One of the unique qualities that I have always loved about the Draper Temple is its setting. It rises up out of a hidden hollow on the side of the mountain. Yet, in this secluded state, it overlooks the valley below as if to be a guardian watching over the saints. I love driving the interstate at night and looking up at the beautiful structure all lit up, standing as a beacon to the Southeast Salt Lake Valley.
It was the Saturday following Thanksgiving and I was looking forward to spending the late afternoon and evening photographing the Draper Utah Temple. As one ascends up the mountain from the West, there is a beautiful backdrop of mountains coming from all directions.
The Wasatch range runs North and South and then just behind the Temple is Corner Canyon. This is where a large mountainous ridge juts out running to the west, what locals affectionately call “The Point of the Mountain”. The real eye catcher was the snowcapped Box Elder peak rising up behind the Point of the Mountain from about 10 miles East.
The closer one gets to the Temple, the more apparent it becomes that it is truly snuggled in a small valley surrounded by Mountains. The fall leaves were pretty much on their last stand, with just the stubborn ones hanging on as if they were attempting to outlast the snowfall. I experimented with compositions as I progressed up the mountain. The view was calm and peaceful, much like the feeling of taking that last breath before the weather turns cold and white.
Confident that I had captured what I needed from a long distance perspective, I made my way into the temple parking lot. The sun was just beginning to set, and while not the most incredible sunset, I knew the potential going into the blue hour. Like many Utah temples, the Draper Temple has the setting for a magnificent west ward looking fine art display.
I quickly discovered that there was no one perfect composition, but rather many possibilities to choose from. The sunset was patient and allowed me time to enjoy each one. As the sun went down, So did the temperature, I was glad I had dressed warm. Although we had no snow in the valley yet, this Thanksgiving season was a cold one.
As patrons would exit and enter the magnificent doors of the temple, I wondered if they had captured the same view as I had. As much as I could see and feel God’s hand in the beautiful canvas being painted behind the temple. I knew these faithful Saints were having their own faith promoting experiences inside the walls of the Temple.
