The Wave
Located in the North Coyote Buttes Wilderness area on the Utah-Arizona border, The Wave is an incredible sandstone formation of shapes, colors, and textures. Ac...
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Located in the North Coyote Buttes Wilderness area on the Utah-Arizona border, The Wave is an incredible sandstone formation of shapes, colors, and textures. Access is by permit only, with just 20 permits given out per day, then it is a 3 mile hike over slickrock, through deep sand, and intense sun and heat. No matter how many images you have seen of The Wave, nothing compares to being there in person to experience this unique sculpture.
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Jun, 2014Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This image is of "The Wave", a unique sandstone formation located in the North Coyote Buttes Wilderness Area near the Utah/Arizona border. Only twenty permits per day are given for entry; ten online months in advance, and ten from a lottery each day in Kanab, Utah. If you are lucky enough to get a permit, the hike out to the area involves basic route finding as there is no trail. Deep sand, steep slick rock, cactus, and intense heat with no shade or water makes this "not just a walk in the park". The hike out to The Wave is about three miles; the scenery is just as spectacular on the way as it is once you get there.Time
Spring and fall are the best times of the year to get out to the site; the summer is unbearably hot. Winter can produce some wonderful stormy skies and possibly snow. This image was captured in October around noon. Too early in the morning there will be deep shadows.Lighting
The desert sun is extremely bright and harsh out here; sometimes a little cloud cover will help keep the highlights in check. A neutral density filter might come in handy. A polarizer is a must to get a deep blue sky with hopefully some clouds against the striking reds, yellows, oranges, and pinks of the formation. Although camping overnight at The Wave is prohibited, I would think that being out there at night for a full moon shot, or a new moon night would result in some spectacular starry night images.Equipment
This was shot with a Nikon D800, Nikon 16-35mm f4 lens with a polarizing filter. Mounted on a Feisol tripod and shot with a wireless shutter release in live-view.Inspiration
The Wave is one of those iconic shots that I always wanted to capture; interestingly, it is better known in Europe than here in the US. The Wave and the surrounding area abound with color, shape, lines, and textures. The light is magical at times, and just a small change in position gives a complete different perspective.Editing
Some processing in LR4 was done; contrast, highlights, cropping, etc. Some clarity and vibrance enhancements.In my camera bag
I usually have my D800 with the 24-120mm f4 attached, along with my 16-35 f4. I also always have a SONY NEX6 with Sony/Zeiss 16-70 f4. A tripod, neutral density filter and a soft edge neutral grad filter. Extra batteries, CF and SD cards.Feedback
If you are lucky enough to get a permit, be at the trailhead at daybreak. Better yet, even earlier as the sunrises in the desert can be phenomenal. Don't try to hike out to the site in the dark; it is easy enough to get lost even during the day. I would like to get out there sometime after a good rain storm; many of the gullies fill with water creating the perfect reflection shot. However, trying to line up a rainstorm in conjunction with the day of your permit could be challenging. Don't even try to sneak out to The Wave without a permit; the back country rangers check for permits there constantly; those without permits WILL be cited/fined...not a cheap ticket!
