In praise of the NPS at Petrified Forest

[Kirk Gittings]

Thanks. When I'm shooting I don't think about such-there is a point at which it all just feels right somehow. In this case I had been chasing such squalls for days up on Blue Mesa. I had my location figured out the first day and kept driving up there every afternoon as the thunderstorms rolled in-set up and waited every afternoon over the next 9 days. This time (maybe on the 6th day of waiting) I was watching the squall move from right to left and made a couple of negs when it was in the middle but I knew they were ok but not one of those that send a chill up my spine. When it moved to the left edge and the sun hit the water shaft I knew this was it- I made a neg then quickly checked all settings and focus and made a couple more negs.

[Robert Langham]

Begging Ravens. Distance. Fossils. Petroglyphs. Have fun.

[dsphotog]

Great image (as always) Kirk,
That kind of experience is what it's all about!
Enjoy!

[Kirk Gittings]

Thank you.

[David_Senesac]

Superb images Kirk, envy such fine skies. Good to read those folks are so gracious to one of we serious photographers. PFNP is one of my favorite places in the West. Rather mind boggling amount of landscapes few if any photographers have ever carried tripods out to much like some of our other desert parks where 99% of visitors never venture more than short distances from roads or trails. Hiking out into waterless areas scares even rather experienced outdoor hikers. Incredible amount of p wood about. And it isn't just for you B&W shooters as there are considerable areas of unique color, especially purples and other pastels.

http://www.davidsenesac.com/Gallery_B/13-A-17.jpg

Am wondering if they are going to take you into those miles of new park land areas to the east that have been off limit to any travel? Supposed to be some rather impressive sights there. Will be making the very long drive back during an uncommon spring after above normal winter rains when landscapes green up. Best of luck.

[Kirk Gittings]

Thanks for the kind words. I also shot color for a magazine article I will try and sell. Beyond commercial I have very little interest in color.

Yes I spent all day Friday with an archeologist ranger and a paleontologist ranger exploring the new lands to the East of the old park,
Fascinating, unbelievable stuff there.-a real treat, but the time of day was not good for serious landscape photography. I did do some PR photography for them about the trip. There is a ton of great stuff to photograph in the old park that I have not got what I wanted yet. I am working a shot list for two on going projects. At my age I need to stay focused and not wanderer around shooting willy nilly. I sincerely want these projects to be finished properly as I think they will largely define my legacy. I will try and talk myself into the new areas again some time in the future.

Here is a description about the amazing archeology in the new area to the East referring to the NPS archeologist who I traveled with:http://westerndigs.org/twin-1300-yea...na-sand-dunes/

[Kirk Gittings]

These three images from the residency are currently being exhibited at the Albuquerque Museum:

[Peter De Smidt]

First rate work, Kirk!

[Jim Noel]

It is comforting to read praise for the employees of the NPS. We see too much griping by disgruntled people who most likely deserve the treatment they receive. I have spent 2-4 weeks in Death Valley each winter for 25 years with my LF cameras and have never had anything but wonderful treatment from the rangers there.
Your images from this trip are outstanding. Thanks for sharing them.

[Kirk Gittings]

Thanks guys!