zion national park Watchman Classic

I couldn't resist taking a shot at the classic and possibly overshot  Watchman during my autumn visit to Zion. I decided to go with sunrise light, though I realize sunset is much more popular. I figured I would avoid the crowds and circus that usually surrounds the bridge hours before sunset. In fact, I don't think there was anyone there this AM. I went down to the river so I could use the water as a FG element and make use of the nice reflective light that was going on. Some interesting storm clouds were breaking up in the south-west, so I decided to spend time at the water rather than pursuing my original sunrise location elsewhere in the park. Sometime you have to go with your gut as to where the light will be the best and cross fingers. I felt I made a good decision this morning.

I did a little wading to compose in the Virgin River in attempts to minimize a small bridge, which can be seen under magnification.  I was able to hide it a bit but not eliminate. Non-photographers may not even notice it. While I realize I could have cloned it out, a little more touch up than I am comfortable with.

2 exposures were made for Dynamic-range / control of sharpness.
1 exposure for midgound and sky @ f5.6, ISO 1600 to hold sharpness in the trees as there was a breeze that would come and go.
1 exposure for water and rock area @ f16, ISO 800, manually blended.

Nothing too original, but some sweet light and clouds over Zion's

Watchman gave me reason to stop and photograph this icon at

sunrise.

Beautiful colours and great composition. Congrats.

like your comp and processing on this one Harry......nicely done

Harry...  I'm glad you had a change of plans, this is excellent... Mike

Perfect all the way! I have also been shooting icons lately, and this is a unique take! They are icons for a reason!!

Ray and I shot from the bridge but seeing this beauty makes me realize that I should tried some ground level shots. This is just outstanding, Harry.