Utah is but a couple of days away. Heading towards an over-photographed landmark, such as Zion National Park, Grand Canyon’s North Rim, or Bryce Canyon I’m feeling the challenge, or perhaps desire, to come away with something different.
Certainly, I think that I will come away with quite a few common or cliche shots. I think that it is inevitable; however, my hope is that I can get off of the beaten path, perhaps not spending a great amount of time in the park itself, but in exploring places around it. I’ve visited the park before and remember seeing lovely vistas and impressive views; however, I also remember the throngs of people that were present, too. If you were to search Google images, you’d see thousands upon thousands of shots of Zion, or any other national park that you’d care to search for.
Finding adventure elsewhere
Since it is not my goal to photograph/document the park, I’m willing to go about and explore different areas. Actually, my only goal is to arrive there. Period. After that, I’ll let my mind take me where it will. My knowledge of the area is very limited, but I do remember finding some exciting photo opportunities in and around Saint George, UT. With the help of a GPS, I’ll be more willing to go and explore different locations, knowing that the likelihood of my getting lost is greatly reduced.
When I was in New Mexico, Kate and I spent a significant amount of time photographing picnic areas in the park itself. They provided some cool abstracts. Of course we photographed lots of sand dunes, etc. I’m sure that such photo opportunities will present themselves there as well. Also, there will be innumerable opportunities to photograph people, which is a nice bit of adjunct photography.
The SoFoBoMo influence
SoFoBoMo, I believe, has had an influence on my thoughts of photography. I still love the single image, but now the ‘series’ is part of my thought process. Periodically, the thought of creating a book about my trip to Utah, or anywhere else for that matter, has popped into my head. I have no idea about the content at this time, but the idea is there. I’m almost sure that wouldn’t be Zion specific, but more of an “Exploring Southern Utah” kind of feel. More than likely, the book will take form after the pictures have been taken, at least from my conscious point of view. 
What I hope to achieve
I hope to, like I did in New Mexico, come back with some unique images from within the park and outside of the park and surrounding areas. Mostly, I hope to explore and let that sense of wonder creep in and bring back photos that represent that same sense of wonder. Certainly, that is not a measurable goal, but more of an emotion, but then again, photography, at least for me, is certainly about emotion.
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