The Grand Canyon is a spectacular place for photos, even when the air isn’t as clear as you’d like. This one was taken in 2004 when I was out on one of my photo vacations. It was a cold December day, and I was headed east that night so I had one last chance to get ‘the shot’. One problem…it was a very hazy evening and visibility was pretty poor. Haze means photos that are not very sharp and detailed. Bummer.

One lesson I’ve learned: be ready. You never know when the light will change and disappointment turns to something special. As the sun went down with a bright golden hue, the haze went from a problem to the star of the show. The golden light hit the haze at a low angle giving the entire valley a golden glow like I’ve never seen before. The lack of detail gives this photo an almost painted look. One of those scences that lasts for a moment and then is gone. Fortunately I have this photo to remember it.