“The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it.” – Ansel Adams

CBH & The Beauty of Bryce

I took this photo a couple of weeks while experimenting with wide shots in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. I couldn't believe I had lived in Southern Utah for 25 years and never made the short journey, but I can tell you it was worth the wait.

Bryce Canyon, Utah

This image best represents the Gestalt principle of Continuity. Continuity is achieved when your eye is compelled to move in a certain way and be drawn to a point of interest. In this case, it is all about the light at the end of the railing. The beauty of the spires is best noticed when you can see the contrast between the light and the dark shadows and this great curved line pulls you to the one place in the picture those forces are at work.

The balance between the warmth of the walkway above and the desperate cold of the shaded areas deep in the valley can only be felt only because of the sunlight. I can tell you a few moments in the shade trying to catch a great shot and my fingertips began turning blue. The point on the cliff was the separation of both worlds that only come together deep in the background. I used the rule of thirds with the railing and the sky to offset the perfect balance and make it more interesting.

The balance changes everything about the scene. This photo was taken from nearly the same spot. Extremely boring compared to the first.

If color is the biggest influence on harmony, then that must be the reason this scene is so remarkable to me. The white purity of the snow set against the warm brown and cliffs is a contrast that not only draws out the beauty, but also tells the story of how different this same place could be during different times of year. The deep blue of sky and the brown spires are complimentary to each other and create a natural warmth that makes me feel good. It would be a different sensation if the skies were all grey. Everything in this photo works with each other, even the manufactured railing with its perfect brown paint set against the untouched world lets me know how important this moment in time must be.

Tear Duct Valve Requested

Photo by Garth Callaghan

For most of my young life I was raised by a single, hard-working mother with a great cloud of mystery shrouding the circumstances of my biological father's exit from our lives. Rumors and speculation were the only things I could cling to and it always left me wondering what a relationship with a father would be like. I was finally able to contact him through personal investigation after my 18th birthday, but he still wanted nothing to do with me. The mystery, I am afraid, will never be solved.

Consequently, I have somewhat a weak heart when it comes to the importance of family, especially in regards to the relationship between parent and child. I am often affected by the media and for many years I find myself crying uncontrollably at simple examples of paternal love or loss. The first time I can remember the valve open and the flood gates of tears flow was watching John Lithgow screaming at Harry to leave the family in the movie "Harry and the Hendersons." The last was when I came upon this simple photo.

Photo by Garth Callaghan

At first glance, the photo seemed completely unimportant. All I saw was a messy table, perhaps someone was brainstorming for a book. I almost skipped past it entirely and then I read the headline. Immediately, I saved the page and walked away because at the time I knew it would be deeply emotional. You can't just let the gates open anywhere.

Garth Callaghan was diagnosed with terminal cancer and as a great father he wanted to find a way to impact his daughter's life long after his demise. He devised a brilliant plan to compose 826 handwritten notes, one for every day she had left in high school, to keep her company and give her guidance during her last formative years.

Some notes were simple and humorous and others contain just the right words to carry a child through a difficult day. All were written with pure love. 

Photo  by Garth Callaghan

They are not technically artistic or amazingly beautiful, but his photos were extremely powerful to me personally because of what I bring to the table. I am a father and my son is roughly the same age as Mr. Callaghan's daughter. I couldn't help but wonder what my son would think or do if I was to leave this world tomorrow. I know I am not prepared to leave him....and the tears flow again. It's not the color or the composition, it's the meaning. And I thank him for sharing.

St. George Desperately Needs Your Help

 A sad example of a flag from one of the best cities in Utah

This site has some links to the best...and worst flags from Utah to help you smile http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us-utmun.html . These are the symbols of Utah http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/states/united-states/utah.