Zion Bonsai Tree

The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, at the east entrance to Zion National Park, is an area that most people only see as they drive to the big-name destinations. However, almost hidden along the highway is this unique and stunning formation, the Bonsai Tree. For those who know, it’s a photographer’s mecca.

Photographing an icon has its challenges! When I arrived at the Bonsai Tree, a dozen other photographers must have been there, camped out at its base, spread out, and shooting the well-known viewpoints. “Oh well,” I thought as I began scouting my own angle on the scene. I was lucky to find the one you see here.

It took me two attempts to get this shot. During the first attempt, all I remember is chaos. There were so many people around that I couldn’t concentrate. And when I got my images loaded into the computer, it showed. The tree wasn’t sharp. The sky was wrong. I liked the angle, but everything else needed work. It was undoubtedly a disappointment.

So, I went out the next evening, and for some fortunate reason, only two other photographers were there. It was a much more peaceful moment. I shot the same angle because I knew I was on to something. Still, when I got my images into the computer, it was only a few clicks to produce the photograph you see here. I know I have something special when a picture comes together with such ease.

Sometimes you fight to get a photograph. Sometimes it just all falls into place. Sometimes, amazingly, it’s a little of both. I have to keep reminding myself: a little bit of persistence can go a long way.