“Tree & Boulders at Sunset”

On By Mike U.In Photography
Tree & Boulders at Sunset, Lisbon Valley, SE Utah (c) Mike Utley

Lisbon Valley is a rather nondescript region in southeast Utah about an hour from the farm on which I was raised, not far from Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. There are no bottomless canyons cutting across the landscape here, no fragile arches standing sentinel over the sage and pinyon and juniper. It’s an out-of-the-way, forgotten place used mainly by ranchers for cattle grazing, and desecrated by a sprawling copper mine. However, it’s an area of special note to me and I spent many afternoons and evenings photographing this place before the copper mine brought its ugly open pit, pollution and truck traffic and destroyed its natural beauty.

This image from the late 1990s is what I call an intimate landscape. It focuses not on grand vistas, but rather a smaller, secluded view, one within arm’s reach. I was fascinated by the contrast between the two adjacent boulders in the foreground, how the doughiness of one appears so starkly different from the smooth, lichen-encrusted texture of the other—an almost surreal juxtaposition. The evening light was a glorious salmon hue with a delicate intensity, a softness often found in desert sunsets.

The thing about these unremarkable locales is that very few people, if any, have ever set foot in much of these areas. People flock to Canyonlands and Arches National Parks for good reason, of course—to be mind-blown by the outrageous showmanship of nature’s rugged chisel and brush, and never even notice these lesser-known places where desert life plays out in secret and beauty on a different scale is on hidden display. I left many footprints in the sands of Lisbon Valley over the years, and always considered it one of my favorite areas for intimate landscapes amid the silence of the stones and the pungent aroma of sage, junper and pinyon. It’s been many years since I last visisted this place, and I fear it’s likely unrecognizable now. My memories live on in my photographs, and they will last forever. (Canon gear, Fuji Velvia ISO 50)

67 thoughts on ““Tree & Boulders at Sunset””

    2. They truly are fascinating. There’s no telling how long the two boulders in this photo had been there next to each other. They’re so different from one another, yet they share the same space in harmony. It’s a lesson we humans could benefit from learning. 😊

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    1. Thanks so much, Xenia. The lighting that evening was soft and delicate. I’ve experienced desert sunsets where the light was so hard and intense that the red rocks seemed as though they were on fire, but this particular evening there was a very thin hint of clouds on the western horizon that tempered the light and produced a soft glow. I was delighted by it. I love your description of the light “blushing the rocks.” Perfectly stated! 😊🌞

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  4. Oh my gosh, Mike, so beautiful. That part of the country is spell-binding; I hadn’t realized that there are non-park areas that are every bit as breathtaking. Too bad about the politics. My memories of the bits of Utah I was lucky enough to experience are going to remain just that, memories.

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    1. Many thanks, Jane. Yes, Utah in general–despite the staggering beauty in much of the state–has very regressive politics and values financial gain over protecting nature, especially in that part of the state. I was so disapointed (angry) when they decided to go forward with the copper mine. It just destroyed a very special place, you know? Later, I went there to photograph a rock formation I’d shot many times before, and was again disappointed to see that some climbers had left a couple of ropes dangling from the top of the sandstone formation, thus ruining the scene for any further nature photography. I don’t understand people…

      Anyway, like you, I have memories that are unsullied by mankind’s intrusion and greed. A handful of photos, but they mean a lot to me. 😊

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    1. Thanks, Gary. I was always the type to try to avoid the standard “highway pull-off snapshot” type of photography. I wanted to hike around, explore, find some more unique and hidden things to photograph. They’re more personal that way, you know? I’ve seen enough of your stunning photography to imagine you know what I mean. This may just appear to be a jumble of rocks to some folks, but to me I see colors, textures, lighting, contrast, shapes, lines, juxtaposition and meaning. That’s what always made nature photography fun for me. 😊

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  7. One of those shots where there is a lot “going on”…even while being within a small footprint. Mother Nature obviously did this region a great justice before the injustice of “advancement” came upon it. Great shot, Mike.

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    1. Thanks, Bruce. Yeah, there’s a lot of natural beauty in southeastern Utah…and there’s also a lot of selfishness and apathy regarding the environment. There was literally no need for the copper mine. None at all. But hey, it was money to be made, regardless of the mine’s impact on the surrounding area. The groundwater was being poisoned because of the mine, which was affecting ranchers who ran cattle in the valley. In the end, neither the ranchers nor the corporate suits cared about the environement. They were only focused on what they could take from it. It’s a common theme in this general area, where uranium mines have operated for decades. The farm on which I grew up was less than a mile from a uranium mine, and our front driveway and half-mile road which connected our farm to the nearest asphalt road was actually graveled with uranium tailings, including tiny chunks of yellow-cake uranium. Absolute fact. The level of apathy and negligence was unreal.

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    1. Thanks so much, Joanne. Yes, Lisbon Valley is about as out-of-the-way as you can possibly get. Not many people know about it as anything other than a place they must drive through to get to somewhere else. It had its charms, though, before the copper mine came along. I only knew about it due to accidentally driving through it many years ago while following a gravel road I’d never driven on before. It was special to me, though. 😊

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  10. I think it’s incredible how your pictures have flourished (perhaps in latency development, I don’t know!!!😄😅😂). I’ve tinkered on with some photography apprenticeships mostly on Canon, a few had Nikons. I’ve gotten some FujiFilm Ultra-reusable express tones before that, my partner managed to dig out of a closet in my old bag, flash included!! I haven’t dug into any reason of finding a source of film of film or binder puttyplush for my flash. It felt good all the same, and even more enjoyable seeing these photos you’ve been putting out. You’re incredibly talented and have a keen eye Mike. I haven’t seen the red rocks for some time and it was only passing. With all the wounds of Utah, my own family has. This sight makes me quite happy you’re holding onto all the good stuff this time later. I used to think Oregon waterfalls look like NC waterfalls like the ones I’ve mentioned to you before in Boone on a trip in 2016. Somehow.. they look very Southeast Asian like the waterfalls in my Mom’s home province in the Philippines. I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again; Nature Photography is for Old Souls. It’s nice to have a memory of what the world looked through so much transition and change; these days I have no interest in seeing old photos of me. Maybe others for a quick smile; but these photos make me think of my old travels. I’m in need of one but good ol’ Mike @ Silent Pariah has me covered now I suppose! Haha!! Wonderful, indeed.😊🤙

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    1. Thanks for your kindness, Sam. When I began nature photography in 1995, digital cameras were in their infancy. I remember being totally wowed by a 1MP digital camera that stored its images on a mini-CD! And that thing was crazy expensive. I had a bottom-of-the-line Canon EOS Rebel II and three lenses and a few other items. Self-taught, with the help of some photo books by my late-hero Galen Rowell, as well as John Shaw, two notable nature photographers of that time. I started shooting Kodak Royal Gold 100 negative film while I was in my learning stage, then graduated to Fuji Velvia 50, which was the best transparency film on the market and the choice of all pro nature photographers (it’s still being used by many people even now). Velvia’s grain matches or surpasses that of Kodachrome 25 (essentially grainless in appearance for incredibly sharp images), and its color palette really makes colors pop. It’s a very slow film, however, necessitating long shutter speeds. Plus, I had to pay for the film and processing and scanning, which was prohibitively expensive for someone in my situation back then (i.e. no money). Much later on, in 2010, I got a Canon EOS 50D 15.5MP digital SLR, but never got to use it (I had a back injury as well as other medical, financial and family issues at the time). It’s still in its box, unused. I’d love to get into nature photography again. It’s not likely to happen now with my medical problems and inability to drive.

      Anyway, those years from 1995-2003 were sort of magical becasue I had a creative outlet with my photography. I wasn’t writing during that period (it was during my 20-year hiatus), and I lived and breathed photography. I really miss it. Nature photography was the joy to my poetry’s sorrow. There’s no balance now. I think this is why I’ve resumed posting some of my images. I need the llittle doses of happiness these photographs provide, especially since I’m blocked again as far as writing is concerned.

      I’m hoping you’ll continue with your photography, my friend. It’s a unique kind of creative outlet, different from writing in many ways, but equally satisfying, I think. 😊

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      1. You’re such a shtickler to mention continuing with photography, my friend haha. I too noticed it’s been a moment since I’ve dug up some photography for WordPress. I have been doing some food for my Cooking with Intuition series. I use Snapchat for a quick outlet and to socialize with friends and old coworkers. Instagram stresses me out and feels too permanent (I barely know how to use it bc privacy is more important to me). But I’ll let ya in on a secret, Mike. ALLLLLL my Nature Photography and bouts of Aviation and Streamers is from my house’s backyard predominantly and my front yard. I don’t get to leave the house often. Resources, funds, blah blah. Health is better but grrrlie is still disabled what can ya do. That’s why Snapchat is my fun stuff, WordPress is my explained stuff or pivotal work. Otherwise, idk what I’m doing. I just liked the angle😌

        Otherwise, You have had quite the bounty of cameras + accessories, Mike!! I’ve loved perusing your Nature Photography on your blog and it made me happy to see some new pics turn up. Whether you know it not you’re in “My Friend Inspired Me Recycler Program” and you’ve committed to this whether you know it or not. Especially helping me during “The Block”

        I’ve always been drawn to photography but often “helped” or was working on sets for photography or scouting locations. After the first big ol’ bout of sickness and I went back home. It was as depressive as it could get. I was back to being a little girl after I had traveled the world and I had been shut up in hospital rooms and other rooms and treated more like the geriatrics eating werther’s in the lounge or sala and I was not to play with other kids so I didn’t end up disparaging my faulty-health for awhile. Going too hard at it. I remember being gifted this Little Mermaid camera that was very similar to a Canon ESO later but was almost exactly like an Aristocrat XBEnz. Old school, right??😎 Prop-gated shutter and everything. It was almost like a Polaroid (my dad shared these with me, thank god). I’ve always been obsessed with photography and through generation gaps learned on relatively archaic methods including red-rooms and negative graphing and processing. But this Little Mermaid whoever anyone picked up, would take the photo – then print a sketch in Little Mermaid line work??? More like – PRINTED LINEWORK!!!
        To me, this was advanced material and processing for 3 seconds and I have a sketch. So I went crazy. 500 photos until this camera was a dud. I would take irregular angles and “woooza” shots in urban landscapes and juxtiapose the city life to the bouts of nature I could find when I was living in the Concrete Jungle of San Diego County with wisteria and juniper ivy trailing every brick wall and flowery borderline. These photos were how I got into sketchwork and recreating and restylizing shots I got into hand-drawn art. Lots of charcoal, old calligraphy stubs, dollar store mega-sized chalk bins to dawn the apartment levels until El Nino washed them away.

        I still haven’t quite owned a “professional digital camera” all my digs were printers. Maybe one day I’ll invest professionally. Until then, my phone camera works pretty well. I switch between my Google Pixel 7 Pro 3-quad dual core cameras, Snapchat helps with Instant-Latency effects (they got a Fresh Filter). I just get mixed up and neurotic about the dimensions of the end picture. Either way, it’s a joy. Thanks for the reminder, friend!!!😄😄

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    1. Thanks, Michele. My hope is the copper mine closes (sooner than later) and a reclamation project ensues to restore the land. I doubt it will happen, though. It’s Utah, after all. I have my photos of the place to help me remember what it was like before (several are posted here on my blog), so they will have to suffice for now. 😊

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      1. One of the many benefits and blessings of capturing the scenes and moments – revisiting them and remembering. I have photos of the dry land that is now Tempe Town Lake. 🌊 Historical and cherished memories for me, riding through that area. You’re very welcome, Mike. 🌼

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    1. Thanks so much, my friend. This place is located in the southeastern corner of the state of Utah in the USA. It’s difficult to even find it on a map. It’s just a desert region not far from the little town of Monticello, Utah, and is now known for its copper mine.

      I’m happy you liked the photograph. Here’s wishing you a good week ahead. 😊

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  18. What amazing colors, Mike. You’re right that the well known monuments get all the attention and we often miss the smaller, subtler beauty. Unless, perhaps, one is a photographer and has an eye for it, like you do. I didn’t notice the difference in the textures of the boulders, for example, my eyes focused on the red stack of stone and the dark green tree. Then, you point it out and I get the aha! Thanks for sharing you photos, my friend. 😀

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    1. Thanks so much, Diana. It’s strange–I like the image, of course, but I didn’t expect anyone else to see anything special about it. I’m glad folks found a little beauty in this scene. The lighting was so unusual and adds so much to the image, I think. Happy to know you like this one, my friend. 😊

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  19. What a gorgeous photo, Mike, and wonderful narrative! I love the contrasting reds, greens, and blues, but also the various textures of the rocks. Our son loved both of the parks you mentioned when he visited last year on his 7-month road trip from Maine to CA. But like you said, it’s the places unknown that offer beauty and respite too and are quieter because of less tourism. It’s too bad that not all people desire to protect nature in all its forms. Thanks for sharing, my friend. 🤗

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    1. Thanks, Lauren. A seven-month road trip from ME to CA! Oh, man, that sounds like a lot of fun! When I was in my early 20s, I had a dream to visit Maine. I was a big Stephen King fan and wanted to see in person the areas that appeared in his stories. Never got to follow through on the plan, however. It’s really cool your son was in this area checking out Arches and Canyonlands. You could spend a lifetime visiting those two places and still never fully explore them.

      Thanks for the kind words as always. I’m pleased to know you liked this image. 😊

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      1. We’d love to visit Maine too, Mike, and Stephen King is brilliant, isn’t he? We’d also love to see some of the state parks that our son visited. We shall see. He was fortunate and is the first in our family to do something like that. 🙂 Hope you have a good day, my friend.

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  20. Pingback: “Tree & Boulders at Sunset” – JAMES KEDZE BLOG

  21. You should consider travel writing. This is so well written, taking me into a world that engaged all my senses. And I never knew you loved photography. A deft eye for detail in capturing the glow of the desert sunset and the solitary calmness of the landscape. I am impressed. You should definitely do some travel writing.

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    1. Travel writing would be cool. Gotta be able to travel first, though, and I’m unable to do that right now. Most of the images here on my blog are sort of mini-travelogues describing the locations and experiences invoved in making each image. If things change for me at some point medically and financialy, I still have dreams for my photography. All I can do at this juncture is hope and keep the ol’ fingers crossed.

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      1. I hear you. not good having that independence taken away like that. But your work and your writing are so good, Mikey. Gonna have to think of options to get moreeyes on it.

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    1. Thank you kindly for such a nice comment. Yes, it’s sad that many times “progress” seems to destroy nature. The copper mine was completely unnecessary, but money talks, you know? A sad commentary on humanity in general, I think.

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    1. Thanks a bunch, Cindy. It’s been probably ten years or more since I last visited Lisbon Valley. I’ve seen recent photos of the copper mine online (Lisbon Valley Copper Mine) and it’s an ugly eyesore. I don’t anticipate ever returning (plus, I can’t drive anymore so I would have no way to get there even if I wanted to go). Progress, eh? Who needs it? Give me untouched nature instead. 😊

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  25. Beautifully photographed, dear Mike👍 I love to observe sunsets.. but have never experienced the desert’s sunset🙂 I love what you said in one of your comments, “They’re so different from one another, yet they share the same space in harmony. “💕 This is the reason that I love to see your photographs, you always have some wise thing to offer, my beautiful friend🙂

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    1. Kindest thanks, Saima. Yes, I was struck by the differences between the two boulders, yet loved how they’d been there for who knows how long, sharing that space in peace and harmony. If rocks can do it, why can’t humans?

      If you ever get the opportunity to see a desert sunset (or sunrise), I think you’d be amazed at the stark beauty and still silence. These transitional periods of the day/night cycle are magical as the earth wakes up or falls asleep. The red rocks come to life in the orange light of magic hour and seem to glow. It’s beautiful. Here’s hoping you can experience this sometime. 😊

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