See The Wave

REALISTIC HDR

Camera: Nikon D700    Lens: Nikon 70-300mm    F22    ISO200

Location: The Wave, Arizona. 

I nervously waited at the rangers office in anticipation for my name to be called. There’s a lottery process to visit The Wave and I had a 15% chance of making the cut. Only 10 spots available and 6 names had already been chosen.

“Please say my name” I thought over and over. As 2 more names were called I heard individual cheers contrasted by the moans of the hopeful hikers standing in the room. “Jeff Walker!” the ranger shouted out. Adrenaline surged through my body and I graciously accepted the ticket.This feeling of true happiness lasted about 4 minutes until the ranger pointed out it would be 42 degrees (107F) that day….what was my poor Canadian skin going to do? Melt?

Approaching the entrance to the wave my heart was now pounding from anticipation of the stunning orange swirls rather than the 2 hour slog through deep sand. Entering the wave is truly a special experience. I’ve seen many beautiful landscapes but this is on another level.

As I setup the tripod and was finding a decent composition, a fellow lottery winner walked into the shot and paused for a minute. I was still getting my settings but rattled off 3 pics while she was standing there. I didn’t realize this would be my favourite shot of the whole experience!