“Life isn’t worth living unless you’re willing to take some big chances and go for broke.”
– Eliot Wiggington
Earlier that day I was scouting for my Zion workshop further up the main canyon so I got here at the last minute and the huge mob was already 5 layers deep and in rows of 40 to 60 people across the famous bridge where everyone shoots the Watchman over the Virgin River.
I tried and tried to squeeze in to catch a view and maybe clone out a few ear lobes on the edges of my composition but it wasn’t going to happen. It was a game of tripod twister and I was surely losing. The mob wouldn’t let me in and I kept trying so they became angry and hurled me up and over the edge of the bridge towards the river bottom. After the impact from the fall I realized I was temporarily paralyzed from the pain and couldn’t try for another bridge shot so I just sadly shot from where I landed, knowing I wish I had the same old bridge composition. A minute later I was hit in the head with my cable release “ouch”, I must of dropped it and at least someone was nice enough to give it back. It’s better to be immobile for a minute then have the crowd of zombies on auto pilot eat my fresh brains!
All though this story didn’t really happen, the message is use your legs people. You shouldn’t take them for granted while they’re there working for you. You don’t need to do exactly what everyone else is doing. It isn’t necessary to go for broke but a small almost effortless deviation can change things dramatically.
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Tags: autumn, bridge, crowded, crowds, Fall color, icon, location, national park, photographers, seasonal, watchman, Zion
Steve Sieren's Blog 
November 30, 2011 at 8:46 am |
I really like this one, Steve. I think it’s a better composition than from up on the bridge.
November 30, 2011 at 8:55 am |
Thank you Alan, I really liked the mysterious feel the scene gives as the river disappears into the fall foliage downstream!
November 30, 2011 at 1:31 pm |
I love the story and the point you made Steve. This is such a beautiful shot. One you can really stare at to take in the beauty! What a great day that was!
November 30, 2011 at 2:00 pm |
I also think this is a stronger composition than from on top of the bridge – and its less common. Someone posted a photo in the last few days showing the mob of photographers on top of the bridge, I wouldn’t want to deal with that for long either.
December 1, 2011 at 8:52 am |
Steve, whatever this story is true or not: You are capturing great photos, and I love them. This is no exception! Excellent! More, please 😉
December 4, 2011 at 2:49 pm |
This is a wonderful composition, Steve and a great story :-). I liked the perfect touch of the cable release hitting you. The colors and the wonderful perspective with the leaves gently framing the shot makes for a great photograph.
Sharon
December 7, 2011 at 10:35 pm |
Great view, love the picture and the quote.