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Western America

Panorama landscape photography of Monument Valley at sunset, capturing the iconic sandstone buttes bathed in warm golden light. The expansive desert vista stretches under a glowing sky, with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple highlighting the dramatic contours of the terrain. This breathtaking panoramic shot showcases the timeless beauty of the American Southwest in the magic hour of twilight.

During a 4,500 km road trip across the USA, I had the chance to visit some of the most iconic national parks in the American West, including Yosemite, Death Valley, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, and Antelope Canyon. This series features my favorite landscape photography moments captured along the way, using my Nikon D810.

Sunrise landscape photography taken near Yosemite National Park, featuring a road with a "Stop" sign in the foreground as the first light of day breaks through the sky. The soft, warm glow of the rising sun bathes the landscape in golden light, highlighting the natural beauty of the surrounding wilderness. The road and stop sign provide a human element, adding a sense of scale and perspective to the vast, tranquil scene, perfectly capturing the serene start of a day in the heart of nature.

The journey started at 4 a.m. with a one-day visit to Yosemite National Park. I wanted to arrive early to catch the best light and avoid the crowds. On the way, a light fog created a magical atmosphere, but once I entered the park, I realized it was caused by a wildfire affecting a large area. Despite this, the morning light and mist gave the landscapes a unique, moody tone.

Vertical photography of Monument Valley at sunset in Arizona, USA, showcasing the towering sandstone formations against a fiery sky. The striking silhouette of the mesas and spires stands in contrast to the rich, warm colors of the setting sun, creating a stunning image that captures the essence of the American Southwest. The vibrant hues of orange, red, and purple reflect the tranquil yet powerful beauty of this iconic desert landscape.
Vertical landscape photography of a dead tree trunk in the Grand Staircase Escalante, captured under heavy storm clouds. The gnarled, weathered tree stands starkly against the dramatic sky, with dark, ominous clouds swirling overhead, adding a sense of foreboding to the scene. The contrast between the lifeless tree and the powerful storm creates a striking, atmospheric image, showcasing the raw, untamed beauty of this remote desert landscape.

After Yosemite, I headed to Death Valley National Park, stopping at Zabriskie Point. I arrived around noon, under harsh light and extreme heat, nearly 45°C. I could only stay outside for about 10 minutes, which limited my compositions, but the views were still stunning. I hope to return one day during a full moon evening.

Landscape photography of the famous Zabriski Point in Death Valley, showcasing the stunning gradient of colors in the desert landscape. The vibrant hues of golden, orange, and purple stretch across the undulating terrain, creating a mesmerizing view of this iconic location. The soft curves of the eroded hills are bathed in warm light, highlighting the natural beauty and geological significance of Zabriski Point. This captivating scene perfectly captures the unique, otherworldly colors of one of Death Valley’s most renowned viewpoints.

A highlight of the trip was Monument Valley, which I was determined to photograph at sunset. I arrived just in time to catch the warm, golden light hitting the mesas. I managed to create a panoramic landscape photo I’m really proud of, with the last rays of sunlight painting the rock formations.

Landscape photography taken in Antelope Canyon, Arizona, by Jennifer Esseiva with her Nikon D810, featuring the stunning orange and purple hues of the canyon's rocks. The vibrant colors of the sandstone formations are beautifully captured, with soft light enhancing the flowing curves and intricate textures. The Nikon D810’s high-resolution quality brings out every detail, showcasing the natural beauty and otherworldly atmosphere of this iconic Arizona slot canyon.

One of the most memorable experiences was visiting Antelope Canyon, Rattlesnake Canyon, and Owl Canyon. Knowing how popular these places are, I booked a private tour to have more time for photography. The soft beams of light shining between the orange and purple rocks created an unforgettable scene. It was a true paradise for any landscape photographer.

Abstract landscape photography of face-shaped rocks in Antelope Canyon, Arizona, revealing the intricate and unique formations carved by nature over centuries. The smooth curves and rich textures of the sandstone create a striking resemblance to a face, highlighting the canyon’s surreal beauty. The play of light and shadow adds depth and drama, accentuating the stunning, otherworldly patterns within this iconic slot canyon.
Vertical shot of Owl Canyon, located near Antelope Canyon in Arizona, showcasing the canyon’s striking orange-hued sandstone rocks. The warm, fiery tones of the rock formations stand out against the soft light filtering through the narrow canyon passage. The vertical composition emphasizes the towering walls and unique textures, capturing the natural beauty and mystique of this lesser-known but equally captivating desert landscape.
Landscape photography taken in Antelope Canyon, Arizona, by Jennifer Esseiva with her Nikon D810, showcasing the striking red and purple hues of the canyon's sandstone rocks. The rich colors, enhanced by the natural light filtering through the canyon's narrow passages, highlight the intricate patterns and smooth curves of the rock formations. Captured with the Nikon D810, the image reveals stunning details and textures, bringing to life the mesmerizing beauty of this iconic desert landscape.
Horizontal landscape photography of Antelope Canyon, Arizona, captured by Jennifer Esseiva with her Nikon D810, featuring the rich red and purple hues of the canyon’s expansive sandstone walls. The soft light filters through the narrow canyon passage, illuminating the smooth, flowing rock formations that create a dramatic visual contrast.
Landscape photography taken in the Antelope Canyon, Arizona, by Jennifer Esseiva with her Nikon D810, showcasing the canyon's mesmerizing curves and vibrant colors. The photograph captures the flowing sandstone formations, bathed in soft natural light, highlighting the intricate details and textures of the iconic slot canyon. The use of the Nikon D810 ensures a sharp, high-resolution image that brings out the stunning depth and beauty of this unique desert landscape.
A stunning landscape photograph taken in Antelope Canyon, Arizona, by Jennifer Esseiva with her Nikon D810, showcasing the vibrant red and purple sandstone formations. The interplay of light and shadow highlights the canyon’s smooth, flowing curves, with the warm hues creating a striking contrast against the deep, rich tones of the rock. The high-resolution detail captured by the Nikon D810 brings every texture to life, revealing the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural wonder.
A landscape photograph of Antelope Canyon, Arizona, taken by Jennifer Esseiva with her Nikon D810, featuring the captivating red and purple tones of the canyon’s sandstone walls. The rich, vibrant colors blend seamlessly as natural light pours through the narrow crevices, emphasizing the fluid shapes and textures of the rock formations. The Nikon D810's sharp detail brings out the dramatic contrasts, perfectly capturing the unique allure of this iconic slot canyon in the heart of the Arizona desert.

The last stops before returning to the city were Bryce Canyon and Grand Staircase-Escalante. The weather kept changing, creating dramatic skies with beautiful cloud formations. Bryce Canyon may be smaller than the Grand Canyon, but it has a unique charm. In Grand Staircase-Escalante, I wasn’t planning to stop — but a twisted dead tree under epic storm clouds was too perfect not to photograph.

Landscape photography of the famous Bryce Canyon, showcasing the scenic path leading from the bottom of the canyon to the top. The image captures the stunning rock formations known as hoodoos, rising dramatically from the canyon floor, with the winding trail offering a sense of scale and adventure. The vibrant orange and red hues of the rocks contrast beautifully with the clear blue sky, creating a breathtaking view of one of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest.
Landscape photography of Bryce Canyon, captured as the sun illuminates certain parts of the canyon while others remain shrouded in shadow due to an approaching storm. The contrasting light and shadow play across the iconic hoodoos, creating a dramatic, ever-changing scene. The warm glow of the sun against the cool, darkening skies adds a sense of tension and beauty to the landscape, showcasing the powerful forces of nature at work in this breathtaking desert canyon.
Sunrise photography at Yosemite National Park, where the first light of day pierces through a layer of fog, creating a mystical and serene atmosphere. The soft, diffused light from the rising sun gently illuminates the towering granite cliffs and lush valley below, while the fog lingers in the lower landscape, adding depth and intrigue to the scene. The ethereal fog and warm golden hues of sunrise combine to showcase the tranquil beauty of Yosemite in its early morning glory.
Minimalist landscape photography of two solitary trees standing in the golden-yellow grass of the Sierra Nevada. The simplicity of the scene, with its vast, open space and clear sky, emphasizes the striking silhouette of the trees against the warm, muted tones of the grassy meadow. The subtle contrast between the trees and the grass creates a peaceful, almost tranquil atmosphere, capturing the essence of nature’s beauty in its most pared-down form.

This series doesn’t include every stop from the trip, but it brings together my favorite moments of Western America, along Route 66 and through some of the most extraordinary national parks I’ve ever explored.

Travel Diary