Landscape Photography from Peaceful San Rafael Valley, Arizona
"Land, then, is not merely soil: it is a foundation of energy flowing through a circuit of soils, plants and animals." - Aldo Leopold, Co-founder, The Wilderness Society
< Nikon D810, 1/125 at f/16
Based in Phoenix, we generally head north for landscape photography excursions in Sedona, Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon. At the suggestion of my adventurous son-in-law, Todd Severson, we recently switched things up with a trip to San Rafael Valley. Situated in Southern Arizona in Eastern Santa Cruz County, this vast valley represents yet another facet of our state’s diverse land and lifestyles.
< Capture My Arizona Photo of the Day, Nikon D810, 1/10 at f/20
Touched by gentle winter winds, tall golden grasses are in constant motion. The valley is flanked by expansive mountain ranges, with the State Natural Area resting on the Arizona-Mexico border: Patagonia Mountains to the north, Canelo Hills to the northeast and Huachuca Mountains to the East. A few large cattle ranches rest quietly in the valley, accessed by well-maintained dirt roads. The valley is also home to countless John Wayne movies and other western films.
< Nikon D810, 0.6s at f/16
As always, our best photo opportunities were found in the early morning and late afternoon "golden hour" light. The Patagonia Mountains are simply majestic in pink pastel pre-dawn light, revealing seemingly infinite layers aglow. Under mid-morning’s full sunlight, we captured a few images of single trees along the shallow waters of the winding Santa Cruz River. Our first evening was a photographer’s dream: richly textured foreground grasses backed by the cross-lit Huachuca Mountains.
< Nikon D810, 1/15 at f/16
My favorite image of the trip is a lone tree reflection on a small pond, captured in the waning light of sundown. Honestly, we were packed and driving out of the valley for late dinner when we drove past this wonderful, placid scene. Our rushed tripod set-up was comical, particularly given the tranquility of the scene. From an outsider's view, our shooting was like a choppy old time movie displayed on fast forward ....
< Nikon D810, 1/125 at f/16
Locals at the Stage Stop Inn in Patagonia advised that the San Rafael Valley is even more scenic during summer monsoon season, when rains bring stormy skies and brilliant wild flowers to green fields. So, we’re planning a return trip to Southern Arizona, hoping to learn more about this natural oasis so far from the city.
Related posts: Northern Arizona Sunflowers on a Windy Hillside; Whirlwind Photography Trek: Arizona and Utah; Snow Laced Sedona; and Grand Canyon Afterglow.
Marcus W. Reinkensmeyer