Chasing Light Through Utah: A Photographer’s Road Trip
Utah feels like another planet—in the best way possible. Whether it’s the towering red cliffs of Zion, the surreal arches of Moab, or the salt-crusted vastness near Bonneville, there’s something about this state that begs to be photographed. I recently spent time traveling through Utah, camera in hand, and it turned out to be one of the most visually rewarding road trips I’ve ever done.
Desert Drama: Sunrise to Sunset
The desert doesn’t mess around when it comes to light. Mornings in Utah are soft and golden, the kind that makes everything feel timeless. I started my trip in Zion National Park, where the first rays of sunlight hit the canyon walls like a spotlight. Watching the color shift minute by minute made me glad I woke up at 4:30 AM (even if I wasn’t thrilled about it at the time).
By late afternoon, the light turns harsh—but if you know how to work with shadows, it’s magic. Arches National Park in Moab was a playground of textures. I spent hours crawling around sandstone formations, waiting for the sun to dip low and turn the rocks into fire.
Off the Beaten Path
While the national parks are iconic for a reason, some of the best moments came from the in-between places. There’s this quiet highway stretch between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon where the landscape shifts from high desert to forested cliffs, and I barely saw another soul for miles.
It was here I found some of my favorite shots—lone cottonwoods standing defiant in the wind, forgotten barns tucked into hillsides, and clouds casting giant shadows over the valley below. Utah rewards those who wander a little.
Shooting in Extremes
Utah’s beauty comes with a challenge: extreme conditions. From dust storms near Goblin Valley to freezing mornings in the higher elevations, you’ve got to be prepared for anything. I kept a PolarPro filter on nearly every lens, and my gear saw more red sand than I care to admit.
Drone work was a standout part of the trip—places like Dead Horse Point and Factory Butte look even more dramatic from above. Just keep an eye on the wind, especially in the open desert.
Final Thoughts
Utah feels like a cinematic dream. Every bend in the road reveals a new frame, a new story. It’s the kind of place that pushes you to be a better photographer—where composition isn’t forced, it’s found.
If you’re chasing light, textures, and pure landscape drama, add Utah to your list. Just make sure your batteries are charged and your memory cards are empty—you’re going to fill them fast.