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Contests

Contender Barry Vangrov

The American Landscape Contest contender Barry Vangrov describes how he worked in the unique confines of Bryce Canyon National Park to create a dramatic black and white photograph.

This Article Features Photo Zoom

Photographer: Barry Vangrov

Location: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

When did you take the photograph?
Dec. 1, 2009

What equipment did you use?
Nikon D90, AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens

Please describe how you got this photo?
On a cold late autumn morning at Bryce Canyon I hiked down the Peak-A-Boo Loop Trail to photograph the canyon at sunrise. It was my second day at the park and I had scouted this spot the day before for as my location to catch the iconic sunrise light on the canyon walls and hoodoos. I arrived early, still quite dark and well before sunrise.

I knew there was a full moon the night before but I had not plotted its course so I didn't know that it would be setting just as the sun was rising on the opposite horizon. When I saw that a huge full moon was hanging just above the rim of the canyon at the same time that the first glimmer of light shined on the canyon walls below the rim I knew I had something special.

Did you use any special techniques?
No. No filters or unusual processing were used.

Why is this scene of the American Landscape special to you?
I've loved the deserts of the Southwest since I lived in Arizona more than 30 years ago. I think there is no area of the country more diverse, unique and beautiful as the canyons and red rock country of southern Utah, and I continue to return as often as possible. For me, this photograph captures much that defines the American Landscape: open space, incredible light, as well as unique, strange and spectacular geological formations. It's a photograph that could not have been taken anywhere else in the world.

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