landscape, there is a hotel on the edge of the valley that is called The View. Every room looks out over Monument Valley and the views are indeed stunning. The sky was ablaze with stars. Got up early for sunrise this morning, which was okay but nothing like I could have hoped for. I seem to arrive in places right after a series of good sunrises and sunsets, or sleep in at the wrong times. This is one of my favorites, with the sun bouncing off some far off cliffs and forming a star. A lucky catch. Afterwards I went out driving on the 17 mile loop and discovered that one of my expensive lens filters had busted on the end of my 80-200, and that there is already a ton of new dirt on the sensor. Argh, some of it never ends. But at the moment I am sitting in the lobby looking out on the valley and tomorrow at 6:30 a.m. we are going to go on a tour into the forbidden zone. Forbidden if not with a guide. It will be my first ever tour and I'm excited.

Only a few more days before heading home. Trips like this end too soon.

Without fresh snow and fluffy white clouds the landscape in Taos is somewhat boring in the winter and so I haven't taken many scenics, except out at the bridge and those aren't very exciting. And so I went searching for something to shoot that would illustrate the essence of Taos and here it is in this old Dodge pickup truck that sits beneath Taos Mountain.

It would have been nice to have good shooting conditions while here but for me the visit was more about stopping by the gallery that has my work, Jack Leustig Imaging, and about seeing a couple of old friends. One of my dearest friends might not be around the next time I visit and it was so good to see him. A well known Taos artist, he has always been up beat, no matter what and his positive attitude is a shining example. Had breakfast with another friend and it was equally as good to see him. Both were gentlemen and told me that I am looking great - one can always count on friends. My traveling buddy and I tried to visit the Pueblo but they were getting ready to close and when they saw my tripod they wanted $300 for me to shoot as a pro - for 20 minutes. Well, we didn't make it in the gates. And so I took him out to the bridge, which is 600' above the Rio Grande and he got a little nervous out there in the middle. Not me though, now that I have conquered my fear of heights, I was cool. During the afternoon I also stopped by another photographer's, Geraint Smith's, new gallery and it was great to witness his success. My other photographer friend, Lenny Foster, also expanded his gallery into a nice large space but he was in Hawaii and so I could only look through the window. Seeing other work here in Taos has been educational and exciting. Super good food at the Trading Post and Grahams. And so my social needs have been met and we are heading west tomorrow, towards Monument Valley. I can't wait!

These old trucks are rip for HDR but I can't figure out how to deal with the halo effect that it creates. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

My friend Johnny Meyer from Embudo, New Mexico is a retired scientist from Los Alamos Lab, a writer, a photographer, a professional mover (he'll like this one) and Route 66 historian who, in his retirement years has collected many antiques and created this museum. Admission is free but donations are accepted and will be donated to the local animal shelter. Johnny writes for Route 66 magazine and other periodicals and has traveled around to discover some pretty crazy stories. When I stopped by his place this afternoon, Johnny was headed to Tucamcari to speak with the city council tomorrow about a building that they want to donate to him for a Route 66 museum, and so I didn't get to say hi to my friend but he told me that it would be okay to stop and take some shots. This place is amazing! Johnny has been hired to set up gas stations for movies and has entertained some interesting folks who have stopped at the museum. Life is all about passion and doing what you love, even when having to take care of the hard times, and my friend does it well. If you are headed to Taos, stop in and see Johnny soon because he could be moving to his museum on Route 66, something that is his dream. Tell him Deby said hi - and add "crazy blonde chick who moves a lot."

Busy day tomorrow so decided to go ahead and post this before going to bed. Hope everyone is doing well and thank you.