Chasing the Shot: A Balancing Act at Arches National Park
This image of Turret Arch framed by North Window Arch wasn’t
captured easily. In fact, it involved a bit of an adventure! I’d initially
missed this perspective during my first visit to Arches National Park – a fact
I realized with a pang of regret after seeing a stunning photo of it at the
visitor center. Lesson learned: sometimes the best views require a second look
(and a little extra effort).
So, the next day, I returned with a renewed sense of
purpose. My camera hung casually on my shoulder strap, and I grabbed my
lightweight tripod, thinking it might come in handy. Little did I know…
Arriving at North Window, I was met with a crowd. As I began
to climb up into Window Arch, the reason for my previous oversight became
clear. Capturing this particular view of Turret Arch meant navigating a
challenging scramble over large boulders, followed by a somewhat exposed rock
climb to reach the perfect vantage point.
Now, this wouldn’t have been a problem if I’d brought my
backpack. With my camera gear safely stowed, I would have confidently tackled
the climb. But without it, all I could picture was my beloved Nikon swinging
precariously against the rocks, or my tripod tumbling into some unreachable
crevice. The thought was enough to keep the adrenaline flowing.
Despite the added challenge, I was determined. Carefully
maintaining three points of contact with the rock, I made my way to the
precarious perch. It wasn’t easy, but sometimes the best rewards come after a
bit of hard work. After a few test shots, my patience paid off. I was gifted
with a magical 45 seconds when no one else was in the arch – a fleeting moment
of perfect serenity. It was absolutely fabulous.
As a bonus, if you look closely at the first image, you can
even see a sliver of sky through South Window Arch to the left. It’s just
another little detail that makes this shot so special.
Below is the view of the other side where I had to climb to in order to capture Turret Arch through North Window Arch. The actual location of my perch is noted in the image further below.
The rocky out cropping noted in the image to the left is where I stood to shoot the image of Turret Arch through Window Arch.
