Grand Canyon Photography Takes Center Stage

The inspirational qualities of the Grand Canyon are impossible to exaggerate. For decades, photographers, writers, and artists alike have flocked to the grandest of gorges, collectively trying to make sense of the overwhelming experience through a wide variety of mediums.

Of these artistic disciplines, photography is perhaps the most universally applied. From tourists taking snapshots with disposable cameras, to seasoned professionals dodging lightning and flash floods in pursuit of the perfect picture, camera enthusiasts of all stripes have captured innumerable visual vignettes of the famed chasm.

In recognition of the ongoing dance between camera and canyon the Grand Canyon Association, in cooperation with the National Park Service, Northland Publishing, and Hance Partners, Inc., has produced an exhibit and companion book entitled Lasting Light: 125 Years of Grand Canyon Photography.

This juried exhibit and richly illustrated publication pay homage to the most accomplished and prolific canyon shooters past and present (including this author, I’m happy to report). The free exhibit is located in Kolb Studio in Grand Canyon Village, and will be on display through October 18, 2006.

For more information visit the Grand Canyon Association.

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When the Lights Go Down

Ironically, one of my most memorable moments on the rim of the Grand Canyon took place in total darkness. It was at the peak of the Leonid meteor shower several years ago. On an icy November night, perched on a cliff near Yaki Point, I saw meteorites streaking in every direction. Some fast, others slow. A few dragged luminous trails from horizon to horizon. It was breathtaking.

The South Rim’s combination of high elevation, low himidity, and limited “pollution” from manmade light sources provides for spectacular celestial viewing—as anyone who has visited Lowell Observatory in nearby Flagstaff would agree.

One group that takes full advantage of these fortuitous conditions is the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA). For the past sixteen years they have clustered in Grand Canyon National Park for their annual “Grand Canyon Star Party.” Free star programs are offered, and numerous telescopes are fixed on various galaxies, star clusters, planets and other heavenly bodies. Astronomers from across the country will be volunteering their expertise for this event.

This year’s event will take place June 17-24 in the developed area of both the North and South Rims with events taking place each evening. As always it is free to the public. For details, visit TAAA's site. If you're in the park, check the bulletin board at the Visitor Center for the schedule, or contact Park Naturalist Marker Marshall for more information at (928) 638-7830.

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