STORY:
 
Arguably one of the most photographed sunrise spots in the country, this is Mesa Arch so you have probably seen this place before. 
 
It is located inside Canyonlands National Park and it gets filled with photgraphers rather fast so be prepared to wake up early if you want a good spot.
 
I must preface this story making it clear that I try to stay away from these heavily visited spots because the frame is there. There's not much room for creativity. It's almost like just checking off a box to say "I went there" and quite honestly as a creative at hear this hurts my soul.
 
Either way, for some reason I decided to send it out here. I was obv not the first one there but I did get there early enough to secure a solid spot. 
 
Now the wait begins. After all, the perfect shot only last a couple minutes if that. 
 
I was uneasy with all the commotion going on with everyone setting up and what not but I was already there and the show was about to begin. 
 
I purposely set my camera on timelpse mode in order to be fully present and immersed in the moment. The shot was already there so no point in holding the camera really. I wanted to actually take the moment in for what it was, with the least distraction possible.
 
Now I'm not sure if we all quieted down when the action started or if I just completely zoned out but as soon as that sun started peaking through I PROMISE there was NO ONE around. 
 
I was just me, the warmth of the sun warming me up as it painted the perfect composition in my frame, just peaking the right amount through Mesa Arch presenting itself as the burning star that it is illuminating the martian valley below. 
 
I instantly understood it. 
 
The power of nature is almost physical.
How can I feel so much just standing here?
I was just merely existing before this incredible moment yet it rocked me to my soul. 
 
How can this be? It physically brought tears out of my eyes. 
 
Where did everybody go? It was just so loud and packed here.
 
As I started wiping my eyes, the noise came back and somehow everyone was there the entire time.
 
I quickly packed up my gear and ran to my van to start reviewing my images. 
 
This is the very moment is all went quiet for me.
 
The power of nature will never cease to amaze me.