The afternoon air in Sedona, AZ had a lingering chill as wound down the scenic Red Rock Loop Road. In the distance, the Sedona cliffs had already started to change colors and if we hadn't dreamed of snapping a photograph from the river bank at Crescent Moon State Park, I would have pulled over here to enjoy the view. Instead, we pushed on.
My camera bag was already packed, so as soon as we parked, I shouldered my pack and started hiking to "the spot". Crescent Moon State Park is one of the most popular photo locations in Sedona, but the landscape is always changing. The river has highs and lows. The tree colors are often changing, or dropping leaves. Sometimes there are clouds and other days blue skies. So, photographing Crescent Moon State Park is always a unique outing.
Arriving at the initial spot I visualized being good, but it wasn't. The branches had sagged in the recent rains, blocking Cathedral Rocks in the distance. The goal was to capture Cathedral rocks bathing in a golden sunset light showcasing the movement of the river with a long exposure. So, I needed to move on.
Taking off my shoes and swapping to my favorite camera lens, the Tamron 17-28mm, I waded into the water, fearful that I would slip and fall, soaking my camera gear. With each timid step on the slimy riverbed, I cautiously made my way to an outcropping near the swimming area. Typically, this area is swarming with people, but for some reason, it wasn't today.
Stretching the legs of my tripod out, I centered the flowing water to run under the camera. Creating a leading line from the center of the frame directly to Cathedral Rocks. Perfect timing!
The sunlight slowly passed me and illuminated the towering rocks in an orange glow. Slowing down my shutter speed to 1/4 of a second, the water became smooth. I released the shutter, SNAP...
