Spring Break Death Valley Trip – Day 1
May 6, 2012
Alright, first off welcome to our little trip. Grant and I decided to head out to Death Valley for his Spring Break this year. We flew into Vegas yesterday with the idea of checking out a couple of the local hotspots just outside town (photographic hot spots, just so we’re clear) – tomorrow it’s off to Death Valley.
We woke up to clear skies – never a good sign for a landscape photographer – and decided to head over to Red Rock Canyon. Grant had never been there and since it was only minutes from the hotel, we thought it would be a cool place to spend our morning.
The temps were cool and the clear skies held the promise of some pretty boring photography. Oh well, can’t win ‘em all. However, we did play around with some video – and I tried a little time-lapse moonset with my new Nikon D4 (you’ll see it in the video below).
After watching the sunrise slide down the front of the mountains, we embarked on a ride through the park. We hiked the Calico Hills area and <surprise> Grant had a pretty good time on the rocks. One of these days I’m going to figure out a cool shot for this area…
Next it was a drive through the canyon (more of a valley really), and back to the hotel to get ready for the rest of the day and grab some of that, umm, “free” continental breakfast action.
We spent the afternoon over in Valley of Fire State Park, a pretty good hit with Grant. It’s one of my favorite locations and we hiked 3 or 4 trails as I tried to decide where to shoot that night.
After a long debate about where to shoot (the debate was in my head – Grant is pretty easy going), I decided to head over to a rock formation called the “Fire Wave”. Not only was Grant excited about checking it out, it had some pretty good potential for a photo – a fact that, unfortunately, more and more people are picking up on (makes it crowded sometimes at sunset).
When we arrived we were lucky enough to have it to ourselves and I started working it over with the lens, playing with different compositions. The traditional view wasn’t really working for me and it trailed off to a cloudless area of sky.
So I stared looking around for a new angle.
I discovered what I thought was a pretty sweet spot opposite the usual area – but there was a problem. What happens if a bunch of other people show up? I’d be right in their shots (and vice-versa) and that wouldn’t be cool. So I setup and waited. A few people showed up but turns out they kind of liked my area better too, so hey, how cool was that?
I’m actually pretty excited about today’s photo (won’t know for sure till I get back – I don’t have a computer with me this time), bit it looks good on the camera. I hope the rest of the trip is this good!
(@ Home Note – LOL – if only I knew what I was in for when I wrote that)
Here’s that day’s video with a host of antics form Grant and myself:
Here’s the photo from that day:
More about this photo – click here
Tomorrow, off the Death Valley.
~Steve
PS – As always, we welcome your comments 
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17 Responses to Spring Break Death Valley Trip – Day 1
I’m so glad I took time to watch this video. The scenery is fantastic, but Grant makes the video so entertaining! I’ll be watching for more -
Stunning photo Steve!! I LOVE Valley of Fire but haven’t been to the Fire Wave yet – maybe on my next trip to Vegas. I rent a Harley and go riding in the desert . . . my wife shops.
I LOVED,LOVED,LOVED the video! I really enjoy seeing a Father and son enjoying spending time together! It warms my heart! Also, I Love the photo you took today, can’t hardly wait to see more. You always take such beautiful photographs of God’s paintings! Thank you for your time. I appreciate all your work.
Sincerely,
Teri CampisiLoved it!! Looks like it was a great trip.
Beautiful rock formations.
Thanks for sharing.
mary l.
P.S. Looking forward to the next installment.
Steve, you’re a lucky guy that Grant lets you travel to these exotic places with him. ;^) .Great shot!
I used to live in Las Vegas for years and been to Red Rock and Valley of Fire to bad I never spent more time out there than I did. Hind site is great. And 40 yrs. ago in my twenty’s is a long time oh well…
Loved the video AND the day’s photo. Just wish the Day’s Photo had been in landscape position; it would have made great computer wallpaper. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your great shots.
Thanks for sharing. We drove thru Death Valley many years ago, and the road is still the same. The scenery is beautiful. Love the interaction between you two. Looks like a great trip. Will be looking forward to the next video.
I have been there and done that. Do not miss the Canyon of Gold in the evening. Also there is a place there where rocks move on their own. You have to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle to get to the area, but you can see large rocks and the path they made when the move. The Devil’s Golf Course and the Dunes are great also.
We hit all those areas and a few others. Stay tuned
Gorgeous photo and what a fun trip for you and Grant.
Great photos. I’ve lived in Vegas for 24 years and finally a month ago did the walk on the boardwalk at Calico Basin in Red Rock Canyon; and I drove the loop road. I didn’t do much of the hiking because of my age and I was by myself. I’ve been to Valley of Fire a couple of times through the years; but haven’t seen it the way you photograph it. You travel to many places that I’ve been; but it is a pleasure to see those areas through your photos. The video of you and Grant is fantastic. The two of you are making awesome memories!!
wow love the colors and details Your work is absolutely fabulous
Wow!! Love the picture and video. Really enjoy watching the father son interaction. You go Dad!!!
Loved the first day! It’s like being there myself, especially following the photographers! The rock formations are stunning, and to think anyone here in the U.S. could visit any time! Keep up the great work, father and son.
Beautiful!
Oh my gosh. How beautiful and interesting this picture is. Thanks for sharing.