Picture of the day - January 23, 2009

"Sands of Time"

Photo courtesy of Winston Rockwell.          (Click the photo for a larger view) Today's picture features another stunning shot from Antelope Canyon, a magnificent place that must surely be considered one of the most beautiful and intriguing places on earth. In this image, photographer Winston Rockwell has captured one brief moment in the vast history of time - a gentle reminder that in the grand scheme of things our human lifetimes are but a single grain of sand on a seemingly endless beach. The following is Mr. Rockwell's story behind the image: "Antelope Canyon, located on Navajo tribal land just outside the town of Page, Arizona, is one of nature's true wonders. The narrow, twisting sandstone walls have been sculpted into fantastic shapes by eons of rains, and the colors simply must be seen to be believed. The Upper Canyon, where this photo was taken, is one of the most- visited spots in the Southwest, and for good reason. It is now only accessible by guided tour, as it was in danger of becoming a victim of its own popularity. But even with the limitations imposed by Navajo tour companies, it can be crowded; in places, the canyon is only 4 or 5 feet wide, though it's over 100 feet deep. The canyon is considered a spiritual place by the Navajo, and it's easy to see why. There is a feeling here of utter timelessness, a quiet sense of wonder that seeps deep into your heart and leaves an indelible stamp on your soul. It's hard to stand in this place and not be awestruck by the sheer beauty of God's handiwork. And when the soft, haunting notes from a recorder, played by a Navajo guide far out of sight among the twists and turns of the canyon walls, come filtering through the shadows, the feeling that you are standing on sacred ground is simply overpowering. This photograph was taken with a Canon 40D on a tripod, using a Tamron SP17-35 lens at 17mm. Exposure was 8 seconds at f/13."     --Winston Rockwell You'll find lots more of Mr. Rockwell's stunning images on his website at www.NorthwestNaturalImagery.com.     Visitor Comments... Name: Phyllis Helton Town: Bristol, VA God's coloring book.     Name: Beverly Allison Town: Baltimore, MD Stunning photo, but I've come to expect nothing less from you Mr. Rockwell.     Name: John Fleming Town: Stockton, CA Great picture today Mr. Rouse. I really love this website!     Name: Susan McReynolds Town: Jacksonville, FL Very beautiful, both the picture and the story. Winston Rockwell has become my favorite photographer since I began visiting here almost a year ago.     Name: Ron Trees Town: Spokane, WA Excellent photo Rocky!! When I first saw the photo, I knew it had to one of yours. A pleasure to view as are all of your photos. Take care, Ron     Name: Randy Toole Town: Ashland, KY Antelope Canyon is a very beautiful place. Been there twice. My pictures never turned out this well. Congrats Mr. Rockwell on a job well done.   Comment on today's picture  |  View previous "Pictures Of The Day"  |  Submit a photo Why I publish the "Picture Of The Day"