The Light Fantastic


And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

– Genesis 1:3 (English Standard Version)

In nature photography, light – and in particular light from the sun – is of paramount importance. But I cannot change when the sun rises or sets, its location in the sky, whether or not the sun plays hide-and-seek behind clouds, or even if it makes an appearance at all. Therefore, venturing outdoors with my camera is guided by the sun. Recently, I had an experience that, in my memory, was unlike any other lighting situation I’ve ever encountered.

Jean and I were in Springdale, Utah, after an exhilarating morning of photographing stunning towering sandstone formations in Zion National Park along the Zion – Mt. Carmel Highway. Late in the afternoon, we were trying to decide if we should go back out to do some additional shooting. Nebulous white clouds had moved in, obscuring much of the dazzling blue sky that often serves as the backdrop for Zion’s stunning scenery. So, it was with muted enthusiasm and energy that we decided to venture out again. We then drove to an elevated spot just inside the park’s west entrance.

When we arrived at our intended location, we noticed the wind had picked up. I got out of our vehicle with my camera and walked around looking for potential subjects. The clouds became more numerous, better organized, and transitioned from white to grey. And then, to black. In the western section of the sky, gaps in the ominous clouds appeared, allowing the sun to spotlight a section of the mountainous ridge on the other side of the canyon.


&spspspsp;Late-day light on sandstone cliffs, storm clouds - from the Museum of Human History, Zion National Park, Utah&spspspsps;Late-day light on sandstone cliffs, storm clouds - from the Museum of Human History, Zion National Park, Utah

As one break in the wind-driven western clouds closed, another one opened, illuminating a different section of the ridge and creating a new dramatic photographic opportunity. For more than one hour, I constantly repositioned my camera, following the sunlight.


&spspspsp;Late-day light on sandstone cliffs, storm clouds - from the Museum of Human History, Zion National Park, Utah&spspspsps;Late-day light on sandstone cliffs, storm clouds - from the Museum of Human History, Zion National Park, Utah


Jesus spoke to the people once more and said,
“I am the light of the world. If you follow me,
you won’t have to walk in darkness,
because you will have the light that leads to life.”

– John 8:12 (New Living Translation)

The abundance of black clouds in the sky that afternoon reminded me of how much darkness – that is to say, evil – there is in the world today. I really need to stay focused on the light of Jesus’ words and example, following the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Just as the fantastic light show spotlighted different parts of the ridge at different times, God may not illuminate everything for me at one time, but only what I need to see at that point in my journey.

And finally, I need to be aware that God is in charge of both the light and my life. I am not.