A barrel cactus in the foreground above the Colorado River, with the Black Bridge and soft evening light on the canyon walls.

Leaving the River Behind

Black Bridge, Grand Canyon, AZ

On my last evening in the canyon, I decided to photograph the Colorado River — this shot almost felt like the place saying goodbye to me. Once the light turned soft, I chose this barrel cactus to be the hero of the frame. To keep everything sharp from the spines at my feet to the bridge in the distance, I focus-stacked several frames together. Everything came together at once: the color in the river, the bridge, the light on the canyon walls, and its reflection in the water.

Nikon Z 7_2 · NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S · 24mm · f/11 · 1/20 · ISO 31

May 30, 2026

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