The light colored rock formation on the right sits on the face of Golden Gate Mountain, right behind our home in the Tucson Mountains.
Locals call it "the Indian Head." It appears that the photo was taken from a vantage point above the formation, but that's not the case.
I was walking through our neighborhood early in the morning, just before sunrise. The streets are several hundred feet lower in elevation than the rock face.
The formation isn't always visible unless you know where to look. The reason? It's the changing color of the mountain as the sun moves across the sky.
In the photo on the right, the sun had yet to come across the eastern horizon.
The photo below was taken from the same vantage point only five minutes later, as the sun topped the ridge, painting the formation with its early morning glow.
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Mike, You are right about the difference 5 minutes can make... I have been taking pictures for years and it is all about the light...
Your building consultant in Brentwood, TN ~ Michael
Mike,
Why o why aren't we there yet? Maybe it's all the Cardinal fans on the move and jamming up the roads?
Fantastic shots. I'm constantly amazed at the splashes of color that the AZ landscape produces.
Mike, you do live in an ever changing landscape! It's so beautiful in the desert.
Hi Mike:
Great photos. What a beautiful landscape. Good Luck in the Super Bowl!!!
Amazing, sounds like MI, if you don't like the weather wait five minutes and it will change.
Mike,
Isn't it amazing how the sun and even your eyes will play tricks on you and you can miss something in just a matter of minutes?
Thanks for sharing this my friend.
Mike - How wonderful that you can see this from your neighborhood. The high desert is amazing. I am cheering for your Cardinals today. Thanks for sharing this beautiful piece.
Lighting can make such a difference in the photos. Thanks for taking the time to enlighten us.
God's paintbrush at work, it's beautiful Mike!
My buyers and I were at a listing in Gold Canyon. It was before sunset and it was like a movie production- the changing scenery was a sight to behold.
You take such great pictures. I have always enjoyed the stark beauty of the desert and the areas around Arizona and Utah!
Russell,
Thanks. I'm inspired by my surroundings.
Chuck,
And where was your camera?! LOL
Karen,
Isn't that the truth! Thanks for stopping by to comment.
Terry,
You're welcome!
Gwenn,
It's halftime, and the Cards are down by 10, but I believe they will pull it out in the second half.
Don,
You're welcome!
Missy,
Our weather doesn't change as often as yours, but the light does!
Toula,
It's halftime, and we need it! Thanks for commenting.
Linda,
Yes, it is!
Lenn,
It's good to see you. The light here is amazing.
Ron,
Are you blogging on the way to the superbowl? See you on your blog.
Michael,
Right you are. And thanks for being the first to comment.
Mike in Tucson
Mike, that is so cool! I can really see it! What a view you must have!
Mike,
Brenda and I are originally from Michigan, and didn't think any thing could compare. Lake Tahoe came close, but business forced us to Boulder City/Las Vegas.
We found the desert stark and barren at first glance. Then in short order we found that the Nevada and Arizona Desert to be like a kaleidoscope, constantly changing> Michigan and Tahoe had four seasons that changed every few months. The desert changes every four minutes, it's incredibly beautiful you just have to watch.
We also found it teaming with life, once the kids were on their own we spent most of our free time on the lake and never failed to see wild life! There is nothing quite like a comfortable boat, a quite cove and a good book, every time you look up the desert has changed.
I think that's why I like your photos so much.
Bill
Bill,
If you were my only reader, I'd continue to blog. You are so very encouraging!
Patricia,
It's a wonderful place to live; thanks for commenting!
Mike in Tucson
Hi Mike; What a beautiful example of the difference light can make in a scene and in the photo!
Mike-Those pictures are amazing. Thanks for sharing them.
Mike, those photos are quite stunning... is amazing only 5 minutes apart. On a side note, thanks for the referral in Kevin. Also, the Cards played super well ... was a great super bowl.
Christopher & Stephanie,
You're welcome! Thanks for stopping by to comment.
Laura,
You need to come see the real thing!
Eileen,
Thanks for commenting. Come back soon.
Mike in Tucson