Zion Canyon Storm Panorama

Storm Light, Canyon Overlook, Zion National Park, Utah

Here’s another of my favorites from 2011. This image is all about timing and luck. I was lucky not to be struck by lightning; lucky to witness and record an amazing moment from an iconic Zion viewpoint. I was at the canyon overlook above Pine Creek with a handful of other park visitors and my wife, as a fast moving storm plowed through at sunset.  This image was captured seconds before thunder and lightning coincided overhead, and I finally tore down my tripod and started to run down the trail for cover just before the rain, leaving behind a half dozen fearless European tourists at the cliff’s edge. My wife had prudently bailed out a few minutes earlier as the thunder became louder and lightning flashes followed more closely. We had timed our visit to the canyon overlook for sunset but the storm light is what really sets this image apart. This one could also be filed under, repeat visits, as this was at least the sixth time I’ve photographed this scene. This is one of those iconic park locations that can look amazing in all kinds of light, and at all times of day, but I’d never seen it like this before. Never before had I felt the power of this place so acutely.