Panoramic View Of Delicate Arch

The 1.5 mile hike was a personal triumph and a spiritual journey for me. I suffer from fibromyalgia, asthma and the year before my trip I spent six months on crutches and in physical therapy after I had surgery on my left knee. The experience was exhilarating and with this million-dollar view I can see why so many photographers and hikers make this journey. The Kentucky Foundation for Women helped to fund my trip and a photography workshop. Special thanks to photographer Brad Goldpaint who encouraged me during the climb to see this spectacular natural wonder.

The 45 foot-high sandstone arch is perched at an elevation of approximately 4,800 feet. I merged two images in Photoshop CS6 to give viewers the same perspective of the circular-shaped bowl that sits under the arch that I experienced. Plus I wanted to show a panoramic view of the Arches National Park. The red rock glowed against the dark skies at sunset. After merging the images, I brought them into Lightroom and Perfect Effects to finsh tweaking the final image. ISO 500; 24mm; f/16; 1/15 sec