I am not sure this image will ever win a photography contest, but as soon as we get home, it is getting printed and will forever hang on our wall. It is a composite of two images taken moments apart on a fixed tripod. As you can see, there is a frame for the rock covered in ancient petroglyphs and a frame for the stars. I could easily Photoshop in a galactic core image showing the brilliant center of the galaxy, but for me, that would ruin the picture.
The Sky shot for over fifteen seconds at 2500 ISO
The rock shot with a bit of warm light from a Lumicube
I always have, and most likely always will have a primal fear of the darkness in the wild. It took a lot of courage and the company of my wife to drive miles out on a dirt road in total darkness, hike up a cliff and set up the tripod to get this image, but here it is.
The real story is not that Anita sang showtunes to keep the animals away; it is not the technical aspects of the photograph. It isn’t even how it turned out. Even though I love it, I know there are better conditions to get this shot in.
The real story is what happened as we got back to the truck. As we made our way off the cliff and onto the dirt road, I looked to the Northwest as saw exactly what I expected, the galactic core. What I didn’t realize was how perfectly it was aligned with the dirt road. I said to Anita – One more shot, even though I knew I would have to get one of the stars and then play around lighting the road as if it led directly into the milky way.
I managed to get the tripod legs extended and then it happened. As Anita was starting another show tune, we both heard a guttural growl with a bit of a trilling at the end. It was close. We disagree on how close, but I would say less than 100 feet. Anita thought closer.
“GET IN THE TRUCK!” I said softly and calmly. NO, not my side, get in the passenger seat. “You get in the passenger seat” she calmly replied. Just as I was about to formulate a very convincing argument that she should go around the truck, closer to the gentle, harmless animal that made the noise, I saw Anita climb over the center console a swiftly as a Pronghorn Antelope. I then realized there was no need for an extended dialog about the matter. I quickly, not as quickly as she jumped in the passenger seat, but quickly threw the tripod in the back of the truck and took my rightful place in the driver’s seat. I was relieved when the truck started. The windows were up, the truck was running, and the lights were on. There was no need for all the adrenaline…the adrenaline kept flowing. We were about half a mile down the dirt road when we both started laughing.
Was it the ghost of an ancient artist objecting to Anita regaling the wilderness with modern music? Was it a mountain lion? What about a black bear? We will never know.
All I know is that this photo will always hang on our wall and forever remind us of the night we got up the courage to go deep into the wild night and got scared $#!t-less.
Photography for me can be relaxing, exhilarating, and is always therapeutic. This encounter took it to a whole new level, but I am grateful for the experience.
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Nestled in the heart of Utah’s rugged desert, Goblin Valley State Park is a hidden gem for photographers seeking surreal landscapes, dramatic lighting, and an unforgettable connection with nature. This unique destination, known for its whimsical hoodoo rock formations, offers an otherworldly experience, especially during the quiet hours before sunrise and just after sunset. Whether you are a seasoned fine art photographer or an adventurer with a camera, Goblin Valley provides endless inspiration and opportunities to capture breathtaking images that speak to the soul.
Just before Sunrise from our 2023 trip
The Magic of Goblin Valley’s Hoodoo Rock Formations
The defining feature of Goblin Valley is its incredible concentration of hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that have been sculpted over millions of years by erosion. These formations, resembling goblins, mushrooms, or even fantastical creatures, create a landscape that feels like stepping onto another planet. Photographers visiting the park will find an endless array of compositions, from sweeping vistas showcasing clusters of hoodoos to intimate close-ups highlighting the intricate textures and shadows formed by the elements.
Unlike the more famous hoodoo formations of Bryce Canyon, the goblins of Goblin Valley are much smaller and densely packed, creating a labyrinthine environment where light and shadow interact in mesmerizing ways. The best times to photograph these unique formations are during the golden hours, as the low sun casts long, dramatic shadows that enhance their eerie appearance.
The Otherworldly Atmosphere Before Sunrise and After Sunset
One of the most enchanting aspects of Goblin Valley is how quiet and surreal it feels in the moments before sunrise and just after sunset. As the first light of dawn begins to illuminate the valley, the landscape takes on an ethereal glow, shifting from deep purples and blues to fiery oranges and pinks. This transition provides a perfect opportunity to capture striking fine art images that evoke a sense of mystery and wonder.
A fairly frequent alignment of Venus and Jupiter about 30 minutes before dawn
After sunset, the fading light creates an equally magical experience. The hoodoos become silhouettes against the soft pastel hues of the twilight sky, offering opportunities for stunning long-exposure shots. With minimal light pollution, Goblin Valley is also an exceptional location for night photography. The Milky Way often stretches across the sky, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop for the alien-like rock formations below.
Walking Through the Valley of the Goblins: A Photographer’s Retreat
Exploring Goblin Valley with a camera in hand is a meditative experience. Unlike some popular photography destinations that require hiking to reach the best compositions, this park allows you to simply wander among the goblins at your own pace. There are no defined trails within the main valley, which means photographers can freely explore and discover unique perspectives without the constraints of a marked path.
Don’t forget the details when you explore any area. The torent of water that left this mud behind tells its own story.
The act of searching for the perfect composition becomes a fulfilling process in itself. With every turn, new formations reveal themselves, bathed in ever-changing light. Whether capturing the intricate details of weathered sandstone, the interplay of shadows, or the vastness of the valley stretching toward the horizon, every moment spent in Goblin Valley feels rewarding.
Tips for Capturing Stunning Fine Art Photography in Goblin Valley
If you’re planning a photography trip to Goblin Valley, here are some tips to ensure you make the most of your time:
1. Visit During the Best Lighting Conditions
Sunrise and sunset provide the most dynamic light, enhancing the textures and depth of the hoodoos.
Blue hour and twilight create a dreamlike quality that is perfect for artistic compositions.
If shooting midday, take advantage of deep shadows and high contrast to create dramatic black-and-white images.
Allow at least 90 minutes before sunset to hike down into the valley and find your copmpositions. As many times as I have been here, I still end up scrambling just as the light kicks off.
2. Use a Wide-Angle and Telephoto Lens
A wide-angle lens helps capture the vastness of the valley and the density of formations.
A telephoto lens allows for isolating unique shapes and compressing elements for a more intimate perspective.
3. Experiment with Long Exposure Photography
During twilight or at night, use long exposures to capture star trails or smooth out any movement in the clouds for a mystical effect.
A sturdy tripod is essential for these types of shots.
4. Incorporate Human Elements for Scale
The goblins can appear deceptively small or large depending on perspective. Adding a person into the frame can provide a sense of scale and make compositions more engaging.
(Actual full size people)
5. Respect the Fragile Landscape
Goblin Valley’s formations are delicate, and stepping on them can cause irreversible damage. Always stay on stable ground and avoid climbing on the hoodoos.
Turning Your Goblin Valley Photography into Fine Art
Goblin Valley’s landscapes make for stunning fine art prints that appeal to nature lovers, collectors, and interior designers alike. The striking textures, earthy tones, and dreamlike qualities of this park translate beautifully to large-format prints that can enhance any space. Whether printed on high-quality canvas, metal, or archival paper, these images serve as timeless reminders of the wonder that nature creates.
For photographers looking to sell their Goblin Valley fine art prints, optimizing your website and online galleries for SEO is crucial. Using keywords such as Goblin Valley fine art photography, Utah landscape photography, hoodoo rock formations, desert photography prints, and unique wall art can help attract collectors searching for breathtaking images of this incredible location.
Conclusion: Why Goblin Valley Should Be on Every Photographer’s List
Goblin Valley State Park is a truly special destination for photographers who appreciate surreal landscapes and immersive experiences. Whether capturing the warm hues of dawn, the intricate textures of the hoodoos, or the brilliance of the Milky Way above, every moment spent in this valley is an opportunity to create art that resonates.
For those who have yet to experience Goblin Valley’s magic, there’s no better time to plan a photography trip. And for those who have already walked among the goblins, there’s always another angle, another light, and another story to tell through the lens.
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