My Arizona Sunset

Sunset, Phoenix, Arizona. ⇑

Artists have painted countless sunsets, and many have sold for hundred and even thousands of dollars. However, the original is always free, a gift from our generous Creator. And what a wonderful gift it is! Many of the most enjoyable sunsets I’ve observed have been in Phoenix, Arizona. Papago Park, the setting for this magnificent scene, has been my theater for many dramatic sunsets. Its fishing lagoons reflect the light of the setting sun, and its low terrain allows one to see far into the horizon. This photo was captured at the edge of a fishing lagoon with trees and brush silhouetted by the intense hues of the setting sun. What a moment! This is better for the soul than any movie, and the ‘special effects’ are truly special.

Hole-In-The-Rock, Papago Park, Phoenix, Arizona. ⇑

The second photo here shows the red sandstone Hole-In-The-Rock in Papago Park, during the same evening. The colors of Papago Park’s most famous landmark take on the magenta hues in the sunset. Indeed, the colors of this particular sunset were so magnificent and enduring, I was running all over the park capturing photos of the light!

Sunset, Papago Park, Phoenix, Arizona. ⇑

The photo above is my favorite captured this particular evening. It shows a shoreline of the largest fishing lagoon in Papago Park with silhouetted palm trees in the stunning sunset colors. This photo really does not do justice to the beauty I witnessed that evening. The warm, gentle breeze, the quiet, the scale and spectacle of this sunset is best seen in person. This lagoon has been the subject of many of my sunset photos because of the way it captures and reflects the evening light.

If man invented sunsets, he would make it so expensive that only the wealthy would witness them. I am grateful that this endlessly delightful gift of the Creator is made available to all without cost. It is truly priceless!

Click on photos for larger, more-detailed image.

The camera used to capture these images: Sony Alpha A200 with Sony 18-70mm kit lens. I used a tripod, and Aperture Priority camera setting. I set the aperture to F:8, camera choose shutter speed. I used a polariser on the lens and adjusted to get the richest colors. The Sony Alpha A200 is one of a number of DSLR models I have owned. In photos like these, it is the quality of natural light that determines the final photo more than any other factor. Being in the right setting at the right time is more important than what camera and lens are used!

All photos by Donald Peterson, Newark1 Web Design Portfolio