I had spent weeks planning our photography trip to Zions National Park. It was now early October and the leaves were experiencing the colorful transition of the beautiful autumn season. I was so excited for our first stop, Kolob Canyon. I had planned the perfect composition for sunset light illuminating the west facing walls of the canyon.
Due to our schedule, our departure was delayed until late afternoon and I knew it would be a nail biter trying to get to the planned location in time for the anticipated light. This would not be the first time we were playing the “race against the sun” game but it was the challenge in front of us.
As we approached Cedar City, the sun was already pressing against the west mountains, as if it was ready to turn in for the night. My mind was anxiously calculating the time needed to reach Kolob canyon, but reality quickly set in and I knew we would not make it in time.
The very minute I had this realization, I was struck with a glimpse of something in the distance on the hill. You know how it is when that light bulb turns on in your head and you finally understand something that was so obvious you almost missed it?
I have been wanting to photograph the Cedar City Utah Temple for some time. I have just never been able to coordinate the timing needed to capture the perfect light. Now, as if a gift from heaven, looming ever closer as a light shinning on the hill, was the temple.
It was as if the cool night sky was beckoning me to come and paint its beauty. The timing couldn’t have been planned any better and within minutes we were off the freeway exit and navigating the streets on the west side of town. The road gently curved through some neighborhoods before beginning the climb up the hill.
As we crested the hill it was as if we had just entered heavens gates. There in its magnificent brilliance was one of the most beautiful glowing buildings I have ever witnessed. Behind it, the clouds in the sky danced, showing off bright oranges, reds and yellows.
While I experimented with several compositions, the glow of the blue hour took hold as it seemed to bathe the temple with hues of blue. I was overcome with the display of color and light before me. I wondered if this was representative of the skies to behold where God dwells.
As the shutter clicks continued to capture what seemed to be a vision from heaven, I knew that it was by no mistake that we had ended up on the Temple Hill in Cedar City at sunset.
