I had already visited the lookout over the Zion valley several times on a winter's trip into the park. Not getting anything I really liked, I was a bit dejected about going back again. However, my philosophy with photography and in life is, "zero expectations." So, late one evening, I gathered my gear and trekked back up the hike that winds around cliffs that drop into the canyon below. I knew that there was a possibility of snow, but the mountains and dry desert landscape have the ability to suck any moisture out of the air.
When I got to the overlook and saw the impending snow in front of me I knew that the landscape had a chance of being great. I sat with this view for about an hour watching the clouds and snow drift through the scene. I finally pressed the shutter when I knew the clouds, snow, and light were precisely how I wanted them. Even after taking the photo, I continued to sit and watch. Nature has a way of being beautifully unpredictable. It's funny; the more you go out, the luckier you get.
Location: Zion National Park, March 2022
jareds
