Beauty in the Rocks

 

Beauty in the Rocks

At City of Rocks State Park, in New Mexico, one can find some nice lovely quiet places in the midst of a field of huge volcanic rocks, some of which reach 40 feet tall.  From such natural violence, comes quiet refuges.

Hidden Spot

In this little alcove between volcanic rocks, one can find a place to take a moment to appreciate nature.  Specifically, how this place where millions of years ago, devastation occurred and left us with peace.

Natural Underpass

Can you imagine the power of nature to lift a huge boulder and place it on tops of others to create this natural underpass – or natural bridge, if one were to walk on top of it?  Volcanic activity from million of years ago gave us this place of natural sculptures.

Path between Rocks

In the midst of a square mile of volcanic boulders from millions of years ago, you can find paths to peacefully wander among the giants and appreciate not only the power of, but the beauty of nature.

Enjoy!

Note:  These images are available in a variety of formats and finishes via my online gallery at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nadine-berg.

Lines and Shadows at the Dunes

 

Lines and Shadows at the Dunes

Although images from White Sands National Park are of nature at its simplest and most dramatic, it sometimes feels otherworldly.  Take a look at some of my favorites.

Sunset on the Dunes

There are lines galore in this image from White Sands National Park – from the horizon line highlighting mountains, to the lines of the dunes themselves, to the lines made by the wind on the dunes surface, this image is full of graceful calming lines.

Undulating Lines

I processed this image from White Sands National Park as a black and white image to highlight the dramatic feel all the lines of the dunes there can sometimes create.  The shadows are sometimes more easily seen in the contrast effect of a black and white image.

Smooth Moves

When standing on the dunes at White Sands National Park, sometimes it feels like I’m at sea when looking at the lines created by the wind blowing over the dunes.  It changes constantly, much like the waves of the sea.

Moonrise over the Dunes

When the sunset is at its peak and the moon is also rising, the horizon line on the dunes is very dramatic and clear cut.  And, yet the image has a peaceful, calming feeling to it, like the day has found a soft place to fall.

Enjoy!

Note: These images are available in a variety of formats and finishes via my online gallery at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nadine-berg.

 

 

 

 

Dunes Nature Trail Discoveries

 

Dunes Nature Trail Discoveries

While wandering around the Dunes Nature Trail area at White Sands National Park, there were some wonderful photographic discoveries to be found!

Dusk

There is a calmness when walking the grassy dunes at White Sands National Park.  Often, there aren’t quite as many people wandering around, and those there are nicely spaced.  It creates a sense of being alone with nature, which, to me is very soothing.

Dune Landscape

At White Sands National Park, it seems that the only thing that is constant is the tree anchoring this scene.  The sand, which is actually gypsum, is constantly changing, shifting with the winds that caress the landscape.  This scene is only guaranteed for the moment, and who knows what tomorrow will bring?

Sunset Beginning

People have different, but to me, sunset is the most magical time at White Sands National Park.  The constantly shifting sands playing against the quickly changing light of sunset, makes for a temporary nature of the beauty one sees.  Yes, it will be there tomorrow…but different.

Enjoy!

Note: These images are available in a variety of formats and finishes via my online gallery at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nadine-berg.

The Wild West - Monument Valley

 

The Wild West – Monument Valley

We happily got to spend a full day in the Monument Valley and took full advantage of it!  Here are some of the views of the wonderful landscape!

Morning at Monument Valley

It was early morning.  The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon.  I stepped outside of our RV and this was how the morning greeted me.  Vibrant colors, incredible landscape formations, and perfect natural framing all came together in this image.

Movie View

John Ford is a famous director of many westerns in the 1940s starring John Wayne.  Apparently, this was one of his favorite viewpoints to set the scene, so to speak.  The lighting on this day was a perfect blend of bright and soft, and truly complimented the landscape.

Shadows

The formations when I stood in this position, reminded me of shadows.  The formations aren’t identical, although you cannot see that from this vantage point.  The starkness of the landscape seemed to call for the image to be processed in black and white.

Garden Green

There isn’t much that’s green in Monument Valley, but this tree was one of the view things that were a rather dusty green.  Just as the rocks are in various formations, so, too, is the tree, with its twisty turning trunk.

Sepia Tree

This tree has a perfectly formed trunk, with several large branches filling out to create a wonderful form of the tree.  As is the case with much of what’s found in Monument Valley, this tree seems to have the primary color of sepia.

Enjoy!

Note:  These images are available in a variety of formats and finishes via my online gallery at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nadine-berg.

Riverside Walk

 

Riverside Walk

There is another side to Zion National Park, one that is only accessible via a shuttle and that requires just a bit of walking.  The walk, Riverside Walk, takes you to an area that seems far too lush to be in a high desert environment.

Lush Canyon

Riverside Walk in Zion National Park meanders alongside the Virgin River, deep in the heart of Zion.  The farther you walk, the further into the canyon you go, and the canyon becomes narrower, allowing for the intimate feel of this scene.

Reflection in Nature

The waters of the Virgin River in Zion National Park run cool and clear.  In the little pond created by the small waterfall, you can see the colors of the trees and rocky banks reflected in the water.  These colors are best when created by nature.

River Rocks

I am continually fascinated by the gentle power of nature, which are evident in river rocks.  At one time, these rocks had sharp, perhaps jagged edges.  But season after season of the river waters rushing over them, have gentle worn down those edges to be smooth and rounded.  Never underestimate the power of nature.

Sunlight in the Canyon

This view may be one of the iconic views within Zion National Park.  It is along the Riverside Walk, approaching the area known as The Narrows, where the canyon walls are only about 20 feet apart.  The walls are further apart than that in this image, and they are wide enough apart to allow the early morning light into the canyon to show off the lush interior.

Enjoy!

These images are available in a variety of formats and finishes via my online gallery at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nadine-berg.

Zion's Treasures

 

Zion’s Treasures

There are two distinct areas that make up Zion National Park.  These images are from the area more easily accessible and reflect its natural beauty.

Natural Steps

The rock formations in a part of Zion National Park create very interesting textures, many of which look like steps.  Trees are common among these formations, seemingly growing out of the rock itself.

Small Canyon in Zion

There are many canyons in Zion National Park.  Some can be quite large, and others, like the one in this image, are much smaller.  The natural path into the canyon also serves as the path the snow melt follows in the early spring.

Bison Grazing

The drive into Zion National Park takes one past a field where you can see bison grazing from time to time.  This bison grazing near an old, broken windmill, speaks to an earlier time.  The vintage tone of the image compliments this feeling.

Enjoy!

These images are available in a variety of formats and finishes via my online gallery at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nadine-berg.

Special Monument Views

 

Special Monument Views

As we traveled through Colorado National Monument, we had some special views we’ll always remember.

Dead Tree Portrait

As we slowly walked around a viewpoint at Colorado National Monument, I noticed this view, which wasn’t the one highlighted at the viewpoint.  The twisted trunk of the tree against the stacked rocks and clear blue sky makes for an excellent nature portrait.

Grand Old Tree

As we stood at Grand Viewpoint at Colorado National Monument, my husband and I were struck by the grand old tree still standing proudly at the point.  There are significant rock formations behind the tree, and a fabulous view, but for now, the tree is the star!

Desert Bighorn Sheep

As my husband and I were driving the scenic road at Colorado National Monument, we rounded a bend in the road, and came to a stop due to a small herd of desert bighorn sheep.  A male sheep with magnificent, rounded horns came very close to our open Jeep window, and I was lucky enough to capture his portrait.  I think I got his best side!

Enjoy!

These images are available in a variety of formats and finishes via my online gallery at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nadine-berg.