The golden sunny color that adorns Mesa Arch is mesmerizing. And the endless distance of the canyons, blue in the predawn darkness, evokes the thought of infinity. Once upon a time they mined uranium and oil. We are already so far from these times, and even further into the history of the planet, that it’s even scary to look at it. The millions of years of the geological history of the American Southwest is one of the most breathtaking pictures in my opinion.
Mesa Arch Photo Hysteria
The assault of those wishing to photograph Mesa Arka or themselves against its background resembles the invasion of the barbarians into the Roman Empire. Americans and European tourists follow their own rules, not noticing the elements that were born on the neighboring continent. Wild tribes appeared as tourists. Wild about the Roman Empire in its own opinion, these tourists disrupt the usual course of life and leave destruction in their wake. They believe that since they have come to take a photo with Mesa Arca in the background at dawn, they will do it no matter what - and this is the invasion of Chinese tourists. Photographers are forced to stay close to the arch in order not to miss the wild tribe to it. Or give up and get out, as one of the photographers did when he saw in horror a crowd of Chinese tourists happily taking selfies as the best light shone on the arch. To be honest, the Chinese tourists did not even notice that they spoiled the footage for someone. When one of them tried to climb the arch itself and was shouted at, he looked at the demanding photographers in bewilderment: “What's the problem? I'm being photographed here as a keepsake! I don't need your perfect shots, I just need to post my photo on social networks to show my relatives. And in a day I will forget about it. " The rules of conduct are unknown to them and they do not need them. So what's more important? Live here and now and think only about your needs, or take a beautiful photograph that can be seen by everyone interested in the beauty of the Earth?
tips for photographers
Mesa Arch is one of the most photographed in the world. She is very popular and the crowds around her are countless. What to do? The first and most important piece of advice is to accept the idea that the arch cannot be yours alone. This is simply not possible. Alas! Therefore, we have collected a few tips for those who want to minimize the loss of nerves and frames: If possible, you can come to shoot Mesa Arca in winter. In winter, there are several times fewer people. In winter, bonuses appear in the form of snow caps on beacons and needles, as well as a beautiful fog in the distance. Besides, the sun rises from the right, at a very favourable angle, and interestingly illuminates the surface of the arch. Of course, you need to come as early as possible to secure the place you need. We need to be there an hour early. For two reasons: to find a seat and to take pictures of the beautiful twilight and lightning. Don't leave immediately after the sun has risen. The arch becomes almost golden about 30-40 minutes after dawn. Also, most of the people will just leave at this time, and very few people will remain near the arch who will not particularly interfere with each other. Mesa Arca is not only good at dawn. If you are a professional landscape photographer, you can try to shoot the arch during the full moon on a starry night, as well as during an approaching thunderstorm with lightning in the background! And of course, do not forget about the beautiful views around!

Alexander Vershinin
professional photographer