A Spring run off pond that sits atop the Kolob terrace, high above Zion National Park.

This pond exists only for the first part of the summer, until summer’s heat evaporates it.  I like to get into the Zion highlands as early in the year as possible, to find photographic opportunities such as these.

I often wonder what other passers-by may think as they watch me sizing up shots like this: I wonder how long that guy is going to stand out there in the cold photographing that pond?  It’s a pond, dude!  Walk away . . .

To me, much of the appeal of nature photography is to craft a visually appealing image from what others may quickly pass by without a second thought.  I imagine the thrill I find in successfully aligning all the compositional elements to create a pleasing image that someone may linger over is akin to the thrill a trophy hunter may feel when that prize animal first steps into view.