Have you ever imagined what the first people who walked into a place as grand as Yosemite Valley, or a beautiful remote canyon in Utah must have thought? Unless they wrote their thoughts down, we can’t be sure, but I’d imagine it was something along the lines of “Holy Crap!”
Being the first person to see a place must give a grand sense of accomplishment. But, similarly, seeing something grand for the first time–whether you’re the discoverer or not–can also be satisfying. Perhaps you’re the first visitor of the season, knowing the canyon you’re in was left to the mountain lions, flash floods, and snowstorms for many months prior to your visit. Or, maybe you’re witnessing your favorite peak after an epic summer storm being lit up by a fantastic atmospheric light show. The sort of feelings and memories we take from experiences like this can easily leave us feeling like the most intrepid explorer.
As photographers, we try to make images of the places we visit as if we were the first to visit these locations. We criticize an image if there are footprints in the dirt; I once saw another photographer carefully sweeping footprints out of the sand underneath an oft-visited arch in Utah. Few photographers could claim theirs is the first image made at that spot (with the occasional very notable exception), but we want our image to look pristine, unvisited, wild just the same.
Alternatively, for me anyway, knowing I’m not the first person to pass through a place can be just as satisfying. I made the images below at an intersection of two slot canyons in southern Utah recently. (I think) the petroglyphs are from the Fremont period, from ~900-1300 AD (although if anyone could help me figure this out, I’d appreciate it); even if I’m wrong, these drawings have been on the wall of this canyon for many hundreds of years. To me, being able to appreciate those who passed before me is just as satisfying as the idea of actually being the first to see an area.
This image may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and I understand that. But, to me, its simple, telling, beautiful. I hope you enjoy it. Click on the image to see it big.
Petroglyph Diptych, January 2011
It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is mine. Love it.
Is that Celestial Seasonings or Yogi Tea? Maybe it isn’t Celestial Seasonings because they were there first. It is a great photograph. I mean that. Speaking of those before you, there have been a lot of photographers to make photographs of pictographs and petroglyphs, my father had whole books of them, but this one is not like any of them that I have seen. I like the way the figures are pretty far apart and there are only a few of them. Great job.
Oh, I meant to add that one of the thrills of exploring the Southwest is the very palpable presence of those who were there before in many of the remote canyons.
Thanks for the comments, PJ and David. I am really glad you like the diptych, and the presentation. I had a hard time trying to decide how to present this because the figures were so sparse. I’m glad this works.
David, you’re absolutely right when you right about the cultural history of the Southwest being part of its intrigue and thrill. Its one of my favorite parts.
I totally agree Greg. I love wandering the ruins of the southwest, listening to Carlos Nakai at night, and imagining that the ancient ones will soon be returning as I walk among their dwellings.
I love that stuff. Nicely done!
I like this a great deal. The colors and delicate textures are lovely.
Sharon
Thank you Sharon! I wanted to make the texture of the rock really stand out…I’m glad I succeeded. 🙂